Impacts of Cross Cultural Transitions on Kids - Part 1 of 2

Originally Recorded: January 19, 2022

Notes

Today, Mike is joined by two of his children, Johannah and Caleb Picconatto, along with author Dr. Stephen W. Jones, to dive into the complex impacts of cross-cultural transitions on kids. Johannah and Caleb share their personal journey of moving to Berlin at a young age and navigating the challenges of integrating into German culture and schools. From initial struggles with language and cultural differences to eventually embracing their unique backgrounds as strengths, the siblings provide insight into the nuanced experiences of Third Culture Kids (TCKs).

Mike and Stephen also explore the difficulties faced by TCKs in establishing their identity, dealing with the unsettling question of "Where are you from?" and feeling at odds with the culture they currently live in. Caleb and Johannah reflect on feeling more American in Germany and more German in America, highlighting the bifurcated identity many TCKs experience. This episode touches on the psychological and social impacts of growing up between cultures, the longing for a sense of belonging, and the difficulty of defining one true "home." 

Links:

One book we have found helpful: Third Culture Kids 3rd Edition: Growing up among worlds  (As Amazon Associates, we receive a small proceed of books purchased using this link.)

Information on Stephen Jones.

Videos and other traXcultures resources.

Follow Stephen and Jennie on Instagram: @thejonesesinberlin

Visit liminal edges on Instagram: @liminal_edges

Contact Envision Berlin about customizing the Cross-Cultural Transitions Handbook for your cross-cultural ministry organization.

Credits:

Regular Theme music by Mike Picconatto

Unterwegs is recorded and produced by Envision Berlin

Disclaimer

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 Timestamped Overview: 

00:00 Trax Cultures: podcast on transitions across cultures.
04:21 Born in US, lived in Germany, identity.
07:06 TCK's cultural identity shifts between Germany and US.
12:20 Constant moving, difficulty finding a sense of home.
15:22 Adjusting to a new school in Germany.
17:03 Challenging move to Germany, new language.
19:31 Transitioning into small, tight-knit international school.
25:25 Identity negotiation in communication leads to discomfort.
26:13 TCKs internalize sense of not being okay.
29:32 Envision Berlin: Support our work, gain insights.