Holding the Fort Abroad

Episode Takeaways:Flor Garcia has experience of frequent business travel in family life, and now that her children have grown up she explains to us how she and her husband adapted frequent business travel with children who have flown the nest! Flor works across cultures and helps organisational leaders deliver sustainable, cost effective solutions for global teams. She is also the President of Families in Global Transitions. Key Takeaways Flor’s story and message to new mums with travelling partnersFlor was born and raised in Venezuela, where she lived until age 22. In 2002, she left her homeland, got married, and settled in the southern United States. There, she and her husband started their family, welcoming their first son just a year and a half after marriage as her husband worked on building his career and started travelling. She acknowledged the loneliness of those years and offers hope.She emphasizes self-compassion: “You don’t have to know it all or do it all perfectly.”Avoid isolation and seek connections, even if language or cultural barriers feel daunting.Your capacity for resilience and adaptability is a gift to your children.“there is the hope of knowing that, you know, you're raising children that are going to grow in a way that they are going to learn by example what it is to be, to adjust, to adapt, to be agile. In different circumstances, they see their mothers juggling and trying different things.”Careers & Community:The importance of nonlinear, portable careers—embracing flexibility and finding the common thread in your professional path.Families in Global Transition (FIGT) is a supportive community for anyone navigating globally mobile lifestyles. It offers resources, networking, and opportunities for learning and growth.Adapting in New Seasons:With grown children, Flor Garcia now joins her husband on trips, enjoying new routines and intentional reconnection as a couple.She highlights the importance of being intentional about rediscovering partnership when transitioning into “bird launcher” parents (i.e. children flying the nest)Flor Garcia is a global cultural strategy leader who advises senior executives on how to lead and perform across complexity. With over 15 years of experience, she has partnered with multinational organizations to align culture, leadership, and business strategy across regions.Flor is known for translating cultural dynamics into practical leadership actions that improve decision-making, alignment, and performance. She has led large-scale global initiatives reaching thousands of leaders across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC.As President of Families in Global Transition, she also supports a global community navigating identity, mobility, and belonging across borders.Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, Flor brings both lived experience and strategic rigor to her work.She is the co-founder of Leading Across Culture, where she helps organizations turn cultural complexity into clarity, connection, and growth.Connect with Flor LinkedInLeading Across CultureFind out more about Families in Global Transitions (FIGT) at Families in Global Transition - HomeTwo events you may be interested in: FIGT is holding a session on nonlinear careers in June -ideal for anyone wrestling with professional transitions across borders (43:17).FIGT April Forum: Connect with globally-minded peers and experts, membership optional.Contact Rhoda: [email protected] news regularly on new episodes of HTFA Podcast and on new events and resources. Subscribe to my newsletter.Buy the book: Holding the Fort AbroadYour partner's job opportunity in another country seemed like an exciting idea, but lengthy work assignments mean you're holding down the family fort - alone.OR Your partner is working and living in another country, and you feel like you are shouldering all the home responsibilities alone.You may be wondering:How can we be a family when we're miles apart?Can I cope, alone, when troubles arise?I believe there are answers to the above questions, and the answers start with you. In this context, it's more important than ever to invest in yourself, to care for yourself, to set your own goals and to watch yourself grow. Equally important is to nurture your relationship with your partner and learn to parent together.

