Culture Clash Parenting

In this episode, we dive into the summer rhythms of American and European families. From France’s government-supported vacation programs to the U.S.’s work-focused approach, we explore how different cultures approach time off. We also share personal stories about international travel with kids, navigating airports, and what it means to juggle dual citizenship during the holiday season. Plus, we reveal plans for a special in-person recording coming soon!Topics Discussed:The cultural differences between American and European summer vacation norms like France's government-supported vacation programs vs. U.S. work-centric summers Why summer admin in France is nearly impossible—and what that means for families Personal travel plans and the unique experiences of families with dual citizenship Navigating international airports and documentation when traveling with kids Our plans for a meet-up and a special live recording!Vocabulary Shared in This Episode:● Colossus of Prora (German) – A massive seaside resort built during the Nazi era, later repurposed as a museum and vacation site ● Celsius vs. Fahrenheit – Understanding (and confusing!) temperature across different countries ● Dual Citizenship – Holding legal citizenship in two countries simultaneously, along with related travel documentationYour Turn!What’s your experience with summer vacation in your culture? Do you have a story about traveling with children or navigating airports with multiple passports? --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: @cultureclashparentingEmail: [email protected] 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

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 experienceJuggling old routines, aging parents, and parenting expectationsThe guilt of time, money, and missed moments — both past and futureHow 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: @cultureclashparentingEmail: [email protected] 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

In this episode, we dive into the musicality of language and explore how intonation—the rise and fall of our voices—can completely shape how we're understood (or misunderstood!) across cultures. From Gary Oldman’s method acting insights to awkward restaurant moments, we share how intonation influences identity, communication, and connection, especially when raising kids across languages. Join us as we laugh, cringe, and unpack how saying the same words can land very differently in German, French, and American cultures.Topics Discussed:What intonation is and why it matters in communication“She’s not rude, she’s German” – how tone can cause cross-cultural misunderstandingsLanguage learning, emotional expression, and being misunderstoodHow intonation affects parenting and how switching languages can de-escalate emotional argumentsYour Turn!What’s your experience with intonation in different languages? Has someone ever misunderstood you because of your tone?--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: @cultureclashparentingEmail: [email protected] 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

In this episode, we dive into the delightful chaos of spring holidays in multicultural families. From Passover Seders to Easter egg hunts (and everything in between), we share how our families celebrate, adapt, and blend traditions. Join us as we reflect on food, faith, and flexibility — all while parenting across cultures.Topics Discussed:How Passover and Easter overlapped this yearCultural differences in holiday closures (France vs. Germany)The evolution of store hours and holiday observance in EuropeChocolate egg hunts and coloring traditions across continentsVocabulary Shared in This Episode:Gefilte Fish (Yiddish) – A traditional Jewish dish made from a poached mix of ground deboned fish, typically served during Passover.Charoset (Hebrew) – A sweet paste made from fruits and nuts, symbolizing the mortar used by Hebrew slaves in Egypt.Misophonia (Medical term) – A condition where certain sounds trigger strong emotional reactions like anger or anxiety.Tell Us...How does your family celebrate spring holidays? Do you blend traditions or keep them distinct? We’d love to hear your stories! Send us a message at [email protected] or tag us on Instagram @cultureclashparenting!--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: @cultureclashparentingEmail: [email protected] 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

