I’m reading through a book right now called Raising up a Generation of Healthy Third Culture Kids: A Practical Guide to Preventive Care by Lauren Wells. It’s an interesting book, and if you have a chance to read it, I would highly recommend it.  One of the chapter topics is: Engaging in the Culture.  Lauren Wells is a TCK from Tanzania, so she brings a lot of personal experience to this topic. 

When it comes to engaging in the culture there are some families that feel that they want to make sure their kids stay “American” even though they are growing up in another country.  She had some good thoughts on this viewpoint.  First, you cannot prevent your kids from becoming Third Culture Kids.  Just by virtue of the fact that you are going to be living in another country and culture, this is going to have an impact on them.  Also, trying to keep them from entering into their new culture is an unhealthy thing.  She does acknowledge the importance of families wanting their kids to understand their American roots and celebrate holidays, keeping up with the news, etc. but Third Culture Kids are blessed because they will have a unique perspective on the world, and for their ability to adapt to new cultures. 

She emphasizes that your children are watching you and your attitude as you enter into a new culture.  According to expert Julien Bourrelle, there are three ways an individual can react when moving into a new culture.  They can confront, complain, or conform.  Are you feeling combative about your new country, and that their way is wrong and your way is right, or are you finding fault with some of the annoyances that you are encountering?  Conforming means to adapt to your new culture with the attitude of a learner.   Your attitude will also determine how your kids respond to the new place you are living. 

I like the five practical ways Lauren gives on how you can integrate into your new culture as a family.  She encourages you to observe strategically, using all the senses.  Keep a journal to record the observations as this can be a fun way to remember what you are learning.  Ask questions of the people who live there, maybe something like, “What do you like best about your country?”  Making national family friends and going to local hangouts are things that can help your whole family in adapting to your new home.  This chapter also deals with language learning and education, subjects which I have covered in previous blogs.  If you have children, I would highly recommend this book as every chapter is packed with good information, as well as practical ideas and questions you can use in applying the information to help your kids thrive and be successful TCKs, no matter their age!

You can check out Lauren’s website for more information on TCKs and see the many resources they have available for missionary families.  Go to www.TCKtraining.com.

*If you found this blog to be helpful, please send me an email or FB message and let me know!  pkonnerup@bbfimisions.com 

*If you are stateside in June 2022, please plan to attend the Missionary Reunion this year.  It is available at a greatly reduced cost, and we would love to see you and your family!