Rev. Keith Mariott, pastor of the Minden Presbyterian Church, recently led an informative discussion about “Third Culture Kids,” people who have spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside the parents’ culture. “The TCK builds relationships to all the cultures, while not having full ownership in any,” Mariott said, building a description of the child, or now-adult’s, advantages and disadvantages. Advantages like linguistic ability, independence, cross-cultural skills, high flexibility, having a three-dimensional world view, education, and family closeness are positive influences. However, many TCKs have trouble fitting in, have trouble identifying their roots, fear getting close to others, have unresolved grief or sadness and hidden losses, often feel marginalized, and often feel angry at their helplessness. All teachers, school administrators, therapists, missionary parents, traveling business people, military families and more should learn all they can about TCKs. “Always keep in mind that these children view the world through the lens of many cultures…do not assume anything about their world,” Mariott emphasized. “After you have identified them, listen and learn; they have much to teach you.” (Photo by Marilyn Miller)