In this episode, we welcome special guest Colette Ballew — a Third Culture Kid who went on to raise Third Culture Kids of her own. From navigating interfaith family dynamics to blending French, American, Jewish, and Tunisian traditions, we explore how identity, language, and culture show up across generations.Join us as we dive into the power of storytelling, the complexity of belonging, and the beauty (and chaos!) of raising multilingual, multicultural children.🗣️ Note: This is one of our longer episodes — and for good reason! Colette’s story is rich with insight, humor, and heart.🧭 Topics Discussed:Colette’s upbringing across American, Jewish, Tunisian, and Christian traditions and how she raised her children with a mix of influencesHow language connects to memory, emotion, and cultural perceptionColette’s unexpected immigration story and reflections on citizenshipLanguage acquisition, multilingual parenting, and teaching techniquesThe emotional legacy of cultural blending and storytelling across time …and more!📚 Vocabulary Shared in This Episode:Third Culture Kid (TCK) – A child raised in a culture different from their parents' or passport country, often blending multiple identities.Seder (Hebrew) – A Jewish ritual feast marking the start of Passover.Chocolatine vs. Pain au Chocolat (French) – Regional terms in France for a chocolate-filled pastry; a playful cultural divide.Nikitu (North African) – A traditional soup passed down through Colette’s Tunisian-Jewish heritage.Receptive vs. Expressive Language – Terms used in language development to distinguish understanding from spoken output.💬 Your turn:What’s your experience blending cultural traditions in your family? Are you raising Third Culture Kids — or were you one yourself?We’d love to hear your story! Send us a message at [email protected] or tag us on Instagram @cultureclashparenting!--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: @cultureclashparentingEmail: [email protected] 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

Daylight Savings Time is messing with us again—and this episode is proof! In Episode 13, Marisa and Astrid show up late and lean all the way into the chaos of time zones, cultural differences, and parenting schedules gone wrong.From accidentally mismatched calendars to nursing babies who run on their own clocks, we explore the ways personality, culture, and parenting styles shape how we experience time.Are you someone who plans ahead and adjusts early? Or are you just trying to keep your head above water and maybe show up within a 10-minute grace window? You’re not alone.Topics DiscussedThe US and Europe’s out-of-sync daylight savings scheduleHow Google Calendar and second time zones changed Marisa' lifeThe myth of German punctuality—and how it really worksHow our kids’ personalities mirror (or don't) our own when it comes to timeCulture, personality, or parenting style: What really shapes your relationship to time?Vocabulary Shared:Winterzeit/Sommerzeit (German), literally winter time/summer time in English. In the US, we use Standard Time/Daylight Savings Time. Ein Uhr Cum Tempere (German) refers to the extra 15 minutes of "academic time" that one is allowed before being truly considered late versus Sine tempere when you had to be somewhere "on the dot" as we would say in English.Nounou (French): child care provider Nounours (French): teddy bearYour Turn!How does daylight savings impact your family? Are you a planner or a go-with-the-flow type? Do you believe time habits are nature or nurture?We’d love to hear your stories—especially the messy ones!Email us at: [email protected] us on Instagram: @cultureclashparenting--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: @cultureclashparentingEmail: [email protected] 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

Carnaval, Mardi Gras, and Purim—three celebrations, countless traditions! In this episode, we explore how different cultures mark this festive season with costumes, parades, and plenty of chaos.Astrid shares what it was like celebrating Carnaval in Germany, where the party lasts from Thursday to Tuesday (yes, almost a whole week!). Marisa explains how Purim, a Jewish holiday, is like a Jewish version of Carnaval—with costumes, noise-makers, and of course, delicious Hamantaschen cookies.Join us for a lively discussion on how different cultures bring their own unique flair to this time of year!Topics DiscussedThe wild week of Carnaval in Germany (Why does it last six days?!)Mardi Gras traditions (Throw me something, Mister!)Is Purim like the Jewish Carnaval?How different religious traditions overlap during this time of yearExplore More from This EpisodeWant to bake Purim Hamantaschen? Try Marisa’s favorite easy recipe from Tori Avey: Buttery Hamantaschen RecipeCheck out some Carnaval history & float pictures from Germany: See the parade floats & traditions hereLearn more about holiday traditions around the world! Marisa’s book, Everybody Celebrates!: A Fun Family Guide to Discovering Holidays Around the World, is available now: Get the book on AmazonYour Turn!What’s your favorite Carnaval or Mardi Gras tradition? Have you ever celebrated travelled to celebrate it? Tell us your best party, costume, or parade story in the comments!Email us: [email protected] us on Instagram: @cultureclashparenting--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: @cultureclashparentingEmail: [email protected] 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

