Adolescence is the period of growth and development between childhood and adulthood. Generally occurring between 10 and 19 years, it prepares the individual to face an adult world. During this stage physical and sexual development become evident. Also, the transition to social and economic independence, development of identity, acquisition of skills to establish adult relationships and assume adult functions. In addition, this stage is vital in the development of abstract reasoning (WHO, 2020).

Adolescence is synonymous with exceptional growth and great potential, but it also carries its own risks, in which social context can have a decisive influence; especially when it comes to “Cross-Cultural Kids” (CCKs) who are children that experience different cultures as bi-cultural kids, migrants, immigrants or adoptees. “Third-Culture Kids” (TCKs) are included in the modern concept of CCKs. Both CCKs and TCKs have passed a significant part of their developing years accompanying their parents to a country or countries different from the country of origin of at least one parent; be it for work or educational reasons. (Abrham, 2020; Pollock, van Reken and Pollock, 2017).

Frequent upheaval, such as moving country to country, can have lasting positive or negative effects on the health and well-being of adolescents. That’s why we believe that seeking professional help and guidance is part of the responsibility of raising an adolescent.

The sooner, the better!

As a parent, you should ask for help as soon as you detect that your adolescent has some difficulties or might be facing a hard time, or even ask for guidance just for yourself if you have doubts about how to navigate your child through this stage.

As a teenager or young adult, you may be on a bit of a downer and have lost interest in things that you usually enjoy, or maybe you are struggling to focus at school and feel overwhelmed. Perhaps you have already reached out for help, which is a step in the right direction. Reaching out for help is the first step to feeling better. But If you haven’t, don’t worry: you are not alone! THIS is the time to do it. You might think that your parents or those around you won’t understand, but your wellbeing is important and deserves attention. Just pick a time to talk.

Reach out soon!

Being a global teen comes with great strengths and advantages, such as:

• Ability to speak different languages
• Adaptability
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Empathy
• Openness to change
• Tolerance

But the same experience can also make the common adolescent challenge bigger, such as:

• Developing a personal identity and sense of belonging
• Uneven and possibly delayed maturity during adolescence
• Loss of friends
• Difficulties with conflict resolution
• Unresolved grief and loss