Growing up as a foreign service kid can be truly incredible! But I am sure I don’t have to tell you, it can also come with it’s own unique challenges. Once your child experiences life in other cultures and far-flung parts of the globe, it can be difficult to relate to their peers back at home. It can also be stressful picking up and moving every couple years. With the right support, our Third Culture Kids can grow into resilient, smart, adventurous, empathetic, observant, adventurous individuals. In honor of World Mental Health day (which is observed on October 10th each year), here are five resources to help you navigate the emotional well being and mental health challenges of raising a foreign service kid. 1. TherapyThankfully, it’s now easier than ever to find a therapist. EFM facilitated The Big Purple Blobbers has a number of resources that have been recommended to me by other FS families. Good Therapy has compiled a directory of therapists all over the world (you can search by country). Of course, BetterHelp and Talkspace can connect you with an online therapist so your teen can get virtual (phone, or text) counseling whenever you need it. 2. Tech AppsThere are dozens of apps that help kids explore mental health in an easy, accessible way. MindShift is actually designed with teens and young adults in mind. Headspace aims to keep kids “calm and focused” through short meditation exercises. Breathe, Think, and Do with Sesame is a free app that helps younger kids learn to deal with frustrating situations. Gratitude offers a super simple way for kids to journal their thoughts, plus it includes gratitude prompts, inspirational quotes, and affirmations too. 3. Parenting BooksSometimes, just knowing how to support your child can help them get through a tough time. A couple of books to consider: Protecting the Gift shares a ton of skills to teach your kids. Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen is a guide to the essential convos you should have with your kids to prepare them for the challenges they may face as they hit teen years. 4. Zone-out ActivitiesI’ve found that when things get a little hectic in my house, it helps to take a minute to stop and reflect. Quiet time—whether that means sitting in those not-so-fun feelings or zoning out for a bit—can be helpful. I have an activity book, ‘Life as a Foreign Service Kid,’ designed to help kids reflect on everywhere they’ve been and dream of everywhere they’d like to go next. If your kids are having big feelings about moving, feeling out of place, or being away from loved ones, this might be a good resource to help them remember the good parts of FS too and change their perspective. Other zone-out activities that work great for kids are chapter books, coloring books, slime, squishies, and fidget toys. 5. Foreign Service Youth FoundationSome of you may already know about the Foreign Service Youth Foundation, but here’s a reminder that it can be a great resource for your kids and your family. FSYF is a nonprofit organization founded exclusively to support Foreign Service Kids. It provides countless articles, workshops, webinars, and events to help Foreign Service Kids transition between posts and adapt to the new environments and adventures they encounter all over the world.
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