Joseph: There are far more potentially very big frumkeit pitfalls for American children living in the U.S.
i said so: I know Frum people who were having lots of problems with their kids in the U.S. and made Aliyah. Their kids weren’t thrilled at first, but then, they made friends with very stable kids on the Yishuv and they thrived, by comparison to their former life.
There is an adjustment for everyone and any age, but at the end of the day, the quality of life is so far superior in Israel and has much more meaning. Kids have much more freedom, are far more mature and less materialistic than in Chutz La’Aretz.
My daughter made Aliyah with her husband and four children. The kids speak Hebrew like Israelis and are shocked when they see how their friends from the States are turning out.
Here, most everything around you is Jewish. Even the Egged buses wish you Shabbat Shalom or Chag Someach.
The trick to a successful Aliyah is to prepare yourself as much as possible, go with the flow and don’t have unreasonable expectations. You will make friends and everyone is willing to help you in any way possible. It help to live in a location most suitable for you and your family. Israelis often come across as rude or combative, but they have hearts of gold and best of all (most of the time), we are all family…in a good sense.
Economically, you will probably make less money, unless you are able to keep jobs in the States, but not having to pay exorbitant tuitions and health insurance far more than make up for the difference in income.
Nefesh B’ Nefesh is a phenomenal resource. Make use of them. Also, check out communities and schools. People are very happy to put you up. Spend a Shabbos in a community to really get the feel of it.
We made Aliyah three years ago. I can’t begin to tell you how it has enriched our lives in so many ways. It is our home. This is where Hashem wants us.
Best wishes for a successful Aliyah.