This article was written in collaboration with Aetna International.
Being a Third Culture Kid can have many advantages, but Third Culture kids can also face challenges as they find their place in between two or more cultures.
Third Culture Kids are kids who are raised in a culture other than their parents’. So what are the advantages and the struggles of being a Third Culture Kid?
If you’ve ever read my blog before you know that I am raising my kids away from their home country, their culture and their extended family. It’s been 10 years since we moved from Guatemala to the United States and I started this blog as a way to share with other parents the importance of keeping our language and culture alive in order to raise kids who have a strong sense of identity and who can take advantage of all of the benefits of being bilingual and multicultural. I have talked a lot about the benefits of bilingualism, but I have not addressed the benefits and challenges that may arise from being a Third Culture Kid.
I recently read this study about Third Culture Kids by Aetna International and wanted to share with you some of the findings. I found the study so valuable as I was able to get an insight on how adults from different nationalities who were raised as Third Culture Kids respond to different questions about how they think being a Third Culture Kid has helped to shape them into who they are today.
Possible Advantages of Being a Third Culture Kid
There have been many studies touting the advantages of growing up as an expat and being a Third Culture Kid. However, not all children raised away from their home country and culture experience these advantages. There are many other variables that may come into play including the child’s environment, the circumstances under which that child moved to another country and how much exposure he or she is getting to the culture of the country they moved to and their country of origin. I wanted to make sure I made this disclosure before listing some of the most recognized possible advantages of being a Third Culture Kid. My kids display many of these characteristics and although I believe being TCKs has been beneficial I also believe that being very intentional about wanting to raise world citizens and exposing them through other cultures through travel, books, TV, music, etc. has also contributed.
- Being open-minded. Third Culture Kids often describe themselves as being worldlier, more open-minded and empathic.
- Being independent. Growing up in a different culture than your own can encourage kids to become more independent.
- Ability to communicate across cultures. Many Third Culture Kids are bilingual or multilingual, but regardless of how many languages a Third Culture Kid speaks they have also experienced having to communicate with kids from other countries and cultures which often gives them the confidence to feel more at ease in cultures other than their own.
- Adaptability and ease to manage change.
How Parents Can Support Third Culture Kids
I was born and raised in Guatemala and did not experience living outside of my culture until I became an adult and made that choice myself. I did not have to experience what it is to grow up in a culture different than that of your parents like my kids do. Although I know that there are many benefits to being exposed to different cultures, languages, and experiences this can also be challenging for kids. The Third Culture Kids study from Aetna International gave me the rare opportunity to read about the experiences of many different adults who grew up as Third Culture Kids and how their experiences differed, and it has really helped me to get a better idea of what my kids are going through as they grow up away from their Guatemalan culture. Along with the advantages of being exposed to different languages, cultures, and experiences, there are also challenges and difficulties that Third Culture Kids may have to face. In many cases, because their parent’s childhood experiences were so different, parents may have a difficult time relating and pinpointing where their kids may need support. Here are some ways in which you can support your kids as they grow up in a culture that is not their own.
Keep you culture and language alive so your kids can feel connected to their roots
As a parent raised in Guatemala, I understand the importance of helping our children feel connected to and part of their cultural heritage, even when living far from home. While I never experienced the challenges of growing up in a different culture like my kids do, I recognize the value in ensuring they maintain a strong connection to their roots and too extended family. While exposure too diverse cultures can be enriching, it also comes with unique challenges for our children. It’s so important for parents like give third culture kids the support and guidance they need to navigate these complexities.
To support our children in embracing their heritage, there are various practical steps we can take at home. Incorporating elements of our culture into our daily routines, such as sharing stories, preparing traditional dishes, and celebrating festivals, helps reinforce their connection to their roots. Additionally, dedicating time to teach them our native language is essential. We can make language learning enjoyable by integrating it into activities like storytelling and games. Here are some great ideas on how to use playtime to reinforce Spanish language at home.
