Culture Clash Parenting
Welcome to Culture Clash Parenting, the podcast where two friends, Marisa and Astrid, share their experiences raising children in foreign lands. With humor, heart, and over a decade of parenting wisdom, they navigate the challenges of blending cultures, overcoming language barriers, and juggling traditions. Whether you’re living abroad, planning an international move, or just curious about parenting across cultures, join us for practical tips, heartwarming stories, and plenty of laughs as we dive into this wild adventure together!
Culture Clash Parenting
Same Place, Different Kind of Trip
In this episode, we unpack what it feels like to visit “home” (aka your country of origin) solo vs. bringing your kids along for the ride. From family dynamics and sleep schedules to generational routines and emotional whiplash, we reflect on how going back to your roots as a parent reveals new layers of cultural clash. Whether it's decompressing alone or juggling kid chaos and grandparent expectations, we explore what it means to still be someone’s child while parenting your own.
Topics Discussed:
- How visiting parents solo vs. with kids changes the emotional and logistical experience
- Juggling old routines, aging parents, and parenting expectations
- The guilt of time, money, and missed moments — both past and future
- How Third Culture Kids experience “home” differently (or not at all)
Vocabulary Shared in This Episode:
- Wiener Schnitzel (German) – A breaded, fried veal (or pork) cutlet, often associated with traditional German and Austrian cuisine.
- Laisse tomber (French) – Literally "let it fall"; a common phrase meaning “never mind” or “forget it,” often used when giving up on an effort.
- Schloss Drachenburg (German) – A 19th-century villa-castle perched on Drachenfels hill in Königswinter, just outside Bonn, Germany. A nostalgic childhood destination Astrid references in this episode.
Your Turn!
Have you ever visited your parents without your kids in tow? How is it different?
Are your kids older now? How do you support and nurture the connection between them and their grandparents?
--
We want to hear from you! Share your personal stories of parenting across cultures or suggest topics for future episodes!
And don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe and leave us a review.
Connect with Us:
- Instagram: @cultureclashparenting
- Email: cultureclashparenting@gmail.com
Culture Clash Parenting is lovingly produced by Astrid and Marisa, fueled by laughter, late-night texts, and a shared passion for embracing the chaos that comes with raising multicultural children. We believe in the power of storytelling to create a more peaceful, patient, and equitable world.
Music and editing by Lonely Heaven Music
