Family - Supporting And Nurturing Our Third Culture Kids
With global migration on the rise, many of us find ourselves raising Third Culture Kids (TCKs). Coined by US sociologist Ruth Hill Useem in the 1950s, the term "third culture kid" refers to children raised in a culture other than that of their parents or country of nationality, spending a significant part of their formative years in a different environment. Some of us are TCKs ourselves, while others are learning about the literature and experiences related to being a TCK. Regardless, we share a desire to support our children on their TCK journey.
The experiences of our TCK children living in cultural contexts different from their parents' culture will be varied, nuanced, exciting, and conflicting. Those growing up in the host or new country may readily embrace their foreign identity, immersing themselves in the local culture and feeling at home. However, when returning to or visiting their parents' home country, they might face an identity crisis, struggling to fit in with their parents' culture.
For those with mixed heritage (children with one migrant and one local parent), there is an added layer of having both blood ties and cultural connections to the local country while also working with their 'foreign' heritage. Their dual or plural heritage and cultural backgrounds play a role in their identity development, dregardless on whether their parents and caregivers acknowledge their experiences and create a space for exploration and celebration or not.
Our TCK children, while developing adaptability and cross-cultural communication skills, will also seek recognition and validation of their cultural and social identities. At times, they may experience feelings of otherness, lack of authenticity, and detachment. Here are some starting points for us as parents to support our children as they navigate their TCK identity:
Support Identity Exploration: Help your TCK kidsunderstand their unique identity by sharing family stories and customs to instill pride in their heritage.
Provide Stability and Support: Offer a stable and nurturing environment to help TCKs navigate frequent moves and transitions.
Cultivate a Sense of Belonging: Create a strong sense of belonging within your family and emphasize the importance of maintaining connections with extended family members and cultural communities.
Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge and validate any challenges or feelings of being in-between that your TCKs may experience. Offer a safe space for them to express their emotions.
Embrace The New Together: Explore and adapt to new cultures as a family, making it a shared experience. Encourage open communication and support for a sense of togetherness in embracing the new.
As parents and caregivers of Third Culture Kids (TCKs), we play an important role in supporting them to navigate and embrace their TCK identity, work through cultural complexities, and face challenges with resilience. By creating a supportive environment and fostering fluidity, we can give them the gift of solid roots while embracing the world with curiosity and understanding. This journey of raising TCKs is a continuous process of growth and learning, and as parents and caregivers, we have a hand in nurturing self-assured, adaptable, and culturally aware individuals with a strong sense of self.
How are you navigating parenting your of TCK children? We would love to hear your insights and experiences. Share them with us at hello@afroswissfamilies.com.