Synopsis:Practical strategies for families when one parent works away. Part 1 is on the importance of naming your family structure to reduce stress and avoids future regret.Part 2 highlights the power of using language that reinforces family experience and teamwork.Part 3 looks at the triangulation relationship between At Home Parent, Travelling Parent and Child and how that helps reinforce bonds across the distance.Keywords: travelling parents, connected family life, parent away from home, long-distance familyThe first of a 3-episode series: Episode 89 Recognise it for what it isEpisode 90 Reframe as WEEpisode 91 Re-enforce The Bond Across the Distance These are mainly findings from my Masters thesis, where I interviewed adults who had grown up with a father who travelled frequently for work.The Travelling ParentDoes not necessarily communicate with the Child when awayIs in communication with At Home Parent and Child knows itIs always involved when home (outings to the park, hiking, biking, restaurant)“I knew he cared because he cared when he was home”Watch out for how technology can take away that presence from home timeThe At Home ParentThe role of the at home parent was highlighted as crucial in the evolving and developing relationship between the travelling parent and the child.Keeps Child informed of traveling parent’s whereabouts and comings and goingsKeeps Travelling Parent informed of what is happening with Child and makes sure Travellng Parent is involved in Child’s big eventTeaches communication between Child and Travelling Parent. Facilitates phone calls.Positive Portrayal of Travelling Parent‘My mum was putting up this really good image of my father that he is pretty much involved in our life, even though he physically was traveling. And the reason why he was, because of us, to give us a life that we did not have to worry about anything’Consider your own triangular relationship.Questions to ask yourself:What do you and your partner communicate to each other about the Child?As the At Home Parent how do you:Portray the Travelling Parent to the Child?Facilitate their relationship?As the Travelling Parent:How do you keep informed about your Child’s life, interests and needs?What can you ask of your At Home Partner that would help you stay connected to your Child?Find out how you can use the ICAN Model: Distance Parenting: How the ICAN Model Helps Families Stay Connected When One Parent Travels - Rhoda BangerterContact Rhoda: [email protected] news regularly on new episodes of HTFA Podcast and on new events and resources. Subscribe to my newsletter.Buy the book: Holding the Fort AbroadYour partner's job opportunity in another country seemed like an exciting idea, but lengthy work assignments mean you're holding down the family fort - alone.OR Your partner is working and living in another country, and you feel like you are shouldering all the home responsibilities alone.You may be wondering:How can we be a family when we're miles apart?Can I cope, alone, when troubles arise?I believe there are answers to the above questions, and the answers start with you. In this context, it's more important than ever to invest in yourself, to care for yourself, to set your own goals and to watch yourself grow. Equally important is to nurture your relationship with your partner and learn to parent together.

Synopsis:Practical strategies for families when one parent works away. Part 1 is on the importance of naming your family structure to reduce stress and avoids future regret.This episode (Part 2/3) highlights the power of using language that reinforces family experience and teamwork.Keywords: travelling parents, connected family life, parent away from home, long-distance familyThe first of a 3-episode series: Episode 89 Recognise it for what it isEpisode 90 Reframe as WEEpisode 91 Re-enforce The Bond Across the Distance Episode 2 Reframe as WE 1. Do a Language Audit Do you emphasise teamwork and working together as a family?When I speak with people who work far from home, and when I speak with their spouses at home, what I am hearing is one family narrative, one family story.Even though you are not under the same roof, the way that people talk is ‘my family’, ‘this is what we are doing for the family’Example: Colleen EP 71 about transitions in global lifeAnd then there's the emotional side. So for things, things like grief, you can power through for a while, but at some time, some point, I know our family, we've been learning it's better to just give it some space because it's going to come anyway.2. Family The overwhelming majority of participants of my research for my Masters mentioned the word ‘family’ over 10 times during their interviews although the questions related to what their childhood was like with a travelling parent, communication with their travelling parent, how they knew their parent cared“I think the important thing is finding family rituals in the sense of figuring out what are things you enjoy doing together as a family’Parents working as a team also strongly came out in the interviews.3. Family Project Whether one of you frequently travels or lives and works in another county, consider this from a project management perspective and treat it as a whole family project. It is a project after all, with stakeholders: you and your spouse, your children, certain members of your extended family, close friends will all be ‘key stakeholders’ in your family project.“Key stakeholders can make or break the success of a project. Even if all the deliverables are met and the objectives are satisfied, if your key stakeholders aren’t happy, nobody’s happy.” ADRIENNE WATTCreate joint meaning, work towards a common goal, and celebrate the wins along the way, even at a distance!!Contact Rhoda: [email protected] news regularly on new episodes of HTFA Podcast and on new events and resources. Subscribe to my newsletter.Buy the book: Holding the Fort AbroadYour partner's job opportunity in another country seemed like an exciting idea, but lengthy work assignments mean you're holding down the family fort - alone.OR Your partner is working and living in another country, and you feel like you are shouldering all the home responsibilities alone.You may be wondering:How can we be a family when we're miles apart?Can I cope, alone, when troubles arise?I believe there are answers to the above questions, and the answers start with you. In this context, it's more important than ever to invest in yourself, to care for yourself, to set your own goals and to watch yourself grow. Equally important is to nurture your relationship with your partner and learn to parent together.