In today’s digital age, we’re fortunate to have access to numerous online resources, including language learning apps and virtual tutoring services. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for Spanish classes, English reading courses or French tutors enrolling our children in online language courses tailored to their needs can further enhance their language skills and ensure they can communicate effectively with extended family members. By nurturing their cultural identity and language proficiency, and keeping our little language learners motivated we empower our children to embrace their heritage with pride and confidence. You can check out this article I wrote about what to look for when looking for language learning programs for kids online.
Help your kids make connections by helping them find groups of peers with shared interests.
Many of the respondents on the study talk about feeling different, feeling like a cultural outsider and, sometimes even being bullied. It’s important to be aware that being different in any way can sometimes make it hard for kids to connect with their peers. The respondents of the study also shared that it was often easier for them to connect with other kids who were also different and that might have had similar experiences of growing up away from their culture. I have also seen this with my daughter, who quickly gravitates to kids and teachers at school who come from Latin American countries and know Spanish. She feels like she has something in common and it makes it easier for her to find things to share and talk about. Since making friends may be harder for Third Culture Kids helping them find groups of peers that have shared interests and passions can make it easier for them to feel like they belong and fit in.
Help your kids strengthen their sense of identity by keeping cultural and family connections alive.
The study seems to support what I have heard from many adults who immigrated to another country as kids: a struggle with finding their identity. Many of them express not really feeling like they fit in their new country yet not feeling like they fit in their mother culture because they don’t know the language or don’t know much about the culture itself. Keeping your home language alive and maintaining cultural connections with your culture helps kids develop a sense of belonging and identity.
Instill pride in their heritage
As a parent who grew up in Guatemala, it’s vital to instill a sense of pride in our children about their heritage. One way we do this at home is bycelebrating Latinos who have helped shape America. Through books, documentaries, and discussions, we highlight the contributions of Latino leaders, artists, and activists who have made significant impacts in various fields. By showcasing their achievements, we inspire our children to recognize the rich cultural legacy they are a part of and the potential they hold to contribute positively to society.
Another important aspect of fostering pride in our heritage is highlighting Latinos’ important role in US history. We engage our children in learning about key historical events and figures, such as Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, and Sonia Sotomayor, who have paved the way for progress and equality. Through these stories, we emphasize the resilience, courage, and perseverance of Latino individuals in the face of adversity. By understanding their place in history, our children develop a deeper appreciation for their cultural heritage and are motivated to honor the legacy of those who came before them.
Be aware that being a Third Culture Kid can be challenging.
The study makes emphasis on the fact that Third Culture Kids are all unique and their experiences are unique, which means that growing up away from their home culture can impact them in different ways. It’s important to encourage your kids to share with you how they are feeling and what they may be struggling with. One of the things I found most valuable about Aetna International’s Third Culture Kids study was that it provided me with insights on how growing up as a Third Culture Kid is really like as respondents shared about their different experiences and struggles. Now I know what to look out for and what my kids could be struggling with and I can find ways to support them and make living between two cultures an enriching and positive experience.
Be sure to check out the entire Third Culture Kids study to learn more about the common misconceptions and the shared experiences of those who have grown up as part of multiple cultures around the world.
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
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I hate to say this. But it is different raising “third culture kids” in America, compared to anywhere else in the world. And I’m saying this AS an American, that spent a lot of time mentoring kids in other countries… Americans do not and will never have the same idea of “expats” as other counties do. To us, you are just immigrants. Sorry. But that’s what the majority of us feel. Once I started living abroad in Africa, I started realizing, in other areas this isn’t the case – in other areas people care more about other cultures. I worked with children in Africa that were 10 years old and spoke 4-5 languages, even if they were from European countries. Americans don’t give a shit. Other countries do to a certain extent, but Americans are more enthocentric than most other western countries… and I’m saying that as a woman that was born and raised in America.