The TCK Training Podcast

Repatriation is often a difficult and complex decision for families. In this episode of the TCK Training Podcast, Lauren and Tanya explore the various factors that influence this decision while emphasizing the importance of assessing each family's unique situation, the options available to them, and the emotional weight of making such a significant move. Join Lauren and Tanya as they offer pra...

Tune in to today’s episode as Lauren and Tanya delve into the complex relationship between TCKs and patriotism, exploring how their unique experiences shape their identities and feelings towards their passport countries. Lauren and Tanya discuss the challenges TCKs face in navigating patriotism, political conversations, and cultural heritage. With practical application points, they emphasize the n...

Join the TCK Training leadership team for this lighthearted chat about various movies that resonate with the Third Culture Kids! They explore how these TCK themed films reflect the unique experiences and emotional landscapes of TCKs, highlighting cultural adaptation, identity and emotional intelligence. Tune in for lots of laughs and for reflections on the impact of these films! Links to related r...

In this episode of the TCK Training Podcast, Elizabeth and Jessi discuss the critical distinction between coping and processing emotions. They explore the importance of emotional safety and regulation, the role of co-regulation in supporting children and adults, and the challenges of navigating emotional dysregulation. Join this hope-filled conversation as they highlight the need for self-compassi...

After last episode’s run through airport hacks, Lauren and Tanya check the next box on our travel topics list: transition stress. They break down the difference between typical stress and crisis-level stress, highlighting the various keys to knowing when extra support might be needed. Tune in for an encouraging chat that normalizes reaching out and where we explore what we can do as parents and ca...

In this episode, Elizabeth and Tanya have a chat about a struggle many of us globetrotters face: airport days. They share tips and stories on keeping everyone calm, managing sensory overload, and talking travel plans with kids in a way that actually works. Join us as we explore why familiar routines make all the difference—and how you can create moments of connection and calm during the hustle of...

Trauma doesn’t always look the way we expect. In this episode of the TCK Training Podcast, Lauren and Elizabeth unpack the subtle ways trauma shows up in families. They shift the narrative from one where trauma is this one huge event to one that centers what truly matters: how each person experiences it. With thoughtful insights, they highlight the power of safe spaces where kids can share their f...

Today, Elizabeth and Tanya unpack the role of debriefing for TCKs of all ages. They share how debriefing can help kids, teens and adults understand their stories better and challenge narratives that might be doing more harm than good. Tune in to hear our experience with these conversations and how they not only reap emotional benefits, but also enhance our ability to connect the dots. Laughs and i...

We’re all familiar with the thrill of an adrenaline rush. This upbeat sensation that accompanies our travels can be wonderful, and sometimes even necessary. But when do we know when we’ve entered unhealthy territory, and how can we help TCKs manage adrenaline addiction? Join Lauren and Jessi as they answer these questions and weave in some great stories along the way! Links to Related Resources: R...

In this episode, Jessi and Tanya talk about some of the reasons TCKs can be prone to anxiety. They discuss the research surrounding TCKs and anxiety and stigma around mental health. Both share personally and offer a hopeful vision for caring for TCKs dealing with anxiety. Links to related resources: Free Research about TCKs TCKs and Anxiety (Workshop) Understanding Anxiety as an Adult TCK (Worksho...

Lauren and Tanya chat about the realities of learning languages as TCKs. They debunk myths about children picking up languages effortlessly, and swap stories about the emotional weight that is actually at play! Enjoy their fun, honest conversation about how language shapes the TCK experience and why it’s about so much more than just learning the words. Links to related resources: Free Research abo...

To kick off season 2, Lauren and Jessi come together for a chat about the best schooling option for TCKs. Join their trip down memory lane on their schooling experience, and find out their current thoughts on choosing between the myriad of schooling options out there (local, boarding, international, homeschooling).   Links to related resources: Free Research about TCKs Blog: 5 Surprising Factors t...

