Comments on: Where is your mother from?

By: Meg

Meg — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 13:24:35 +0000

Fascinating Vivienne. I love the story of your pupil being confused! My kids definitely feel English and even when they travel on their US passports, they still feel English!

By: Meg

Meg — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 13:20:18 +0000

Hi Pam, yes it can be so confusing! My daughter is at that age now where it’s starting to bother her. Not sure about my son – he’s never really brought up the issue with me but my daughter is keen to discuss it. I think talking about it with her helps. Thanks!

By: Vivienne Smith

Vivienne Smith — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 11:56:36 +0000

One of life’s dilemmas, indeed…Although I’ve lived in the UK since around 13 years old I was born in Nairobi from British parents. I distinctly remember telling one of my art pupils that I came from Kenya, only to be told:”but you’re white!” My husband is actually half Dutch but grew up in the UK and only knows a smattering of Dutch words or phrases. Although his mother hasn’t taught him any Dutch,for some reason she has always insisted that he get a Dutch passport. When we went on holiday to America a few years ago he was severely reprimanded for queuing up in the wrong place at passport control- he feels English, so that’s the queue he joined!

By: Pam LeBlanc

Pam LeBlanc — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 10:41:40 +0000

My kids have a similar issue. They were born in South Dakota, North Dakota and Germany. I’m from Scotland and their Dad is from California. When people ask where they’re from and they reply with where they were born, most often, those people don’t believe them and my kids feel like they have to explain themselves. Usually with the same result – disbelief. Luckily they’re still young enough that it doesn’t bother them too much, but I’m pretty sure as they get older, it’ll get more difficult. Ah, the joys Good luck with the book!