Over 200 million people currently live abroad; more than 50 million are temporary residents, intending to return to their country of origin. Misunderstood explores the impact international life can have on the children of such families - while they live overseas, when they return, and as they mature into adults. Similarities in their shared experiences (regardless of the different countries in which they have lived) create a safe space of comfort and understanding. Tanya Crossman introduces this space - the Third Culture - through the personal stories of hundreds of individuals. Whether you grew up overseas, are raising children overseas, or know a family living abroad, Misunderstood will equip you with insights into the international experience, along with practical suggestions for how to offer meaningful care and support.

There are about one million Australian citizens living outside Australia, including families with children. Some are sent abroad for work - with DFAT, the ADF, NGOs, multinational companies, or missionary organisations. Others take jobs in their fields outside Australia, and still others move to be near family in other parts of the world. Australian kids growing up outside Australia are 'Third Culture Kids'(TCKs). They build childhood memories and emotional connections in other places and communities. Their concept of what it means to be 'Australian' will be impacted by these experiences, and their re-entry to Australia is often unexpectedly rocky. Thongs or Flip-Flops? provides Australian TCKs and Australian families living overseas with everything they need to know in order to thrive long term, no matter what paths they take in life.