Kids in Berlin-- Surviving as Expat Parents

What snacks do I feed my kids in Berlin vs US?

We're raising our kids in a culture we didn't grow up in. It gives us a chance to reflect on parenting choices in a way that we wouldn't otherwise have access to. Being in a different culture means being confronted with different sets of 'common sense', different societal pressures.
In this episode we talk about snacks.
Food is a huge category! We focus on snacks here, through the first 9 years of life: in strollers, at kita (daycare), at pickup, after school. Culture clashes. Flash backs. Good and bad vibes from our food experiences. Spoiler: the bad vibes are school lunches, and good vibes are seasonal fruits and vegatables.
If you're raising kids anywhere in the world, listen in as we reflect on our experiences. Even when raising kids in your own culture, listening to clashes of expectations is relatable!

What is it like giving birth in the US vs Germany?

In this special 2 part episode, we talk about our experiences giving birth in the US and in Germany. Lots of reflection.
This is part 2 of 2.
In our other episodes, we look at how we approach parenting in a different culture than we grew up in. What surprised us? Confused us? Inspired us? We're finally at a point where we can look back and reflect on the experiences we lived through.
Listen in, and find us on Instagram at KidsInBerlinExpatParents.

Giving birth in Germany vs the US

Kids in Berlin- Surviving as Expat Parents. We have questions, we have experiences, we have opinions and we have humor. Michelle comes into the conversation as a US-American expat living in Berlin. Lindsey brings the "integrated foreigner" experience, also from the US.
In this episode, we compare our experiences being pregnant and giving birth in Berlin, Germany vs. New York, USA. Michelle and I entered the experience with vastly different mindsets and levels of preparation. Birth trauma, empowerment, mistakes, ideas. Sexism, the medical industry. We reflect on it all. We're about a decade out from the experiences, so we're able to laugh at it all. Listen in, and visit us on Instagram to join the conversation: KidsInBerlinExpatParents

Should my kid go nude in public?

Nudity? Yes, we're going there! And we're bringing out baggage with us. This was definitely a culture clash that has brought a lot of healing and freeing feelings with it. If you have body issues, qualms about nudity, discomfort with naked flesh, then please join the conversation with us! Find us on Instagram to join the conversation.
We were raised in the US and are now raising our own children in Berlin. We've each accrued about a decade of parenting experience abroad.

Should I speak German to my kids?

We didn't grow up here, but we're raising our kids here. English is our native language. But we're living in Germany. Should we speak German to our kids?
We don't have any advice, but we do have experience with and stories about the pressures, opportunities, and difficulties that come with raising your kid in different cluture and language.
Are you living in an environment with a language they're not fluent in, or that they had to work to become fluent in? Listen in!

Should my kid be alone on the playground?

In this episode, we talk about the framework in Germany for allowing our kids freedom to move about from a young age. We don't have answers, but we do have experiences. This is the podcast I wish I had when I was a new mom in a new country. Listen in, maybe it resonates with you.

Should I invite my kid’s entire class to the birthday party?

We're in Berlin, surviving parenthood. We don't have the answers, but we do have stories about our experiences raising kids in a culture we didn't grow up in.
Listen this week as we talk about parenting, culture and birthday parties.
Parenthood is a challenging landscape for everyone entering it! Wherever you are in the world, this is for you!

How do I make friends?

We're not here about advice, we're here about perspective. We're asking questions about parenting in a culture we didn't grow up, and using those questions as an excuse to tell our stories. This time, we're reflecting on making friends with 0-4 year olds in tow. Our stories take place in Berlin. Our childhoods took place in the US. Michelle is navigating the expat, Lindsey the national community. If you're an expat or a parent, use our conversation as inspiration to reflect. And share your stories!

Should I send my kid to daycare?

We were raised in the US and now here we are, raising our kids in Berlin.
Each episode we'll be focusing on a different aspect of parenting. This time: Daycare! What is the childcare situation in Berlin?
If you're an expat, a parent, a traveller: our experience raising kids in a culture we didn't grow up in is for you
And follow us! https://www.instagram.com/kidsinberlinexpatparents/