Synopsis:Practical strategies for families when one parent works away, and how naming your family structure reduces stress and avoids future regret.Keywords: travelling parents, connected family life, parent away from home, long-distance familyThe first of a 3-episode series: Episode 89 Recognise it for what it isEpisode 90 Reframe as WEEpisode 91 Re-enforce The Bond Across the Distance Episode 1: What Are We Recognising Main TakeawaysYou’re not broken. Your family isn’t unusual. This is a legitimate family form.Different namesSplit Family International AssignmentsMulti location families, Split Location FamiliesNon family duty stationsUnaccompanied PostingsFrequent Business TravelDifferent lengths of timeA few weeks at a timeLiving and working in another countryDifferent sectors, different scenarios, different reasonsSame absence, same toing and froingSimilar challenges, big emotions, hidden loadThe parent at home becomes default parentThe travelling parent fears losing connectionAmbiguous grief for childrenSame potential for regretTwo well-known studies:Impact on Spouses of World Bank StaffAnne Copeland, Interchange Institute, Voices from Home and Voices from the Road2. Why naming and recognising it mattersNot recognising it and ‘just getting on with it’ can lead to regrets later onUnderestimating impact on self and others and self blameCouples often don’t anticipate systemic impact. Recognising and naming it allows to put things in place. It gives structure.3. How do we name it? Importance of not mis-labeling: single parent, absent parent.Labels that undermine the travelling parentAbsent parentNot really therePart-time parentWeekend dad / weekend mumSecondary parentThe one who leftThe one who is never hereVisitor in the homeFinancial provider onlyFun parent (implies superficial involvement)Reduces authority, legitimacy of travelling parentChild may internalise:They are less importantTheir parent is less committedTheir family is less stableEven if not trueLabels that overload the home-based parentSingle parent (when still in intact partnership)Solo parentParenting aloneDoing it allThe real parentPrimary parent (can be neutral in research but harmful in family narrative depending on tone)Why harmful:Removes the psychological presence of the travelling parent.Increase overload of home parentChild may internalise:One parent is carrying everythingThe other parent is peripheralFamily system is incompleteIncrease anxiety in childrenThese labels are harmful because they imply deficiency, abandonment, or dysfunction, rather than recognising structure and adaptation.Wrong labels are often unintended.Reasons:Lack of better languageTrying to express difficultySeeking validationCultural default languageNot malicious. But still impactful.Avoid deficiency labels.Use structural labels.Examples:Instead of:Absent parent → Travelling parentInstead of:Single parent → Parent at homeInstead of:Not here → Working away, still part of usDo a Language Audit and Create A Family Narrative (Listen to #58)3. Lived Experience 7 Interviews of adults that have grown up with a travelling fatherAcross sectors (military, business, airline, non-profit sector) and continents (all continents represented) small sample but the same topics came up) and homogenous experience of this father who was gone and came backMany it was the first time they were thinking about it from this angle, started having conversations before the interviews and after the interviewsAll had good relationships with fathers, wanted more time with them, knew them more as a friend I did not have an absent father.Looked at the systemic strategies how both parents worked together that will be the next episode. More in Episodes 2 & 3Episodes to Listen to#55 Michael Pollock, #48 Lucas, #36 Anaju, #45 Ophelia, #51 Katia Vlachos, #46 IreneMany more from the point of views of mothers and fathersConclusionShift from uncertainty, vague experience and hidden challenges to “We are a multi-location...