In this episode, we dive into the cultural differences between group work and individual work in schools and workplaces. Inspired by a personal experience with my son’s school project, we discuss how different education systems approach collaboration, independence, and grading.Are group projects really teaching teamwork, or are they just a source of frustration? How do different cultures balance collective success versus individual accountability? Let’s explore how our parenting experiences reveal deeper cultural norms about work, responsibility, and fairness.Topics DiscussedThe challenges of group projects in middle school and how different school systems handle themCultural perspectives on collaboration – the US, France, and Germany comparedThe impact of technology on group work and communicationHow workplace dynamics reflect early education systemsThe link between education styles and cultural values (teamwork vs. autonomy)Key Concepts in This EpisodeGroup Work vs. Individual WorkGroup work (English) / Travail en groupe (French) / Gruppenarbeit (German) – Working collaboratively on a projectIndividual work (English) / Travail individuel (French) / Einzelarbeit (German) – Completing assignments independentlyStudy hall (English) / Permanence (French) / Gemeinschaftsraum (German) – Time during the school day for completing assignmentsFunny & Relatable MomentsAstrid shares how in Germany, they had almost no group projects… except in PE, where she had to choreograph a dance based on a famous painting.Marisa shares how in the US, group projects started early, but since kids didn’t have phones, they had to make actual plans, like, ‘Meet me by the lockers at 3 PM.’Your Turn!How does your culture handle group work vs. individual work? Do you have a funny or frustrating group project story? We’d love to hear from you!📩 Email us: [email protected]📲 DM us on Instagram: @cultureclashparenting--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: @cultureclashparentingEmail: [email protected] 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

If you want to check out the video version, be sure to check out our youtube channel: @cultureclashparentingIn this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of idiomatic expressions across English, French, and German. Have you ever translated a phrase word-for-word and ended up with total nonsense? We’ve all been there! Language is more than just words—it’s history, humor, and culture wrapped into unique expressions.Join us as we explore some of the funniest and most unexpected idioms that reveal cultural differences, generational shifts, and even a bit of linguistic humor from our kids!Vocabulary Shared in This EpisodeMaking assumptions too soonEnglish: Don’t count your chickens before they hatchFrench: Ne vends pas la peau de l’ours avant de l’avoir tué (Don’t sell the bear’s skin before you’ve killed it)German: Man soll den Tag nicht vor dem Abend loben (Don’t praise the day before the evening)Having a hoarse voiceEnglish: To have a frog in your throatFrench: Avoir un chat dans la gorge (To have a cat in the throat)German: Einen Frosch im Hals haben (To have a frog in the throat)Standing someone upEnglish: To stand someone upFrench: Poser un lapin à quelqu’un (To leave a rabbit with someone)German: Jemanden sitzen lassen (To leave someone sitting)Children resembling their parentsEnglish: The apple doesn’t fall far from the treeFrench: Les chiens ne font pas des chats (Dogs don’t make cats)Accepting fate or that something is hopelessEnglish: That’s the way the cookie crumblesFrench: C’est la fin des haricots (It’s the end of the beans)Not caring about somethingFrench: C’est égal (It’s all the same to me)German: Das ist mir Wurst (That’s sausage to me)Everything eventually coming to an endGerman: Alles hat ein Ende, nur die Wurst hat zwei (Everything has an end, only the sausage has two)Heavy rainEnglish: It’s raining cats and dogsFrench: Il pleut des cordes (It’s raining ropes)German: Es regnet Bindfäden (It’s raining threads/strings); Es regnet wie aus Kübeln (It’s raining buckets)Describing terrible weatherGerman: Sauwetter (Female pig weather) or Das ist ein Wetter, um im Bett zu bleiben (That’s a weather to stay in bed)Telling someone to mind their own businessEnglish: That’s none of your businessFrench: C’est pas tes oignons (That’s not your onions!)German: Das geht dich nichts anYour turn!What are your favorite idioms from your languag--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: @cultureclashparentingEmail: [email protected] 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

