Living an international life and raising kids abroad is amazing … and it can get intense! Being so far away from loved ones, the constant rounds of goodbyes, piecing together a cohesive education at multiple international schools, the eventual transition to university with its own brand of culture shock … and that’s only a few of the factors adding complexity for globally mobile families.
I’m on a mission to raise a healthier generation of Third Culture Kids (TCKs) - and the parents who raise them! That means making sure you know the pitfalls to avoid, and giving you practical measures that really help. I’ll draw on my experience raising 3 TCKs, reading and research, experiences of friends and colleagues, including many international school teachers, counselors, seasoned coaches, artists and others doing fantastic work to ease the lives of expats around the globe.
I believe we’re stronger together. Join me for a heart to heart, full of warmth and compassion... for you and for me… because honestly I’m figuring it out as I go along, just like most parents! For more, see https://resilientexpats.com, and come hang out with me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/ResilientExpats/); hearing from you would make my day!
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Sometimes we lose track of how we impact those around us. Recognizing our power to effect change can be very uplifting. David says,
“Thinking you canfixthe world is totally naive. But it's not naive to think you canchangeit. We change it all the time, whether we like it or not.”
Then it’s up to us to know when and how to engage with others who hold vastly different viewpoints.
In this episode we talk about
Why so much patience is required when “returning” from abroad;
How to know when others have the bandwidth to hear what we have to say;
What a peaceful society really is;
and so much more.
RESOURCES mentioned in the episode:
David’s Patreon community is where he shares music each week and hosts monthly gatherings online. This is a great way to support his work and get regular inspiration.
Take a screenshot and share it with your friends … tag @ResilientExpats.
You may also like:
ABOUT TODAY’S GUESTS:
David LaMotte is a songwriter, author, speaker, and activist with over 3000 shows on five continents to his credit. He is also the co-founder of a non-profit organization that works with schools and libraries in Guatemala, and a husband and father. His passions include conversation, photography, peace work, music, poetry, and the Appalachian mountains, where he lives with his wife Deanna and son Mason. David is a Rotary Peace fellow with a masters in Peace and Conflict Resolution from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, and is the former Clerk (Chair) of the AFSC Nobel Peace Prize Nominating Task Group. His books include Worldchanging 101: Challenging the Myth of Powerlessness, and White Flour, a children's book inspired by the true story of a Klan rally that was subverted by a clown rally. He has traveled extensively and lived for a time in France, Australia and India.
Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Re-Imagine Community, with Ivy Summer and Pare Gerou
Season 1 · Episode 27
Monday, August 2, 2021 • Duration 48:25
Do you like the idea of built-in community and connection combined with plenty of privacy? Do you wish your children had freedom to play outside and with neighborhood friends at any time? Do you want to retire in a country with low cost of living, gorgeous weather and deliciously fresh, healthy food? Then it's worth your time to learn more about Greek Village Cohousing.
“It's really for anyone who is drawn to community. That's what it comes down to. If you have a desire to be in greater connection with other people and connection with the land, then cohousing is for you.”
The Cohousing Association of America Cohousing.org is a wealth of information and resources.
Greek Village Cohousing are planning a community focused on healthy and relaxed living, being in nature near the sea and mountains, and giving children the enriching experience of having people around from many nations with all sorts of talents and skills to share. There’s an information coffee Zoom every Friday, and the Outreach coordinator and original founder Pare Gerou is available for any and all questions.
Unlock Hidden Expectations, with Abby Williamson
Season 1 · Episode 26
Monday, July 19, 2021 • Duration 39:09
As TCKs (and adults) work through the complex issues of identity, place and belonging, it can be really hard to express what’s going on inside. We may need an expanded vocabulary. We may need permission to be outside of prescribed standards.
“When we use creativity and tell our stories in creative ways, it opens up a different way of processing. It helps us to get past the expectations we have for ourselves.”
