I recently came across a brilliant reel that says, "We're not just immigrant kids, we're also calling assistants, trades apprentices, translators, landscapers, furniture movers, financial advisors, technology experts, winemakers."

The comment section did not disappoint either.

One person wrote, "Me on the phone with the immigration lawyers at the age of 9. My dad: 'What do you mean you don't understand? What do they teach you in school?'"

Another person shared, "I'll never forget getting yelled at for not knowing how to do my parent's taxes at 13. I was in shambles."

A third person wrote, "This is why we're so great at adulting. We've been adults since we learned to read." And another added, "This whole comment section just triggered me, because why were we doing our parent's taxes, being everyone's translator, emotional mediator, and IT personnel at 10 y/o? Being parentified but also being treated like a child was a wild ride bro. I was burnt out by the time I moved out, and I rarely visit anymore."

There are more than 3,200 comments on that reel, showing how many people found themselves in the content. One person wrote, "Is there a children of immigrant parents support group lol there has to be!!!!"

I find these comments touching and sufficient; I even wanted to leave the blog only with these lines, as they are, in a way, sufficient. But I want to round it up and see why it can be good to be a child of immigrants, backed up by some research, and explore the difference between immigrant children and Third Culture Kids.

Immigrant children grow up in a culture different from their parents' homeland. This duality can be both enriching and challenging. On one hand, they have the advantage of experiencing multiple cultures, which can make them more adaptable and open-minded. On the other hand, they may struggle with a sense of belonging, feeling caught between two worlds.

This duality is a common theme among immigrant children. They often feel the pressure to fit in with their peers while honoring their family's cultural heritage.

The term "immigrant children" encompasses a wide range of experiences. Some may have been born in their parents' home country and moved at a young age, while others are born in the new country but raised with strong ties to their heritage. Regardless of their specific circumstances, these children share the experience of navigating multiple cultural landscapes.

In the 21st century, the movement of people across borders is more common than ever. This means that many children grow up with a foot in two (or more) cultures. They might speak multiple languages, celebrate different holidays, and have a broader worldview.

It can also be challenging. Immigrant children may face identity crises, feeling like they don't fully belong to either culture. They might struggle with language barriers, discrimination, or the pressure to assimilate. These challenges can shape their experiences and influence their sense of self. *

The experiences of immigrant children are diverse and multifaceted. Their journeys may be challenging, but they also offer opportunities for growth, understanding, and connection.

Research shows that children of immigrants often surpass their parents and move up the economic ladder. **

They tend to have a strong work ethic, resilience, and adaptability, which are valuable traits in today's globalized world. Being bilingual or multilingual is another significant advantage, opening up more opportunities in education and the job market.***

I recently wrote about Third Culture Kids (TCKs), and you can read that specific blog post as well. Just in short:

Difference between immigrant children and third culture kids

Immigrant children:

- Typically move from one country to another permanently

- Focus on integrating into a single new culture

- Feel torn between their native and new cultures

Third culture kids (TCKs):

- Often move multiple times across different countries

- Integrate aspects of multiple cultures into their identity

- Feel a sense of belonging with other TCKs who share similar experiences

Immigrant children are more culturally adept and possess a wealth of interpersonal skills.

They are often more empathetic, adaptable, and globally aware.

The challenges that they face can become their greatest strengths, illuminating their paths and enriching their lives.

 As the poet Rumi beautifully said, "The wound is the place where the Light enters you."

*https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-hidden-stress-of-growing-up-a-child-of-immigrants-v26n3/

**https://time.com/6182715/immigrants-children-us-mobility/

***https://www.elitedaily.com/life/culture/four-benefits-raised-immigrant-parents/734616