Synopsis:Andrea Schmitt shares what it felt like to be the spouse of someone working the hotel industry and who travelled a lot. Listen to what helped her keep the family connected, and what she wishes more families understood about growing up and loving across international moves and frequent travel. Andrea is a clinical psychologist and she coaches expat teen girls, helping them make sense of identity, belonging, and the emotional ups and downs that come with a mobile life.“He travels 50% a month”You have a choice Andrea Schmitt opens up about how she managed loneliness as a “trailing spouse” and later as a “trailing mom.” She highlights the power of intentionally choosing her situation, seeking out international communities, and repeatedly putting herself out there to build new connections—even when it meant being vulnerable time and again.“I sat myself down and I thought “it feels like you don't have a choice, but you do…I loved us as a family, and I thought “ how can I manage better? And that's when everything sort of shifted and I became less resentful because I had the feeling that I chose being there”Staying Connected as a FamilyWith her husband away so much, keeping the family bonded was a real challenge. ‘Good morning’ and ‘good night’, especially with their daughter, Jessica, were always time for check in, even quick, and even if they landed in the middle of the night for Andrea’s husband.“he would always make time whenever he had a little break. And he has this particularly nice habit. He, not me. He will always pick up the phone, even if he's in a meeting. And he will at least say, I'm in a meeting, I will call you back…It's like he's always there. He will always pick up.”He invented Action Family with different characters. At night, in person or on the phone, dad and daughter would spend sometimes hours making up stories about this family. This went on for years and years. “That continued at night in whatever country, in whatever time zone. So at night for us, for Jessica. It was their thing” says Andrea.When her husband was home, Andrea would deliberately find activities to do that would give her husband space to parent. She also created a photo album of her husband, the places where he grew up, photos of him with Jessica. It was even small enough that she could take it on holidays with her and they would look at it often when dad was not around.Andrea would also update her husband on Jessica’s schooling and what was going on in their lives when he was away. Now that their daughter is an adult, she has different topics she shares with each parent and ‘there is no need to update each other on those’Attachment with the travelling parent Changes in return dates, constant coming and going, grief when a parent leaves home can take a toll on the relationship between travelling parent and child.If you know about attachment style and you look at the four different ones, you know which one you want to avoid for their future.To find out more about attachment styles and travelling parenting, you can listen to episode #82 How to nurture parent child attachment when work travellingSupporting Kids Through TransitionAs both a mom and coach, Andrea underscores the importance of scaffolding positive childhood experiences for kids growing up in globally mobile families—balancing normal teen issues with the extra layers of moving countries and parental absence.Key PCS are:Emotional Connection: The ability to talk with family about feelings.Safety and Support: Feeling safe, protected, and supported by adults in the home.Community and Belonging: A sense of belonging in school, having friends, and participating in community traditions.Mentorship: Having at least two non-parent adults who genuinely care.Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) InventoryPractical Advice for Globally Mobile FamiliesDon’t dismiss the challenges (“kids are resilient” isn’t enough—support and scaffolding are needed).Tiny rituals make a big impact—whether it’s a 30-second call, a special story, or bringing home a small gift as a symbol of care.Keep educating yourself about expat family dynamics and attachment. There are more resources than ever to help you navigate.Andrea and her co-host Matthieu Gagnon now offer the TCK Research Podcast, breaking down research on third culture kids (TCKs), expats, and globally mobile families.Contact Rhoda: [email protected] news regularly on new episodes of HTFA Podcast and on new events and resources. Subscribe to my newsletter.Buy the book: Holding the Fort AbroadYour partner's job opportunity in another country seemed like an exciting idea, but lengthy work assignments mean you're holding down the family fort - alone.OR Your partner is working and living in another country, and you feel like you are shouldering all the home responsibilities alone.You may be wondering:How can we be a family when we're miles apart?Can I cope, alone, when troubles arise?I believe there are answers to the

Another episode from the Top Five most listened episodes. This conversation is with Margaret Ghielmetti. Margaret knows what it is like to be home alone when she thought she was moving abroad with her husband and not moving abroad waiting for her husband to come home. She talks about her journey from thinking she would be fine to the reality she encountered to finally being open about needing help and creating a life for herself on her own terms. In this Episode: The metaphorical life handbook we receive from our families.Why Margaret was surprised by the effect of her husband’s travelling although she (thought she) knew what she had signed up for.Supporting each other when not in the same place. Expressing your needs.Sharing the blessing of allowing others to help us.Stop saying ‘I’m fine’.Deciding non-negotiables for you! Keeping soft boundaries.Casting a wide net.Feeling lonely when you feel you should be feeling lucky.Contact Margaret:‘Bravi(ish): A Memoir of a Recovering Perfectionist’www.margaretghielmetti.com