In this episode we talk about
How telling their own stories helps TCKs connect with others;
Why practicing telling their own stories is important even for families who are great communicators;
The critical life skills built through interacting with the arts;
and more.
RESOURCES mentioned in the episode:
Check out the monthly interactive online Art Party for little global learners. It's perfect for ages 4-10 and it's a ton of fun! For Art Party announcements, make sure you’re on The Culture Canvas newsletter; you’ll also get TCK book recommendations and learning resources, and updates on a workshop series for families in transition to connect around the dinner table and creatively process together.
Mosaics activity for processing life events and intentionally shaping our narratives. Flash Sale: Buy this week and get a live debrief session included.
Saying goodbye is unfortunately a staple of expat life. For me it’s the worst part of living abroad. I was recently asked, “Do you have any tips for a teen who resists saying goodbye?” Here’s my expanded answer. The tips I share here are relevant for adults as well as children, whether you’re the one leaving or staying.
I talk about
Being in denial;
The normal process of disengaging;
Honoring different styles;
Prompts to help those who aren’t sure how or what to say;
Mosaics activity for processing life events and intentionally shaping our narratives. Flash Sale: Buy this week and get a live debrief session included.
RATHER READ? I’ve got you covered with a [LINK] blog post.
ENJOYED THIS EPISODE?
Take a screenshot and share it with your friends … tag @ResilientExpats.
ABOUT YOUR HOST:
Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Theatre Skills for Life, with Natasha Rekhi
Season 1 · Episode 24
Monday, June 21, 2021 • Duration 38:12
Theatre gives kids a chance to relax and express themselves -- and explore new ways of being -- outside the boundaries of classroom rules or societal expectations.
“When they're in a very safe environment, like a theater class, they feel very relaxed because it's not like the general classroom environment. They also don't know what to expect, so it is a bit of a surprise. It's a safe place. It's a social place.”
Theatre helps develop language and communication skills, resilience in stressful situations, and acceptance of people from different backgrounds.
We also talk about
Being playful together, even if you don’t have a creative bone in your body;
The benefits of collaboration in any form;
The four C’s woven into all of Theatre4Kids sessions: Communication, Concentration, Creativity, and Confidence.
and more.
RESOURCES mentioned in the episode:
For the latest opportunities to build theatre skills with ages 5-17 -- summer camps, virtual productions and interactive virtual plays on Zoom where audience and actors solve the mystery together! -- contact thetheatre4kids@gmail.com.
Online drama is a creative and engaging activity, safe and convenient for families. It’s a great way for kids to socialize, share and connect with children living in different countries, and a virtual production provides a great way for families and old friends to connect long distance.
Mosaics activity for processing life events and intentionally shaping our narratives. Flash Sale: Buy this week and get a live debrief session included.
Craft Your Story with Purpose, with Christine Taylor
Season 1 · Episode 23
Monday, June 7, 2021 • Duration 51:59
Christine’s story of unresolved grief started in her teen years, but she didn’t start unpacking it until over 25 years later. Her story has come full circle, as she now helps women in transition tell their stories. She shares the power of knowing and telling her own story, and how stories help us connect with people.
“I had really boxed it up and put it away and not looked at it for many, many, many years. Until I started to realize what an impact it had on me, and my ability to just be myself with people, and to talk to people and let them see me -- and allow me to see them.”
We also talk about
How stories make parenting easier - for us and our kids;
The special need for story during times of transition - and why it’s so much harder at that time;
How to construct an effective story;
and more.
RESOURCES mentioned in the episode:
For help crafting YOUR story, check out Christine’s Perfect Story Every Time Checklist. The Perfect Story Every Time Checklist will help people choose the story they want to tell for a specific moment. It's a great tool to sift through your life stories to pick the one that fits the occasion.
