Why Expatriating with Kids Is Not Just About Finding a Good School

Are you working for an international, military, missionary or diplomatic organization? Or maybe you are simply a citizen of the world traveling from one country to another year after year?

Then chances are you have or will have third culture kids (TCKs). According to sociologist David Pollock, “a third culture kid is a person who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside their parents’ culture. The TCK builds relationships to all of the cultures, while not having full ownership of any.”

The idea of having your child growing up as a TCK may first be pretty appealing to you. After all, not everyone can be proud of developing specific cross-cultural skills in addition to observational, social or linguistic ones. TCKs are 4 times more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree, they are more mature, more welcoming… We can keep on listing benefits for hours. But too often we forget that challenges are huge too. 90% of TCKs don’t feel in sync with their peers. They don’t understand the average American as well as other peoples. And last but not least, risks of depression and suicide thoughts and attempts are higher for TCKs.

In fact it’s just recently that organizations started to take into account the challenges of returning home for these kids. Parents can now find help to build strong foundations for their kids, to deal with transitions, meet educational needs, and manage re-entry to the country.

A first step could be to read “According to my passport I’m coming home“, a guide from the US Family Liaison Office, or to visit the resourceful website of TCKID, an unincorporated non-profit organization and active community for TCKs, Adult Third Culture Kids (ATCKs), and Cross Cultural individuals. With this you can be aware of what challenges you and your kids will have to face and be positive about your kids future. After all, one of the world most famous adult TCK happens to be the US president!