Synopsis:Clinical psychologist Dr. Veronique Elefant-Yanni guides us on how to (re)build emotional intimacy for couples separated by frequent business travel or international assignments. Drawing on her 25 years of experience and her innovative 3D Human Therapy, she explains why sharing day-to-day experiences—even trivial ones—is essential. The conversation covers the invisible pressures of expat life, how to recognize and address codependency, and practical strategies to reconnect across distance. This episode offers actionable advice for maintaining meaningful relationships when work and geography pull families apart.1. Small Daily Exchanges Build and Preserve Intimacy Sharing everyday experiences—even a passing thought, a funny encounter, or a fleeting feeling—is vital for emotional closeness.For families dealing with frequent travel or split assignments, these “small talk” exchanges provide the threads that keep relationships strong. It's not the depth of each conversation that matters, but maintaining a consistent flow of communication that mirrors daily life together. When partners make space for regular sharing, even via text or short calls, it helps them reconnect and avoid becoming strangers.2. Healthy Relationships Require Psychological Independence Balanced couples are made up of individuals who can both “stand on their own two feet”—functioning independently rather than relying on each other for emotional validation.Frequent travel or split family assignments amplify this need. When partners fall into codependency, it can lead to resentment and dysfunction. Working on personal growth—by cultivating self-worth and independence—empowers couples to share genuine love, rather than need. This foundation is essential for surviving the unique stresses of expatriate or traveling lifestyles.3. Communication Is Crucial—Don’t Assume, Speak Up Open dialogue about stress, loneliness, or frustration is necessary, especially when life circumstances mean one partner is away and the other is settling in alone.Expat couples often assume the other understands their burdens, but Dr. Veronique Elefant-Yanni stresses the importance of expressing what you’re experiencing (“Your partner doesn’t know what you go through, so you have to speak”). This is especially important so accompanying spouses don’t feel invisible—communication is the lifeline that maintains empathy and support.4. Addressing Internal Conflict and Rebuilding Self-Trust Emotional independence often means facing and diffusing internal conflict—like fear, anger, or self-doubt—that might be rooted in early experiences. Dr. Veronique Elefant-Yanni’s 3D Human Therapy model gives practical ways to restore trust in one’s own feelings and decisions. For those separated by work, understanding this process is key to avoiding self-sabotage and ensuring that interactions with loved ones remain constructive and authentic. Her free online guide offers tools for self-work, allowing listeners to begin healing and rebuilding from afar.Contact Dr Elefant-YanniDr. Elefant-Yanni knows that expat life isn’t always glamorous — it can be disorienting, lonely, and full of invisible pressures. As a Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience and the creator of 3D Human Therapy®, she supports internationally mobile individuals and couples to recentre, rebuild connection, and reclaim their vitality. Originally from France and now based between Switzerland and Singapore, Véronique works fully online in French and English, helping clients across continents reconnect with their inner compass.Website: https://psychologyexperts.online/Free guide: www.psychologyexperts.online/3dformContact Rhoda: [email protected] news regularly on new episodes of HTFA Podcast and on new events and resources. Subscribe to my newsletter.Buy the book: Holding the Fort AbroadYour partner's job opportunity in another country seemed like an exciting idea, but lengthy work assignments mean you're holding down the family fort - alone.OR Your partner is working and living in another country, and you feel like you are shouldering all the home responsibilities alone.You may be wondering:How can we be a family when we're miles apart?Can I cope, alone, when troubles arise?I believe there are answers to the above questions, and the answers start with you. In this context, it's more important than ever to invest in yourself, to care for yourself, to set your own goals and to watch yourself grow. Equally important is to nurture your relationship with your partner and learn to parent together.

For the next few months, I will be publishing one new episode every first Monday of the month. The second monthly episode will be a replay of the most popular episodes. My interview with Vivian Chiona is a top FIVE. Vivian is the founder of Expat Nest, online counselling service for internationals. She is a registered psychologist with Master’s degrees in both Child & Adolescent Psychology and Health Psychology. She was recognised in 2020 as one of the 100 most influential women in the world by Women appreciating Women. She is bicultural with family all over the world, Vivian is familiar with the international community and inspired by its diversity. In this episode, she shares top strategies for long distance couples. Enjoy! WarmlyRhoda

