Nourish: 1. to provide (someone or something) with food and other things that are needed to live, be healthy, etc. 2. to cause (something) to develop or grow stronger (Brittanica Dictionary). 

Yesterday I had the privilege of hearing Tanya Crossman speak. She shared research and preventative care resources for Third Culture Kids. She was representing TCK Training, whose mission is to “cultivate Thriving Third Culture Kids worldwide by equipping, encouraging, and empowering TCKs, adult TCKs, and those who support them, through research-based awareness.” Crossman is the author of Misunderstood: The Impact of Growing Up Overseas in the 21st Century. I have made the Amazon book link available in the resources section of this devotional, as well as other resources from TCK Training. 

I appreciate the research and preventative strategies Crossman shared to help TCK’s thrive and have healthy childhood experiences. One of my biggest take-aways as a parent of a TCK is that in order to care for my child well, I need to begin by caring for myself well. I need adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, stress management strategies, exercise, down time, etc. Sometimes I may need extra help from a licensed counselor or therapist. I may need help working through mistakes. Getting help is okay. It’s good actually, because the ways I thrive, and also my stress, overflows and affects my family. Parenting a TCK comes with a lot of pressure, but thankfully through organizations such as TCK Training there is also a lot of help. I found their thorough research and evidence-based preventative strategies encouraging and helpful. Crossman’s teaching and resources gave me hope and motivation. 

While I’m not a perfect parent, I do love my child and want to offer her positive life experiences. As a global worker familiar with air travel, I have heard flight attendants explain oxygen masks many times. I have to secure my own source of air before I can look after anyone else effectively. If I attend to my own health and wellness, I will be better able to look after the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs of my children. I know I will never get it perfect, but I am so thankful to know there is help and hope when it comes to caring for myself and my TCK.