I'm an American raising my kids in Norway. Full-time childcare costs $420 for two kids, and I get a $350 a month stipend.

Monica Virga Alborno lives in Norway with her two kids.

Courtesy of Monica Virga Alborno

• Monica Virga Alborno has two kids, ages 2 and 4.
• She moved to Norway for work and fell in love with the country.
• She says support for parents is well worth her higher taxes.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Monica Virga Alborno, founder of Wanderwild Family Retreats. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I'm an engineer who has always been interested in living abroad.