Episode takeaways:Define Your “Why” — Together: Susana Ortega highlights the importance of being crystal clear on your personal, familial, and professional reasons behind such big life decisions. It’s not enough to move because it’s required; when your “why” is aligned and discussed as a family, it becomes a pillar of resilience during times apart.Set Clear Timeframes & Reevaluate as Needed: Open-ended separations can take a toll. Susana’s method—setting boundaries on time apart and regularly reevaluating the arrangement—keeps everyone grounded and allows for easier transitions (and renegotiations) as circumstances change.Consistent Communication Anchors Connection: Whether it’s daily FaceTime calls during a morning dog walk or creative “matchmaking” to keep kids and a traveling parent close, finding practical ways to stay in touch can transform how families experience separation. These small habits foster ongoing emotional bonds, no matter the miles between.Silver Linings: Susana found an unexpected confidence in managing teenage years and family life solo, realizing she was much stronger than she had thought. Her children, meanwhile, grew up grounded, flexible, and always felt part of a close-knit family, no matter the distance.Special Offer: Heading home for the holidays? Susana is offering personalized one-on-one sessions to help you prepare, handle tricky family dynamics, and return to your expat life feeling recharged and confident. Connect with her via Instagram at Abroad with Susanna.About Susana:Susana Ortega Roig was born in Barcelona in 1969. She lived, studied, and built a life there until a beautiful twist of fate changed everything. In 1997, she married Toru which opened the door to a global adventure that has shaped her for more than 28 years.From Barcelona to Tokyo, Brussels, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Singapore, and back again, her life has been a rich tapestry of love, challenge, and discovery. Our two boys, Shoh (born in Tokyo) and Daigo (born in Frankfurt), grew up as true Third Culture Kids. And when Toru’s work sent him to São Paulo and later Los Angeles, they made the decision she would to stay in Amsterdam so their sons could finish school — a difficult chapter, but one they navigated with heart and resilience.Her mission is to support expat spouses and mums who find themselves in a new country, feeling disconnected, lonely, or unsure where to begin.For direct support, connect with Susana via her website abroadwithsusana.com and instagram @abroadwithsusanaContact Rhoda: [email protected] news regularly on new episodes of HTFA Podcast and on new events and resources. Subscribe to my newsletter.Buy the book: Holding the Fort AbroadYour partner's job opportunity in another country seemed like an exciting idea, but lengthy work assignments mean you're holding down the family fort - alone.OR Your partner is working and living in another country, and you feel like you are shouldering all the home responsibilities alone.You may be wondering:How can we be a family when we're miles apart?Can I cope, alone, when troubles arise?I believe there are answers to the above questions, and the answers start with you. In this context, it's more important than ever to invest in yourself, to care for yourself, to set your own goals and to watch yourself grow. Equally important is to nurture your relationship with your partner and learn to parent together.

Synopsis:Today’s episode is for anyone experiencing relationship strain due to frequent work travel or international assignments. My guest, Ian Orton, counsellor and founder of People Care Matters, has spent 35 years supporting professionals who work far from home and the families affected by these separations. We discuss how travel impacts connection, how distance can slowly create emotional drift, and how couples and families can intentionally maintain closeness even when time apart is unavoidable.I think frequent travel is a part of the whole deal with relief and development work and with other NGO work. There's often a huge amount of travel. And I've come across it where people have said that home is really an aeroplane seat, or it's on a train somewhere, or it's in the car traveling between places Key Takeaways:Performance at Work Is Often Linked to Home LifeDisrupted family relationships and stress from prolonged separations commonly impact work performance. Pastoral support and organizational care are vital when international work or frequent travel creates tension at home, affecting focus and well-being on the job. Recognizing this interplay helps organizations and individuals respond more compassionately and proactively.Frequent travel impacts everyone—be proactiveWhether you’re the one traveling or the partner holding things together at home, Ian highlighted that both sides face stress, and the drifting apart can happen without realizing it. He suggests annual reevaluations, prioritizing quality time, and even creative exercises to keep connections strong. Intentional Relationship Maintenance is essential is just as crucial in frequent travel scenarios as in long-term split-living.Reintegration Takes Planning and SkillReturning home after being away can upset established family routines and dynamics. Both partners should learn negotiation and communication skills to ease reintegration and avoid unnecessary conflict. Periodic check-ins and adjustments help families re-establish connection instead of feeling like intruders in their own homes.Organizational Support Goes Beyond the EmployeeEmployers should recognize the impact of travel/split assignments on non-employee family members. Offering resources, pastoral care, or flexibility acknowledges that spouses and children also need support. When leaders or HR notice decreased performance or well-being, addressing underlying family stresses is just as important as work-focused interventions.Trusted Advisers Offer Perspective and SupportCultivating honest relationships outside the immediate family – with peers, mentors, or experienced friends – provides invaluable perspective and accountability. Trusted advisers can help spot challenges early, offer practical wisdom, and keep families aligned with their values as contexts and needs shift over time.Contingency and Crisis Planning Is CrucialFamilies separated by work should actively plan for emergencies: legal documentation, guardianship, communication protocols, and