If you want to check out the video version, be sure to check out our youtube channel: @cultureclashparentingWhat’s on your child’s school lunch tray? In this episode, we dig into the fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) differences in school lunches across cultures. From French multi-course meals to American cafeteria nacho bars, we explore what kids are eating at school and how food policies shape their choices. We also share our own experiences—from childhood lunch memories to feeding our multicultural teens today.Topics Discussed:How school lunches differ in France, Germany, and the U.S.The impact of school food policies on nutrition and student choices.The role of parental involvement in shaping kids’ eating habits.Personal experiences with school meals—then vs. now.The cultural significance of food in education systems.Vocabulary Shared in This Episode:Cantine (French) – The school cafeteria, where students are served a multi-course meal.Mittagessen (German) – Midday meal, traditionally eaten at home, but now served at school as schedules shift.National School Lunch Program (U.S.) – A program funded by US taxpayers and operated by the US Dept of Agriculture. It provides meals at a discount or no cost for qualifying families.Poisson Pané (French) – Literally "breaded fish," but also part of a classic joke about a fish that can’t smell (you’ll hear it in the episode!).Chandeleur (French) – The French holiday we talked about in Episode 4. It means crêpes for everyone—because food traditions extend beyond school lunches! This is the recipe (in French) Marisa uses to make hers.Your turn!What were your favorite (or least favorite) school lunches growing up? How does your child’s school handle meals? --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: @cultureclashparentingEmail: [email protected] 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

In this episode, we reflect on some of the unique dynamics of secondary education systems across cultures. From conseil de classe in France to the German Abitur, we kick of 2025 by sharing how we're navigating reentry after the holidays. Join us as we share personal anecdotes, insights, and the unexpected surprises of parenting our multicultural teens.Topics Discussed:The transition between semesters and report card timelines in France, Germany, and the U.S.Examples of the pressures and opportunities faced by third-culture kids in navigating multiple education systems.A comparison of college and university structures across countries.Where we are with our reflections as we support our older kids in choosing their educational paths—both locally and abroad.Vocabulary Shared in This Episode:Conseil de classe: A parent-teacher-student meeting in France to discuss academic performance.Collège (French): Middle school in France, covering US grades 6–9.Lycée (French): High school in France, covering grades 10–12.Baccalauréat (Bac): The French high school diploma and university entrance qualification.Die Unterstufe (German): Lower middle school in Germany, typically covering grades 5-7.Die Mittelstufe (German): Upper school in Germany, typically covering grades 8-11.Die Oberschule (German): High school in Germany, covering grades 11–13.Abitur (Abi): The German equivalent of the bac, required for university admission.Third-culture kids: Children raised in cultures different from their parents' home culture(s), often blending influences from multiple environments.Your turn:What unique traditions or systems have you encountered in education where you live? How do you prepare your children to navigate these differences? --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: @cultureclashparentingEmail: [email protected] 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

Introduction:Happy New Year! We’re excited to share our first episode of 2025 with you. In this episode, we reflect on how different cultures celebrate the start of the year. From pomegranates in Greece to chimney sweeps in Germany, we share our personal traditions and explore symbols of luck, family, and hope across the globe. Whether you celebrated with fireworks and champagne or went to bed early, this episode is all about stepping into 2025 with joy and connection.Topics Discussed:Marisa’s New Year’s traditions, including celebrating her New Year’s Baby with fondue chinois.Astrid’s family meal featuring a recipe from our holiday cookbook—download it here.German New Year traditions like lead pouring, Dinner for One, and the lucky chimney sweep.What Marisa learned about Greek customs during her family's vacation.Vocabulary and Symbols Shared in This Episode:Bonne année / Meilleurs voeux: French phrases to wish someone a Happy New Year and best wishes.Frohes Neues Jahr / Alles Gute: German phrases for Happy New Year and best wishesLa Fondue Chinoise: A Swiss-inspired meal where thinly sliced meat and vegetables are cooked in broth at the table.Dinner for One: A classic British sketch that has become a New Year’s Eve staple in Germany.Lead Pouring: A German tradition, also used in some Jewish cultures, where melted lead is dropped into water to predict the future.Chimney Sweep: A symbol of good luck in German culture (and others if Mary Poppins is to be believed).We Want to Hear from You:How do you celebrate the New Year? What are your favorite traditions, foods, or good luck symbols? We’d love to hear how you say “Happy New Year” in your language!--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: @cultureclashparentingEmail: [email protected] 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

