Baby M's Identity Crisis

Inside Baby M's blue American passport, it says, "Place of Birth: Switzerland." So things here never shocked her like they did her poor mother, The Frau.

Baby M never had to figure out how to love a Cervelat. Or go through things like Migros Moments. Or smile and nod during a Swiss German conversation without understanding a word—even after years of High German lessons.

In fact, Baby M seemed as Swiss as any Swiss baby. Until she turned two years old and went to celebrate the holidays in the U.S. for a couple of weeks.

From one world back to another

Upon her return, Baby M seems to have registered something. Namely, that she lives in two different worlds.

Poor Baby M. She had a rough start to the New Year. When The Frau took her to Kinderkrippe (Swiss daycare) on Monday after being away from it for almost three weeks, her face registered total shock.

Swiss German shock.

At a time when she had been talking more than ever, she didn’t say a word all day long, according to the teachers. She just sat there and stared at everyone.

The next day was better. By the evening, Baby M was saying Grüezi wohl to random strangers in the elevator and singing during dinner. But Baby M’s initial shock made The Frau realize that raising a third culture kid might have many more challenges in store.

Do you or your kids have trouble adjusting after being away from Switzerland for several weeks?