Raising teenagers comes with its own complexities wherever you are in the world. Doing so overseas adds another layer as young people navigate identity, friendships, education, and belonging across cultures and constant change.

In this episode, we explore what it means to support teenagers through the diplomatic lifestyle and how to balance their growing independence with the realities of a globally mobile life.

Anna shares her personal experiences of raising teenagers overseas and reflects on the challenges, decisions, and emotional that shape this stage of parenting.

In this episode, we explore:

-How much to involve teenagers in decisions about moves and postings

-The impact of relocation on identity, friendships, and sense of belonging

-How diplomatic life can shape a teenager’s worldview in both positive and challenging ways

-Supporting teenagers emotionally through transitions, loss, and change

-Navigating education choices, continuity, and long-term planning

-Ways to create stability, trust, and open communication during this stage of life

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ASK your questions on our anonymous link: https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5

🎧 Connect with your hosts:

Anna – Instagram: @notjustaspouse | notjustaspouse.com | anna@notjustaspouse.com

Emma – Instagram: @thezestielife | emma@zestie.org | zestie.carrd.co

In this special episode we are joined by Shaden, who has experienced diplomatic life from three unique perspectives. She grew up as a diplomat child, later became a diplomat spouse, and is now raising her own children within this globally mobile life.

Drawing on her personal journey across countries, cultures, and life stages, Shaden shares how those experiences eventually inspired her to write a children’s book, Adam the Tiny Diplomat, a story created to help children understand movement, belonging, and what it means to call many places home.

In this episode we talk about:

• How Shaden turned her family’s lived experience into a story that could support other children navigating diplomatic life
• The courage it takes to reinvent yourself creatively and step into authorship

If you would like to get in touch with Shaden her instagram is @Shaden_Kraishan

ASK your questions on our anonymous link: https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5

🎧 Connect with your hosts:

Anna – Instagram: @notjustaspouse | notjustaspouse.com | anna@notjustaspouse.com

Emma – Instagram: @thezestielife | emma@zestie.org | zestie.carrd.co

Welcoming a baby is a life-changing experience wherever you are in the world. Doing so overseas can bring both beauty and challenge as you navigate early parenthood while being far from familiar support systems.

In this episode, we explore what it looks like to care for and raise babies abroad and the role that community, or the absence of it, plays in that experience.

Anna shares her personal journey of having her three children in three different cities, with and without family support.

In this episode, we explore:

- The importance of familial support and what happens when it is not available

- How to build your own community and support network from scratch

- Ways to ask for help, receive support, and create a sense of connection during this stage of life

Even when family is far away, support and connection can still be built around you.

ASK your questions on our anonymous link: https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5

🎧 Connect with your hosts:

Anna – Instagram: @notjustaspouse | notjustaspouse.com | anna@notjustaspouse.com

Emma – Instagram: @thezestielife | emma@zestie.org | zestie.carrd.co