BAMBI Magazine July-August 2024

Cover of BAMBI Magazine July-August 2024

View BAMBI Magazine July-August 2024 PDF

 

Dear BAMBI families,

 

Warmest greetings from me. I’m Hilda Anita, the new BAMBI playgroups coordinator, and this is my first chance to officially say hi to everyone through the magazine! 

 

This month's issue is about raising our children, many of whom are third culture kids (TCKs), as well-rounded global citizens. I didn’t grow up as a TCK, but because I’m Indonesian-born Chinese, I did face second-culture struggles. I also feel a connection to this topic because my husband was raised as a TCK. He faced many struggles as he kept having to adapt to new environments every few years. And currently it’s happening to our children as well. 

 

We are a family of four. My husband, who is Japanese, was born in Taiwan and lived in the USA. My children were born in Japan and Thailand, and we currently live in Bangkok, but within a few years, we will move to another country.

 

As a parent, I’m a bit concerned with the uncertainty. My children don't really understand yet because they’re still young. But I worry that they might struggle growing up in different environments and constantly adapting to new situations.

 

That being said, I know the world we live in is constantly changing. Many parents decide to work remotely, and global citizens like us are becoming the norm. In fact, with the ease of access to information through the internet and social networks, moving and adapting is becoming easier.

 

Having these constant struggles and challenges is actually sharpening our skills of adaptation and we’re gaining more knowledge and wisdom from them. As parents we have to be more than prepared to overcome these challenges, so that our children can have easier transitions from one situation to another.

 

One of my principles in life is to always try to look at the positive side of every situation. Moving and adapting to new circumstances is not easy, but I look at it as a new adventure bringing new life experiences. This principle is one I’m going to show to my children as well, so that they understand change doesn’t have to be bad. Change is about evolving, as the world always does. Change is the new constant.

 

Hopefully along the way our family will develop the empathy and wisdom we need to more confidently take on the ever-changing world around us. 

 

BAMBI is always trying its best to facilitate a supportive and inclusive community, and we encourage all our members to please help and support each other too as we never know what struggles others are facing. Keep spreading and sharing the love and support! 

 

Warm wishes and hugs,

 

Hilda Anita

BAMBI playgroups coordinator

 

 

View BAMBI Magazine July-August 2024 PDF