Expat life is thrilling despite all the challenges. Bring children into the mix, your decisions to live abroad no longer just impact yourself and your partner, it suddenly takes a whole new dimension both should be prepared for.
Whether you’ve just moved abroad or already have experience living abroad, the arrival of child changes the experience in so many ways and comes with it’s lot of questions and challenges. You’re no longer just and expat, your an Expat Parent!
3 expat parents share their tips in different situations to find your balance and watch your children thrive as Third Culture Kids.
1. Moving abroad with children
A new opportunity has a arised and it’s time to tell your children you are moving abroad or changing country. Communication is key, sit them down and explain why you are moving, where how you are excited what the next steps are. This is a lot to take for children and change can be daunting, so identifying where their fears lie makes everything easier.
Emily shared a game she played with her children to identify this: turn in turn, both parents and children would share one thing they are looking forward to, one thing they fear. this helps identify the fears which in some cases are very easliy calmed down.
2. Multi-cultural parents
Your partner and yourself are from different cultures, on top you live abroad, and now you are expecting a child. How do you navigiate the three different cultures your child will experience? Angela, expat parent coach shares important questions parents should discuss.
- What does parenthood look like for us, what traditions and values do we want to share.
- How can each be present for the children, and where does each ones career fit in.
- Taking into account the local culture, and system what help can we get and afford.
Communication is the cornerstone, and setting the expectations and boundaries you both have when it comes to culture, career, time, family ideal and in general you life abroad will be key, and avoid potential frustrations and resentment.
3. Including pieces of your culture
Your children were born and raised away from your home country? Mariam shares how she and her husband have brought in pieces of their traditions to the children whom have each created their own culture and identity.
- They choose to celebrate specific holidays even if they aren’t celebrated where they live
- Language: as parents they have decided what language is important for them to learn and speak it at home.
- They also incorporate small daily rituals—music, books, meals—that connect their children to their roots while staying open to their host country’s culture. This mix enriches their children’s worldview and helps them feel grounded in their identity, no matter where they are.
Expat parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but sharing stories and tools makes the journey easier. It’s all about creating a space where your children feel safe, seen, and proud of their multicultural identity.
After all, thriving abroad isn’t just possible—it’s a beautiful adventure for the whole family.
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