by Transition is part of life. People move. Children come into the family. Special people and pets die. For those living overseas this rhythm of transition brings an odd normalcy, which one could easily sway or tap their foot. In and out. Come and go. Up and down. Arrive depart. Turn around and start […]
10 Alternatives to ‘Where are you from?’
by Where are you from? is part of common questions people use when they first meet each other. Yet, many see it as offensive or even simply too difficult to answer. Cross-cultural children, in particular, struggle with that question. Children who have lived or live a globally-mobile life or have parents from different origins/ethnicity will […]
When Cross-Cultural Kids Are Rejected by Their Own Family
by My cross-cultural children’s English is starting to sound more international these days. Just recently, a close friend visiting laughed after my son enunciated all the words in: The wa-ter is near the comp-u-ter instead of using the more natural flapped American wader and compuder. The friend’s giggle was spontaneous and light-hearted. But it keeps […]
Becoming a Third Culture Kid: Letter to My Multicultural Daughter
by Dear Daughter (Read this only when we move from Brazil to the United States!), I’m sure you’re busy unpacking your room and familiarizing yourself with the menu at Starbucks and layout of Target. Good thinking because we’ll be going to both places A LOT! If you could give me a few minutes, there are […]