Upcoming webinar Embrace Your Ignorance on June 23, 2021 with Sietar Nederland (Society for Intercultural Education, Training and Research) on intercultural communication, diversity and inclusion
The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell and The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler
Reclaim Agency through Storytelling, with Kate Jetmore
Season 1 · Episode 22
Wednesday, May 26, 2021 • Duration 43:08
When we feel disoriented, such as when living in another culture, hearing stories from real people who’ve been through similar experiences has a stabilizing effect. Creating space for people to tell their stories is a powerful way we can give them agency.
“Lending an ear is one of the most powerful gifts we can give to another person. And what we're giving to them is … power. So often it's another person who’s defining us. But when we can choose the words and share with the world who we are, what we've been through, at our own pace and in our own tone, we reclaim a sense of agency and power.”
And telling our own stories helps us gain perspective and shape our internal narrative.
Kate Jetmore from The Listen Podcast has an enduring love of storytelling - both as a performer and listener. After making her living as a singer and actress in New York for many years, she settled in Spain in 2002 and has worked since then as a translator and voiceover artist. In today’s interview, Kate shares the importance of this artform for humans in general and expats in particular.
RATHER READ? I’ve got you covered with a [LINK] transcript and blog post.
Creating Life Mosaics
Season 1 · Episode 21
Monday, May 10, 2021 • Duration 16:52
Most of us could use a little help in telling our life stories, especially as our lives get further outside standard categories. This episode kicks off a series on storytelling, with a hands-on, easy activity I’ve developed, inspired by the artform of mosaics. It’s a way to look at all the good and bad, all the ugly and beautiful, a way to take all your “broken” pieces and mis-matched bits, and fit them together in a meaningful design.
Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream.
You're Invited to TCKCon
Tuesday, April 13, 2021 • Duration 11:55
This is a short message bringing you some updates, an invitation, and a story.
All teen Third Culture Kids and their parents are invited to join a free conference. Socialize with other TCKs, learn from professional speakers, and have the chance to share your own experiences in this community building event.
Also in this episode:
what else I've been up to
ways to connect
a personal story that illustrates why I do this work.
RESOURCES mentioned in the episode:
TCKCon, a free conference for teen Third Culture Kids and their parents, via Zoom on April 24 from 10:30am-12:30pm EDT - https://tckcondc.wixsite.com/tckcon
If you missed the enrollment for adapt.succeed.together., I invite you to
Take a screenshot and share it with your friends … tag @ResilientExpats.
ABOUT YOUR HOST:
Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream.
To inquire how Kim can support you, send an email or use the .
Love Your Life's Work, with Renata Andrade
Season 1 · Episode 19
Monday, February 8, 2021 • Duration 29:58
Did you know? Your job satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) can reveal deep patterns that might be holding you back. Figuring that out is a little like realizing you keep ending up with the same bad boyfriend time after time. Renata tells us why working on your resume is the absolute last part of the puzzle when looking for a job, shifting direction or starting your own thing.
Take a screenshot and share it with your friends … tag @ResilientExpats.
You might also like:
Episode 14 with Jane Ordaz
Episode 16 with Andrea Puck
Episode 17 Where do you need more support?
Episode 18 with Anna C. Seidel
ABOUT TODAY’S GUEST:
Global Work-Life Coach - and 4x expat - Renata Andrade is specialises in helping expat women reconnect with their purpose, regain their confidence and redefine their career paths. She believes professional reorientation can be a healing process.
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Greek Village Cohousing has just re-opened membership, and has had lots of interest from expat families who recognize the wonderful advantages of living in a cohousing community. It’s an instant tribe for the children, with an enriching environment and wonderful sense of freedom. It’s a strong support system for parents and leads to a relaxed and more fulfilling life as a parent: No more planning playdates or driving children all over the place. Pare says she found her years in cohousing transformational as a parent.
Ivy Summer is a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) expert with a decade of experience who has helped hundreds of people routinely become proactive allies to marginalized and oppressed groups in a multitude of ways. Her mission is to empower organizations to benefit from unique contributions that stem from the diversity of their employees and customers. She has coached folks in building a routine in their own business by doing an internal audit on contracts, websites, sales copy, imagery, email campaigns, and marketing to make inclusion a cohesive component in a brand.