In this episode, we explore the joys and challenges of blending holiday traditions as multicultural and interfaith families. From menorahs to Christmas stockings, gumball trees to Secret Santa exchanges, we share stories of how we navigate the holiday season while honoring our children’s diverse cultural and religious identities. We also dive into the role of holiday music in creating joy. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, a mix of both or something entirely different, this episode is all about finding connection and magic during “the most wonderful time of the year”.Topics Discussed:Blending cultural influences and creating new traditions for our childrenThe role of holiday decorations and music in creating a festive atmosphereDifferences between European and American holiday celebrationsThe joy and meaning behind gift-giving and thoughtful gesturesSpreading Holiday Cheer Together:Celebrate the season with us by taking part in the holiday magic! Drop us an email at [email protected] or head over to Instagram and let us know:Your favorite holiday gifts—both received and given.Your favorite holiday songs (and/or ask Marisa for her curated playlist that includes favorites like “Hanukkah Blessings” by Barenaked Ladies.--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: @cultureclashparentingEmail: [email protected] 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

In this episode, we dive into the delicious world of holiday foods across cultures! From Thanksgiving leftovers to Christmas goose, foie gras, and mulled wine, we share stories of the dishes that make our holidays special. We discuss how our favorite traditions have evolved as cross-cultural parents, blending the flavors of our childhoods with the customs of the countries we now call home. Hungry yet? Tune in to explore the festive meals and treats that bring us joy and connection during the holiday season.Topics Discussed:Thanksgiving traditions and recipes, including sweet potato variations and stuffingExploring European holiday staples: goose, foie gras, and racletteChocolate traditions, from Hanukkah gelt to Advent calendars and Swiss cauldronsSuperstitions and traditions, including lucky New Year’s foods like black-eyed peas, seafood, and German lead pouringDownload Our Holiday Recipe Book:We’ve gathered the recipes we discussed in this episode into a downloadable recipe book for you to enjoy and share. Download it hereWhat’s on your holiday table? Whether it’s a favorite family recipe, a new cultural twist, or a lucky food tradition, we’d love to hear your stories. Send us your recipes and memories, and let us know if you’re okay with us sharing them in our global holiday cookbook. --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: @cultureclashparentingEmail: [email protected] 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

In this episode, we kick off our holiday series with a lively discussion about blending and preserving holiday traditions from our cultures. We specifically talk about three favorites (that all revolve around food!): Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Chandeleur. We share our experiences as parents navigating holiday celebrations across countries and traditions and how we're teaching our kids the meaning behind each holiday while juggling the busy season.Tune in to hear our stories, laughter, and tips for making the holidays meaningful, no matter where you are.Topics Discussed:The challenges and joys of blending holidays from multiple culturesHow food traditions create connection during the holiday seasonThe differences between European and American celebrations of Thanksgiving, Halloween, and ChandeleurTeaching kids about gratitude, family, and cultural traditionsVocabulary Shared in This Episode:Thanksgiving (English): A harvest holiday centered around gratitude, food, and family gatherings and celebrated on the 4th Thursday of NovemberDas Erntedankfest (German): Literally "the harvest thank festival," a religious harvest celebrationHalloween (English): Celebrated on October 31, known for costumes, candy, and spooky fun. In other traditions, this day is observed as Samhain or All Hallows’ Eve, marking a time to honor the dead and the transition into winter.Trick or Treat (English) / Un bonbon ou un sort (French): The iconic phrase kids use to ask for candyAllerheiligen/Toussaint (All Saints’ Day): Celebrated on November 1, a day to honor the dead and remember loved ones who have passed away, often marked by visiting cemeteries and leaving flowers.Sankt Martin/Martinstag (German): Celebrating Saint Martin of Tours on November 11th with lantern parades and baked treatsWeckmann (German): A sweet bread shaped like a gingerbread man with a pipe, traditionally given on Sankt Martin's DayChandeleur (French): Also known as Candlemas, a Christian holiday commemorating the presentation of Jesus at the temple. In modern France, it is primarily celebrated by making and eating crêpes, with traditions like flipping crêpes for good luck.We Want to Hear from You:What are your favorite holiday traditions, and how do you keep them alive across cultures? Do you celebrate any of the holidays we discussed, or have a unique tradition to share? We’d love to hear your stories! Send us a message or tag us on Instagram to join the conversation.--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: @cultureclashparentingEmail: [email protected] 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

