Hey Pallavi. Just a quick note to say how much I enjoy your Jigsaw missives. Our families seem to be weaving similar paths at different times. My wife was raised in Japan and now lives in Abu Dhabi. Our oldest son, now 25, was born in Tokyo and learned Japanese at hoikuen. He’s now hanging out in India for few weeks, just for fun. Along with our 21-year-old daughter — born in NYC — we all lived in Rome for years, then Abu Dhabi as a family. I was posted in India for four years between 2016-2020, and am now there for six months writing about climate and energy, see The Energy Adventure(r): https://billspindle.substack.com/ ). We’re even considering moving to Spain! Keep up the good words. Best, Bill
My kids also don't know where they are from as my husband is Luxembourgish and we have never lived in Luxembourg. My son was born in India and my daughter in Japan. To answer the identity question, I sent them to boarding school (Kodi) in south India and two months into it, COVID forced a plan change. Now they are here in New York and the identity question gets even more confusing for them. All this moving around has not been easy - especially this last time. Not sure whether that has to do with COVID, high school, New York or just them. Both have struggled with bouts of depression and social anxiety. For the grown ups in my family, the moves have been enriching, if difficult, but I think for the kids it seems to have shaved away their identity so now they just dream of fitting in wherever they go. Glad to see that your kids have fared better. Moving to Spain was a good idea I think and they have a great mother to help.
Hey Pallavi. Just a quick note to say how much I enjoy your Jigsaw missives. Our families seem to be weaving similar paths at different times. My wife was raised in Japan and now lives in Abu Dhabi. Our oldest son, now 25, was born in Tokyo and learned Japanese at hoikuen. He’s now hanging out in India for few weeks, just for fun. Along with our 21-year-old daughter — born in NYC — we all lived in Rome for years, then Abu Dhabi as a family. I was posted in India for four years between 2016-2020, and am now there for six months writing about climate and energy, see The Energy Adventure(r): https://billspindle.substack.com/ ). We’re even considering moving to Spain! Keep up the good words. Best, Bill
Lovely to hear your family’s story. Thanks so much for writing in. Maybe see you in Spain at some point!
at some point nico and ishaan might become interested in the "third culture kid" concept. or might reject it completely.
My kids also don't know where they are from as my husband is Luxembourgish and we have never lived in Luxembourg. My son was born in India and my daughter in Japan. To answer the identity question, I sent them to boarding school (Kodi) in south India and two months into it, COVID forced a plan change. Now they are here in New York and the identity question gets even more confusing for them. All this moving around has not been easy - especially this last time. Not sure whether that has to do with COVID, high school, New York or just them. Both have struggled with bouts of depression and social anxiety. For the grown ups in my family, the moves have been enriching, if difficult, but I think for the kids it seems to have shaved away their identity so now they just dream of fitting in wherever they go. Glad to see that your kids have fared better. Moving to Spain was a good idea I think and they have a great mother to help.
Sorry its been so tough for your kids. COVID and high school combined would be tough for anyone. I hope things settle a bit this coming year. Hugs.