Outside of her DEIB work with community-based organizations, nonprofits, and big tech, Ivy has coached yoga instructors, piano teachers, retirees, parents, social media influencers, and more to help them make incremental changes to express allyship in both business and interpersonal parts of life. Aligned with her mission to empower and enable others, she offers pre-built event plans for DEIB-themed workshops that are designed for you to facilitate in your own community.
Pare Gerou is an Immigration Attorney with a specialization in refugee law, and she spent many wonderful years raising her son at Touchstone Cohousing in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was there that she fell in love with cohousing as a parent, and during the pandemic, she decided to marry her love of cohousing with her love of Greece. As a child, she relished her summers on the beautiful island of Lesvos. Now with her cohousing group of wonderful talented people, she is looking forward to fresh food from the Greek gardens and cooking with friends, trips to the beach and hiking in the mountains, learning Greek folk dance and listening to music, living with warm and welcoming people of Greece, exploring a beautiful country, and living a Greek lifestyle that is genuinely happier and healthier in her opinion.
Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Abby Williamson is an arts educator living and working in Kathmandu, Nepal with her husband and two sons. She is committed to creating learning resources and learning environments for kids to grow in global perspectives, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. She started The Culture Canvas out of a passion for the arts and how they can be a catalyst for creativity, compassion, and connection.
Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Natasha Rekhi is a drama educator and public speaker based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. She has taught children in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
During the global pandemic she founded Theatre4Kids: a virtual drama education program that has since been accessed by 15 nationalities across two continents. She is also a teacher of drama at the International School of Amsterdam and a presenter on the radio station Broadcast Amsterdam.
Natasha aspires to make theatre education accessible to children around the world by providing a safe, convenient and multicultural learning environment that promotes diversity and inclusion and develops empathetic and innovative thinkers of tomorrow.
Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream.
To inquire how Kim can support you, send an email or use the contact form.
Christine Taylor was born in California, grew up in Germany, South Dakota, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland and has lived in the Netherlands since 2004. She’s been a book lover and traveller all of her life, which hasn’t always made packing easy, but has exposed her to endless worlds and ways of being in them.
After working in a German bakery in North Carolina, then teaching intercultural awareness at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, and working in the International Office at the Radboud University in Nijmegen, she started her own business in 2017: StoryCraft.
Focusing on story structure as the foundation for all storytelling skills, Christine helps people in transition learn to use stories to find their voice so they can communicate and connect with confidence. She helps clients find, craft, and tell their stories.
She’s moving to Edmonton, Canada in 2021 and taking StoryCraft and a sizable home library with her.
Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream.
To inquire how Kim can support you, send an email or use the contact form.
A native of Richmond, Indiana, Kate Jetmore graduated with a degree in performing arts from New York University. She made her living as an actress and singer, both in NYC, and touring around the US, until moving to Spain in 2002. Since that time, she has focused on her career as a translator, teacher and voiceover artist, serving such notable clients as the Guggenheim Bilbao, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, Disney España, Cambridge English and Amazon Prime, to name just a few. In November 2019 she launched The Listen podcast, featuring long-form interviews with international guests, and in 2021 further re-defined the show’s mission to be an exploration of Americans abroad and how they got there. If there is a single through line in her life, it is a love of storytelling – both as performer and listener – and she has come to recognize the importance of this art form with every passing year.
Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream.
To inquire how Kim can support you, send an email or use the contact form.
Her extensive academic training and experience in Psychotherapy, Coaching and as an HR executive empower her to serve as a strong backbone for those who believe their work is a fundamental and enriching part of who they are.
Originally from Brazil, about one-third Italian by blood, forever a Londoner by heart, she misses the snow turning her Scarsdale’s backyard into a magical winter wonderland! She currently lives in Milan where she’s enjoying being back to her ancestrals’ land with her husband, two kids and their dog Ozzy.
Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream.
