Resources
Resources to help global kids and their families navigate the joys and challenges of growing up as a Third Culture Kid.
Raising Healthy Third Culture Kids (Lauren Wells)
While we cannot know all our TCKs will go through, we can take a giant step forward by learning how to multiply the benefits of a global life and conversely pay attention to the challenges that can become stumbling blocks to healthy development.
The Gifts of Imperfection (Brené Brown)
We are led to believe that in order to not feel inadeguate we should simply live a perfect life. In this book Brené Brown guides us in discovering 10 steps to live with heart, free from the pressures of perfection.
I Have to Be Perfect
Were your father and mother a pastor or missionary? If so, then this book is for you. Whether you think your experience was good or bad, the truth is, it was both. .
Third Culture Kids: Growing up among worlds (Pollock, Pollock, and Van Reken)
Widely recognized as "The TCK Bible." Includes new advice for parents and others for how to support TCKs as they navigate work, relationships, social settings and their own personal development.
Swirly (Sara Saunders)
"Lila, nata nel Paese Blu e vissuta prima nel Paese Giallo e poi in quello Rosso, porta dentro di sé i riflessi di tutti quei colori, ma si chiede se abbia un posto dove sentirsi a casa, finché la madre di un ragazzino variegato le parla di Gesù, che era anch’egli variegato e ha preparato una dimora per tutti loro."
Third Culture Kids: A gift to care for (Ulrika Ernvik)
Interactive and reflective activities to involve the whole brain and body in processing. Deeper relationships are built as families and groups do the activities together.
Global Nomad's Guide to University Transition (Tina L. Quick)
Written as a guide for students who have been living outside of their passport country but are either returning home or transitioning to another host country for university.
The Grief Tower (Lauren Wells)
TCKs often experience a significant number of grief-inducing experiences during their developmental years. These events stack up like blocks on a tower. This book is full of tools for helping TCKs process their grief.
A Grounding Technique for Anxiety
This simple exercise can help your TCK regulate anxiety when it feels overwhelming. By bringing their attention to the present moment, it sends a signal to the brain that they are safe. This, in turn, activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping the body relax and return to a calmer state.
DIY Hug Monster
Who do you know who needs a hug? This fun and simple craft allows your TCK to gift a hug to a family member or friend in order to say goodbye. After all, what better way to say goodbye than to leave a hug with your loved one? It’s also just a fun craft in the family when a sibling, a parent or a neighbor is feeling blue and just needs a hug.
Activity: Create your own passport
When preparing to move to a new country, some things will change and some will stay the same. Create a passport with your child and use it to talk about identity, culture, and the adventure that awaits them.
An introduction to TCKs
Hear directly from TCKs how they define themselves. What words describe their identity as TCKs?
What is home to you?
We asked TCKs, "What is 'home' to you?" It's important to recognize that for TCKs, home isn't a building or a place, but people.
DIY Forever Hug T-shirt
Leaving someone you care about and who has been an important part of your life feels a little like leaving a piece of your heart behind. These Forever Hug t-shirts are a special way to say goodbye and to take both a memory and a piece of that special person with you when you go. Every time you put it on it feels like you are getting a hug from your favorite person.
Conversation Jar
Create your own family question jar using these printable questions from the website. Once a week during family meal, prayer time or a shared moment enjoy a family check in using one of the suggested questions. This is an easy and creative way to listen to your kids and to learn more about what they are feeling and experiencing.
A Long-distance Hug
Third-culture kids (TCKs) often experience a series of goodbyes. Change brings loss, and loss brings grief, whether conscious or unconscious. It is therefore important to give children the time they need to say goodbye. Simple crafts like this one are a way for young children to give a hug to friends.