This is a third post on my ‘random thoughts‘ about bringing our children up into this ‘nomad world’ [first one discussed multilingualism and its approach as parents], especially when it comes to the diverse society they [children] are about to face…. any moment from now… the second post presented a discussion on the misperceptions on being a ‘serial expat‘; a nomad, a ‘rolling stone‘…. I’m sure there’ll be more posts to come – thank you all for reading, and for the continuous feedback on this [and other!] topics – the suggestions, comments and shared stories from other parents/travelers/expats have made this ‘blogging experience’ much richer. And I’m very grateful for all that.
The discussion on social diversity is not only part of our family’s daily life, but it also tailors the way we are raising our children, and the way we would like them to understand and perceive their surroundings.
For many children, expat life is an enriching, wonderful experience, but for many others, it is an unbelievably difficult time. Much is gained — language, travel, worldview, diversity – but there are very real losses — extended family, longtime friends, a sense of belonging. Some of the losses are unrecognized and unacknowledged until later in life…
As parents of TCKs, my husband and I try to be sensitive to their particular situation. Each child is different, and reacts to the uprootedness differently. Some are more sensitive, and others relish in it.
One thing we have always tried to be, however, is their anchor. Since their external life is in constant flux, we try to keep our family life constant and stable. We try to have our own habits and traditions, which, as it turns out, are a bit of a blend between the countries we inhabit. Yes, they [our kids] may be exotic to the kids around them, and again, each handles that differently. One thrives on that, another cringes, but it is what it is. We know that they would have a different perspective than we do as their parents…
Perhaps, the best way of handling the identity issue is to adopt the dictum of the late Buckminster Fuller: “I am not a noun, I seem to be a verb…”
Related articles
- Comments and extra thoughts on being a multilingual parent… (3rdculturechildren.com)
- What’s a Third Culture Kid? (iwasanexpatwife.com)
- {Updated} Raising Resilient Children. (3rdculturechildren.com)
- {Guest Post} Exploring Popular Perceptions about the Serial Expat. (3rdculturechildren.com)
- Raising Multilingual Kids Blogging Carnival: Hidden Opportunities (3rdculturechildren.com)
- Raising children in the Foreign Service – a brief talk about diversity. (3rdculturechildren.com)
- {Guest Post} Exploring Popular Perceptions about the Serial Expat. (3rdculturechildren.com)
- Raising Multilingual Kids Blogging Carnival: Hidden Opportunities (3rdculturechildren.com)
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