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating differences in how the concept of "parenting" varies across cultures, starting with a surprising fact: the word "parenting" doesn’t even exist in some languages, like French and German! We discuss how these linguistic differences reflect deeper cultural expectations around raising children and the role of parents. From whether parents should help with homework to when kids are expected to walk to school independently, we share our own experiences and insights as expats navigating parenting in new cultures.Topics Discussed in This Episode:The absence of the term "parenting" in French and German, and what it reveals about cultural valuesDifferent expectations around parental involvement in homeworkBalancing independence and guidance, especially in school and social settingsHow language and culture influence perceptions of "good parenting" and autonomyVocabulary Shared in This Episode: Parenting/ParenthoodFrench: "La parentalité (parenthood) and “élever” (to raise)German: “Die Elternschaft" (parenthood); Die Erziehung” (child-rearing) and "erziehen" (to raise)We want to hear from you! Tell us how parenting is viewed in your culture. Is there even a word for it?--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: @cultureclashparentingEmail: [email protected] 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

In this episode of Culture Clash Parenting, Marisa and Astrid dive into the humorous and sometimes embarrassing world of "faux amis," or "false friends"—words that sound the same across languages but mean completely different things. They share personal stories of language mishaps and explore how such experiences shape their lives as expat parents. From accidentally calling their kids rude names to confusing medical terms that lead to near heart attacks, they laugh through the chaos and lessons of navigating language barriers.Topics Discussed in This Episode:Understanding "faux amis" and the funny language mix-ups they createHow language differences can lead to embarrassing (or hilarious) situations with kids, family, and friendsThe courage to speak and make mistakes as a foreigner in a new countryTips for using humor and resilience as tools for adaptation and growthEncouragement for listeners to embrace language mistakes and the learning they bringKey Takeaways:Language barriers can create surprising (and often humorous) misunderstandings. Learning from these moments is essential to adapting in a new culture.Having an accent or making mistakes in a foreign language is a sign of courage and effort. Marisa and Astrid encourage others to celebrate their bravery.Sharing these humorous moments helps create a sense of community and resilience among those navigating cross-cultural experiences.A Few of Our Favorite Faux AmisDownload your FREE PDF of the faux amis we mentioned in this episode here.--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: @cultureclashparentingEmail: [email protected] 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

In the debut episode of Culture Clash Parenting, co-hosts Marisa Raymond and Astrid share their powerful journey of friendship, beginning in an online miscarriage support group in 2006. Both women, hailing from different parts of the world—Marisa, an American living in France, and Astrid, a German who moved to the U.S.—discuss their shared experiences of loss, cultural differences in healthcare, and the emotional toll of miscarriage.Marisa reflects on her challenges navigating the U.S. healthcare system, including difficulties accessing prenatal genetic testing, and contrasts this with the care she received when experiencing another miscarriage in France. Astrid opens up about her miscarriage experience in the U.S. and the challenges with finding support in a foreign land.Together, they emphasize the critical role of community and support during difficult times, especially for those living abroad. With warmth and empathy, they encourage listeners to share their own stories of loss and offer suggestions for building support systems across cultures.Key Takeaways:You are not alone—finding support, whether online or in person, can make a significant difference in your healing journey.Cultural clashes in healthcare systems can add challenges, but navigating these with the help of others brings strength.Humor, empathy, and love are essential tools for coping with loss and raising children in multicultural environments.Resources Mentioned:October 15th Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for families who have experienced pregnancy loss.--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: @cultureclashparentingEmail: [email protected] 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