Family Revisits NYC Roots After Decade Away

A mother takes her children back to the city where they were born to reconnect with their early memories.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:08pm

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Ten years after leaving New York City, a mother returns to the city with her two children to revisit the places and experiences from their early lives there. Though the kids don't remember much from their time as young children in NYC, the mother is eager to retrace their roots and share the stories of their beginnings in the city.

Why it matters

For many families, the place where children are born and spend their earliest years can hold deep personal significance, even if those early memories fade over time. This story explores how a parent can work to preserve that connection to a child's origins and help them rediscover their roots, especially when a family has relocated to a new city.

The details

The author, Isobella Jade, moved her family from Manhattan's Upper East Side to Houston, Texas when her daughter was a toddler and her son was starting pre-K. A decade later, Jade was able to take her kids back to New York City, the place of their birth, with the help of financial support from her mother. During their trip, Jade took her children to familiar spots from their early lives, like Madison Square Park where they would get Shake Shack, and the apartment building where the family used to live. Jade shared stories with her kids about their time as young city dwellers, hoping to leave a lasting impression and connection to the city.

  • The family moved from New York City to Houston in the spring of 2016.
  • The trip back to New York City took place 10 years after the family's relocation, in 2026.

The players

Isobella Jade

The author, a mother who moved her family from New York City to Houston 10 years ago and is now taking her children back to revisit their roots in the city.

Jade's Daughter

One of Jade's children, who was a toddler when the family left New York City.

Jade's Son

One of Jade's children, who was starting pre-K when the family left New York City.

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What they’re saying

“I want to live here so bad,”

— Jade's Daughter

What’s next

The family plans to continue exploring ways to maintain a connection to New York City, even though they now live in Houston. Jade hopes the trip will leave a lasting impression on her children and help them feel rooted in the place of their birth.

The takeaway

This story highlights the enduring significance of a child's birthplace and early years, even as families relocate. By revisiting those roots, parents can help their children develop a deeper sense of identity and belonging, even if their early memories have faded over time.