Do you have an idea how it feels to be a citizen of one country but raised in another? If you are one of the people who were raised in a culture other than their parents' or the culture of their country of nationality, and also live in a different environment during a significant part of their child development years, then you are a Third Culture Kid. Exposure to various cultures is a beneficial yet somehow traumatizing experience for children as they become confused with their “mirrors and anchors”.
In this episode of The New Nomad, Andrew Jernigan and Allen Koski are joined by Ruth Van Reken in talking about the benefits and challenges of the TCK experience. As a citizen of the USA raised for thirteen years in Nigeria, Ruth E. Van Reken is a TCK and openly shares her experience and stand when it comes to cross-culture upbringing. Our three nomads provided tips on how to cope with challenges and explain the repercussions of this rewarding though confusing experience to anyone, children and adults alike. It is definitely an episode not worth missing!
[5:53] Born in one country, raised in another
[9:05] Dealing with repetitive cycles of separation and loss
[17:28] Raising awareness about TCKs
[21:04] First of all, your kid is a kid
[22:21] Of anchors, routes, and mirrors
[27:26] Not stupid, just out of my context
GUEST BIO:
Ruth E. Van Reken is a second generation adult TCK and mother of 3ATCKs. She speaks nationally and internationally on issues related to global family living. She is co-founder of Families in Global Transition. In addition to other writing, Ruth is co-author of Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds. At the age of thirty-nine, Ruth began journaling. Eventually this journaling became Letters I Never Wrote, later re-published as Letters Never Sent. Through that, she not only looked at her story, but Ruth met and interacted with countless TCKs and adult TCKs (ATCKs) of all backgrounds and nationalities as well.
Ruth Van Reken Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthvanreken/
Website: http://www.crossculturalkid.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruthvanreken
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