This past International Day at the kids school made me remember a post I wrote some time back, about raising our children with a sense of different cultures… honoring and loving their unique background…
When you’ve got more than one place in your heart …you’re expected to love, honor and respect them both [or the 3, 4… of them!]
Living in-between cultures, besides being an exciting experience, could be pretty challenging, as well.
Raising children from hybrid cultures offers countless possibilities to keep traditions alive, maintaing memories and links to the home country always fresh. It takes a great deal of effort. But it’s worth the trouble.
Witnessing your kids cherishing different traditions, honoring and respecting your and your spouse’s home countries, is worth any extra work. It’ll pay forward, we hope! ♥
They are learning to love and respect their mixed culture. They’re beginning to understand historical events, their causes and consequences. They’re learning that any country is not just about land, but also, its people, their beliefs and their sense of social respect. Hybrid cultures are a rich experience. Hopefully, our three TCKs will grow up comprehending that the world they live in is much bigger than geography may present itself. And a country’s boundaries go as far as its people. We bring our culture with ourselves. Our traditions, our honor, our respect to others. Wherever we are. Wherever we move to. It’s good to know that some of us ‘serial expats’ bring more than one country in our hearts!
Related articles
- Identity, Traditions & Folklore in Bolivia: Saya Ceremony honoring Pachamama and blessing a new home. (3rdculturechildren.com)
- Stranded in my own culture (swissexpatcoach.wordpress.com)
- In Honor of International Education Week: A Global Blogger’s Needs Assessment (humantriumphant.wordpress.com)
3rdculturechildren 
The world needs all the love and inspiration it can get. This post shines with joy and hope.
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I’m really glad it’s doing its job… My family is by far, the most important thing for me… I feel like we’re always trying to make sure everyone is love, cared for, and respected… Hopefully, we’re doing the right thing… Thanks for stopping by…
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Those kids are growing up so fast…just from this Summer! Thank you all for my beautiful Birthday wishes in October. Meant so much. How about our newest little Jackson? So happy for all.
Kisses and hugs to all.
Janet & Ed
janeteckman@verizon.net
Tel: 410.987.9045
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Janet, you’re so sweet! And talking about kids, our baby is also growing, and she’ll turn 2 tomorrow… time does fly! Take good care of yourself and Ed. Greetings from Los Mirandas! 😮
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Your children are receiving the best possible education in the world; the interaction with children of other cultures teaches tolerance and appreciation for others, priceless!
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Thank you for your words of support, Marcia! I guess, from time to time, it’s good to have others evaluate the road we’re taking [regarding raising our family], and offer un-bias feedback… It’s good to know there are others out there with the same line of thought… Glad you enjoyed the post, as well… Your [and others!] appreciation is the main reason I keep blogging/sharing/discussing our life experiences & challenges! Thank you! 😮
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awesome picks ma’am 🙂
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Thanks! Glad you enjoyed them… it’s easy to see the happiness reflected on the children’s faces…
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definitely 🙂 one of the many reasons I find some peace on your blog…kids! 🙂 serenity, happiness and zero agendas 🙂
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Hey! That’s why I write/blog/share my thoughts… No agenda.. not trying to sell anything… not pushing anybody towards a certain direction… No platform… It’s about our life, our family, and our experiences… that’s enough said! 😮
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I know that 🙂 huge hug
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