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!

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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

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 misunderstandings
• Language learning, emotional expression, and being misunderstood
• How intonation affects parenting and how switching languages can de-escalate emotional arguments

Your Turn!

What’s your experience with intonation in different languages? Has someone ever misunderstood you because of your tone?

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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

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 year
• Cultural differences in holiday closures (France vs. Germany)
• The evolution of store hours and holiday observance in Europe
• Chocolate egg hunts and coloring traditions across continents

Vocabulary 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 cultureclashparenting@gmail.com or tag us on Instagram @cultureclashparenting!

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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