After 11 episodes on the hardships of mobile childhoods, Elizabeth and Tanya address what some of us might be thinking: is the TCK lifestyle even worth it? Don’t miss out on their thoughts about this question, and most importantly – how Adult TCKs have answered it in our most recent survey! Links to related resources: Free Research about TCKs Blog: Seven Reasons for Hope: A foundation of TCK Care...

Another Lauren and Elizabeth episode, and today they dive into big emotions and how we can help TCKs navigate them. They share stories from their lives as parents of multiple kids - so trust us, they have seen big emotions. Tune in to hear about why it’s so important not to shut down these feelings but to see them as a way kids communicate their needs. A great listen if like Lauren, you value grit...

In this episode, Lauren and Elizabeth tackle a big question for families: when is it time to seek extra support for your kids, especially through tough transitions or trauma? They talk about spotting signs of distress, recognizing which emotional responses are normal, and why being tuned in as a parent really matters. With tips on knowing the right timing, making small adjustments, and when caregi...

In this episode, Elizabeth and Jessi break down the ‘red zone’ and ‘green zone’ of emotional regulation for TCKs. They talk about how to spot when kids are in the red zone, why connection and laughter can be powerful tools for moving into the green zone, and practical ways parents can support kids through stressful times. With insights on personalized approaches to emotional well-being, they also...

In this episode of the TCK Training Podcast, Lauren and Tanya have a heartfelt conversation about the things that make TCK transitions hard. They share what they’ve learned talking to hundreds of TCKs, and from their own experience growing up in high mobility.  Tune in to learn more about how transitions affect us, and how we can leverage the tools in our arsenal to care well for those who move, a...

In the previous episode, Lauren and Elizabeth talked about what TCKs need within their home. This week, Elizabeth is back and has a chat with Tanya about what TCKs need from their community! They dive into research on Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) and how to implement them as counterweights to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Join them for practical strategies and insightful data to s...

Lauren and Elizabeth are back, and today they explore what it takes to create a thriving home for TCKs. They explain why emotional safety and tuning into kids’ needs are key—especially when life’s full of big moves and transitions. With plenty of practical tips, they share how parents can build a home that feels like a true anchor, helping TCKs build resilience and navigate the emotional layers of...

In this episode, Lauren and Jessi dive into “grief stacking” and how TCKs’ losses can pile up until it feels like a tower of unprocessed grief. They chat about the impact this can have on mental and physical health and why it’s so important to tackle grief head-on. Tune in for insights, practical tools, and a reminder of how processing loss can lead to new strengths! Links to related resources: Un...

In this episode, Elizabeth is joined by Jessi, our Director of ATCK Services and Marketing. Together, they answer a question that we often get asked: why don’t we stop talking about TCK grief? They share honest insights on why it matters to have those conversations going—even when it feels easier to focus on the positives. Enjoy their takeaways from years of unstacking grief while making sure to f...

We switch things up a little bit this week, with a guest appearance from our Director of Research and International Education, Tanya! In this episode, she and Lauren dive into the reasons why as parents, caregivers, and ATCKs, we can’t just focus on the TCK benefits. They highlight the need for a balanced perspective, recognizing that both positive and negative experiences shape the TCK journey. T...

Who says you need a PhD to do research-based work? This week on the podcast, Lauren and Elizabeth dismantle that myth by walking us through TCK Training’s history. They reflect on the journey from blogging to publishing books and developing resources for excellent preventive care. Stay tuned to hear their favorite things about TCK Training, and how they have carefully crafted a work environment wh...

After years of simmering in the back of our thoughts, the TCK Training Podcast is finally here! In this pilot episode, our executive officers, Lauren and Elizabeth, start by answering the burning question: W hat even is a TCK? Join them as they discuss TCKs’ unique traits, share how you can use our research for creating quality care plans, and swap stories about their lives as TCK caregivers (incl...