An introduction from New Zealand
Hi folks.
I originated in Montana in the States, grew up on a wheat farm there, got my degree there, started employment, got married, and had a couple of kids there. About 6 months ago we moved to the south island of New Zealand. Something we’d heard about and recently started researching was this idea of TCK’s. That led me to this site, where I hope I can learn some useful information to help guide my children through all of this, and potentially contribute any bits that I’ve found useful.
Jerry
Jerry Spicher
I grew up on a remote wheat farm in Montana (USA) for the first 18 years, moved to a larger town (still in Montana) for college and the beginning part of my career for the next 15 years, and I recently moved to New Zealand with my wife and two young children.5 Comments to “An introduction from New Zealand”
January 29th, 2008 at 3:26 am
I don’t think repatriating to the US from New Zealand will be that big a deal although your children will probably have to ‘fix’ their accent when they return. Do they sound like New Zealanders already?
I lived in NZ for one year from 7-8 years old and had a great time. It’s really a great country for younger kids. While there, I learned to love lamb chops and Vegemite and licorice!
When I arrived there I was teased about sounding like an American but I think I made a few friends and I was used to moving around already so if the kids weren’t letting me into their groups I didn’t really notice it :p Of course when I went back to the Philippines (to this American community there) - they laughed because I had already picked up the NZ accent!
Some things were different - like the spelling. This was a bit of a problem during transition but other than that I can’t remember huge cultural differences that were crippling
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January 29th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
We don’t really have many concerns culturally I suppose. Most of NZ TV is imported from the US, and they (for better AND worse) seem bent on imitating the US. Though everything you hear about NZ being a good 20 years behind the times does hold true in many ways! Of biggest interest would be hearing how people deal with friendships, and trying to give our children the tools they need. Judging form some of the posts I’ve already read, it sounds like being there and listening to them…their anger, their issues…and not just telling them they’ll thank me for it later, may go a little ways toward helping them cope. I should also add, we’re not even in a position to move back to the states yet, just doing our homework for when that next move inevitably occurs.
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January 29th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Jerry, welcome to tckid!
The fact that you’re here is encouraging. I think your kids will thank you for being proactive in helping them.
You’ve got most of this right, being there for them and listening to them is very helpful, especially when they’re in their teenage years.
I highly suggest you get the book linked on the groups page, there are specific suggestions on this topic on how to help younger kids make new friends after a transition and how to get the schools involved.
I hope you’ll find a lot of answers here and help from other parents of TCKs.
Heres your picture welcome
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January 29th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
welcome to tckid jerry! welll.. i havent been to NZ, but i have a few friends there and at one point, my parents thought about moving here. unfortunately, we ended up in canada, where all the snow seems to be at right now. anyways, i wont complain any more.
it’s great though that you’re there for your children! as a (TCK) teenager, i KNOW how crucial it is for parents to be there, and they’ll thank you for that, if you do it right.
just listen to what they have to say. sometimes it might not be easy to listen to, especially during hard times, but it’s good to let them know you’re willing to listen, and not shut em out.
im sure they’ll make friends over there. as far as i know, NZders are fun people, and friendly. good luck though, and see you around the site!
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February 5th, 2008 at 10:25 am
hi Jerry
I want to add that, besides listening, it’s great if you VALIDATE your kids’ feelings.
Allow them to feel sad/frustrated/out of place. Avoid the typical “but X and X here is so good, you should be happy here”.
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