Third Culture Kids: those who are (or were as children) raised in a culture other than their parents’ or the culture of their country of nationality.

Vanessa Kitchen was born in the USA in the 80s to a German dad and Belgian mom.

She was raised with 3 languages and a constant balance between the culture of her family and the culture of her community.

Though there was the possibility to move back to Europe, her parents ultimately decided to stay in the USA long term. What was it like being an American girl at school and European at home? What does she think of her parent’s decisions and their way of life now that she’s a mom? Join us for an international kid’s perspective in retrospect. 

This episode partners well with the reflections from Episode 3 – What Will My Kids Value. Mitch Norris shared with us his questions from the parent’s perspective about raising a child who is half Australian, half Japanese in Thailand. Questions about language learning and retention, what cultural influences will be adopted and embraced, and what nationality his son would eventual claim as his own.

After reflecting on both episodes, I’m left with a lot of things to consider for my own children as they are raised in Germany with an American mom and Finnish dad. Hopefully, you will find connections to your own experience through these stories. 

*Yes, another Kitchen. Lucky for me, Vanessa married my brother and became a part of our family. BUT we also became a part of hers, the one you will hear about today.