Search Results for “third culture kids” – Page 3

Mobility is tough on kids: here’s how you can help

These may seem simple things in the face of statistics that feel big and scary. But research tells us these simple things MATTER. We need to be proactive, purposeful, and persistent in providing these protective positive experiences for children in our families and communities. They are the foundation of relationships and memories that will give them a sense of emotional safety and stability to cushion them from the impacts of international life.

Don’t Call Your Kids “World Changers”

It’s tempting. I get it. It sounds motivating and inspirational. I get that too. But I’ve come to believe that the good-intentioned, hopefully inspiring practice of talking about children as “world-changers” is, in most cases, damaging. You can cover it with a spiritual veneer, you can call it “speaking truth over them,” you can call … Continue reading Don’t Call Your Kids “World Changers”

On Welcoming the Third Culture Kid

We are in the midst of summer, but I am already hearing and feeling the groans and pangs of how quickly the summer has gone. Summer flies by, especially when you are in transition. Soon college towns will begin to see old students return and many new ones come in. Among those old and new … Continue reading On Welcoming the Third Culture Kid

When a Third Culture Kid Goes “Home”

by Nicole Baldonado Out of place. Emotionally unstable. Awkward. Overwhelmed. These are all common experiences of third culture kids who “go back home.” In other words, they return, or move for the first time, to live in the country listed on their passport. Regardless of citizenship, a third culture kid’s identity and sense of home … Continue reading When a Third Culture Kid Goes “Home”

Parallel Lives: TCKs, Parents, and the Culture Gap

By Tanya Crossman Something I’ve heard a lot of expat parents say is that their whole family is “in it together” or that they are “called” together. The basic assumption is that all members of the family go abroad and live overseas together – they are bonded by the same experience. When I hear this, … Continue reading Parallel Lives: TCKs, Parents, and the Culture Gap

An Open Letter to Parents of Missionary Kids

By Danica Newton Dear Parents of MKs, Hello. It’s me, an MK. I write this on behalf of other MKs who haven’t found their voices yet, who are still in the midst of constant transition, who haven’t sorted through the confusing and complex joys and sorrows that come with growing up MK. I write this on … Continue reading An Open Letter to Parents of Missionary Kids

10 Questions Missionary Kids Would Love to be Asked

Most MKs are asked hundreds of questions during their families’ home assignments. Ironically, many of us leave our passport countries feeling unknown. In all honesty, we usually don’t answer questions well. Our fumbling answers can create distance. Many times we feel as though these questions are asked politely, without time or desire to listen to … Continue reading 10 Questions Missionary Kids Would Love to be Asked

3 Ways to Care for the Heart of Your Third Culture Kid

Jesus loves Third Culture Kids. He knows their needs and he hears their hearts’ cries. He can tell the difference between normal teen angst and deep emotional pain. He feels their searching and longing for home, and he cares. Jesus knows the right thing to say at the right time, all the time. As parents, … Continue reading 3 Ways to Care for the Heart of Your Third Culture Kid

Does Your TCK Know Their Own Story?

The stories we tell ourselves about ourselves make us who we are. The stories we tell others about ourselves make us known and understood. We must know our own story so we understand the world and how we fit into it. And we must know our story so we can share and connect our … Continue reading Does Your TCK Know Their Own Story?

When Expectations Aren’t Reality: Supporting Your TCKs in the First Years of University

The first couple of years of university are notoriously the most difficult transition for TCKs. But, there is good news! We can be intentional about supporting our university-age TCKs well, especially in those first couple of years.

8 Ways Churches Can Help TCKs Adjust to Life in Their Passport Country

by Melynda Schauer For many high school students, moving away for college can feel exciting as they take their first big step into adulthood. But for some third culture kids (TCKs) or missionary kids who have grown up overseas, moving to their passport country for college may feel more daunting than exciting. Local churches have … Continue reading 8 Ways Churches Can Help TCKs Adjust to Life in Their Passport Country

4 Ways Parents Can Help Young TCKs in Transition

by Hannah Flatman We enjoyed setting up home in Brazil again. We had returned to our host country after a year away, eager to settle back into life at home. Discovering all their old toys felt a bit like Christmas for my children. However, as gently and slowly as we took things, our little ones … Continue reading 4 Ways Parents Can Help Young TCKs in Transition