Note: I am still compiling more information around this topic but hopefully this is a good start!

Kids of missionaries (aka MK’s) or those that are Third Culture Kids (aka TCK’s) have unique needs… the way that you experience the world, your life and identity is unique… so we’ve put together some resources for you that hopefully will help you:

  • TCK Live — join conversations around important topics and issues connected to TCK life, covering topics like Racism in a Third Culture, the Power of Debriefing or Maintaining Mental Health and Trauma Triggers.

  • TCK Care Podcast — Stephen Black shares on a variety of topics uniquely through the frame of being a TCK, covering topics like emotional availability, legacy, self compassion, deconstructing privilege, and much more

  • TCK Training — research based TCK debriefing that you can pay for, including packages for Pre-Field Preparations, On-Field Care and Debriefing

  • Therapist Directory — from in person, online or worldwide practices, this online listing is of professional mental health therapists familiar with the Third Culture Kid and international expatriate experiences. Note these therapists are not necessarily Christian, so keep that in mind when assessing whether they are a fit for your MK.

  • Other Therapist Databases include TCK Counseling Directory, Valeo or TCK Therapy

  • Michele Phoneix has a variety of blog posts covering topics such as ”MK’s and Deconstruction”, as well as an excellent podcast called Pondering Purple, which covers interesting topics relevant to MK’s and those that love them such as “MK’s and Mental Illness”, “For MK’s That Have Suffered Abuse” or “Understanding Trauma in the Lives of MK’s”

FOR KIDS

  • Booklist — books on transition, broken down by ages 3-5, 6-11, 12-14 and 15-19

FOR YOUNG ADULTS:

  • Watch this webinar — Preparing for College as a Global Nomad, covering topics such as preparing to say goodbye & leaving well, building a social network in university, cultivating mentors, family expectations and building practical life skills. HERE is the handout

FOR ADULTs:

  • Barnabas International has retreats specifically for and by adult TCK’s and offer retreats, virtual pop-ups and book studies

  • Tarmac is a 10-week guide to making sense of your multicultural story

  • MuKappa — a collegiate organization for students who have grown up in a cross-cultural setting

FURTHER RESOURCES

  • Interact Magazine — a “must read” for school personnel, parents, caregivers/counselors, home office personnel, and all those whose actions and  decisions impact the lives of MKs or TCKs

  • TCK Worksheets — free worksheets to help facilitate conversations around grief, expectations, friendships and identity

  • Processing COVID as a Family — debriefing videos covering important topics such as "When ‘Leaving Well’ Didn’t Happen”, “Processing Sudden Grief & Loss” and “Applying Preventative Care”


If you have any other resources, input or ideas of how to care for MK + TCK’s, let us know!

THIRD CULTURE KIDS :