Our Top Tips
Get inspired with our top tips for expat families!
Top Tips for Expat Families
It can be tempting to always take vacations and make fun memories outside your host country. But making daily, enjoyable memories within your country of resident helps pave the way for kids to bond with the place, and will increase their contentment on ordinary days.
Did you know it’s a myth that kids learn languages faster or more easily? In fact, kids have a harder time learning new languages than adults! This misunderstanding stems from the fact that children who attend a school in a second language seem to pick it up more quickly. This is due to the volume of exposure. But even homeschooled kids can successfully learn a language if you find a way to connect them to meaningful, frequent social experiences.
Of course, toddlers can’t help you budget or suggest itinerary ideas, but older kids sure can! Involve your kids in researching your host country and planning meaningful family activities. Arrive at the airport a little early and let them find your gate. Let them choose a local recipe to try together. The possibilities are endless for teaching life skills!
“Third Culture Kids” are a special mix of their parent’s culture, their host culture, and the unique international culture that develops in expat communities. Pass on your family values and create meaningful memories through your own predictable family traditions. Pick a tradition to do each day, each week, each month, and on holidays. This could mean sharing daily highs and lows, splurging for a “taco Tuesday,” going on “dates” with kids individually once a month, hanging up a silly “mistle toad,” and more. Look to your own family traditions or ask friends for inspiration.
