It’s always been hard for me to understand why I get anxious after living in one place for too long and why I feel the most at home in an airport or in the presence of anyone with stamps in their passport. I moved back to the states eight years ago after a childhood living overseas and I only just discovered a couple years ago what a TCK actually was. Earth to Emily: you are a TCK.
Yes, I grew up with other TCKs but as a child, I never understood that other kids actually knew what I was going through (because they were going through it to!) As a kid, it can be easy to fall in to the belief of you’re all alone in your emotions. Even in the most loving homes, these feelings can be present which is why it is vital for parents to invest in the preventive care of their child’s wellbeing as they are moving overseas.
Recently, I read Lauren Wells’ book, Raising Up a Generation of Healthy Third Culture Kids, and to say it felt like I was reading an autobiography of my life would be an understatement. I didn’t know that as an adult, I could still be dealing with unresolved grief from when I was twelve or trauma from my very first move that I can hardly remember.
Lauren’s heart for TCKs is evident in the pages of her book. As a TCK herself, Lauren understands and acknowledges the struggles of the TCK experience while celebrating the many benefits. Her book offers practical tips and exercises to help your children grow to be healthy adults.
I love the way Lauren speaks to heart of the TCK and shares from a place of her own experience. I can feel the vulnerability in her words and it’s a rarity for TCKs to feel understood, but Lauren gets it. This book is a gift and such an asset for parents who are raising third culture kids.
Though parents may not fully understand what their TCKs will experience, her words will help you gain understanding and prepare you to empathize when struggle arises. If you are a parent looking to help your child adjust life overseas or simply an adult TCK like me trying to understand your past, this book is for you.
Grab your notebook and pen— you won’t want to miss a word!
You can get your own copy of Raising Up a Generation of Healthy Third Culture Kids below! And be sure to check our Lauren’s new book, The Grief Tower, available soon!