scenario planning. This forward thinking reduces anxiety and ensures stability for children and spouses when unexpected events occur. Proactive conversations about “what if” scenarios help everyone feel safer and more prepared.Ian’s experience and honesty about his own journey serve as a valuable resource for all global professionals and families managing work life and family life when time away from family is routine.the organizational duty of care, it seems to me, can be to really encourage people to have those great conversations and to overcome some of those difficulties without going down the well worn pathways of meeting their own needs in wrong ways or just becoming angry people or the convenience of having another assignment to go away to.Listen to the episode for actionable strategies and real stories, or check out the show notes for extra resources.Action Steps You Can Take Now:Assess your current habits: Are you prioritizing family time, or has travel slowly shifted your priorities without you realizing?Plan periodic “relationship audits” and ask, “What do we want to be known for as a family?”Engage with your community and seek feedback—sometimes, an outside perspective helps us see what we’re missing.Remember, investing in family connection now leads to stronger relationships in the long term—don’t wait until retirement to find out you’ve drifted apart!It’s never too late to make positive changes—intentionality and communication go a very long way.Contact Ian OrtonBy Email at: [email protected]’s Counselling Directory Page https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/ian-ortonContact Rhoda: [email protected] news regularly on new episodes of HTFA Podcast and on new events and resources. Subscribe to my newsletter.Buy the book: Holding the Fort AbroadYour partner's job opportunity in another country seemed like an exciting idea, but lengthy work assignments mean you're holding down the family fort - alo

Synopsis:“Building an attachment culture, which is what I'm talking about, is a way to just make kids feel more connected more often. That doesn't depend on just you being with them. When you have this culture built around them, they feel more connected more often.”If you’ve ever worried about how frequent travel or long work assignments away from home affect your connection with your children, this episode is for you. This week, host Rhoda Bangerter sat down with expert guest Todd Sarner - licensed marriage family therapist and former Neufeld Institute faculty member - to unpack the science of attachment and how families can build secure, lasting bonds even when parents are separated by distance.Key Takeaways from Todd Sarner:Attachment Is a Lifelong Journey: Todd emphasises that attachment isn’t just about those early baby years—it’s a “cradle to grave phenomenon.” Whether your child is a toddler or heading into adulthood, the quality of your connection matters far more than the quantity of time spent together.Connection over Perfection: Parenting is a long-term project: what matters most is that children feel loved, understood, and supported—even if things aren’t perfect every day.Signals and Responses: Kids express their emotional needs in different ways—sometimes directly (“Do you love me?”), other times through acting out or even directly saying ‘you don’t love me’. Both are invitations for connection, and Todd’s advice is simple: don’t take it personally. Respond with compassion, not reactivity.Three-Phase Approach for Attachment:Attachment & Connection: Always gather that sense of connection first, whether face-to-face or on a video call. Simple gestures like getting your child’s attention and eye contact matter.Ritual & Structure: Create rituals that bring predictability—even if routines shift when a parent is away. Consistency in consequences and boundaries helps children feel secure, no matter the setting. This is especially important when the rhythms change on departure days and return days. Even if it is okay for there to be ‘two rhythms’, one when a parent is away and one when they are home, agreeing on key consequences helps.Guiding Behavior: Discipline works best when rooted in relationship. Focus on compassionate limit setting, teaching kids to process feelings rather than resorting to punishment or anger.Bridging & Matchmaking: When apart, use “bridging” language to let kids know you’re thinking of them and looking forward to reunion. Meanwhile, the parent at home can “matchmake”—facilitate conversations and positive stories about the traveling parent to keep that connection strong.Parental Self-Compassion and Alpha Leadership Matter Most: Todd highlights that striving for perfection is not only impossible but unnecessary. Parents should focus on becoming the “alpha” (guiding, calmly in charge, nurturing) figure, regardless of distance. Seeking resources, support, and coaching is beneficial, but your unique bond as a parent is irreplaceable. Communicating love, pride, and trust—especially in focused, heartfelt moments—can remain with your child long after the call or visit ends.Actionable Ideas for Your Family:Schedule regular touchpoints (calls, messages) with your child focused on connection, not just logistics.Share stories and memories that make your child feel special.Collaborate with your partner on a few key family rituals and consequences so your child experiences predictability, no matter who’s at home. Practice “matchmaking” by bringing up stories about the other parent in positive ways.Connect with Todd Sarner Website: https://www.transformativeparenting.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.coom/transformativeparentingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tparentingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tparentingLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddsarner/Todd’s book ‘The Calm Connected Parent’ comes out November 18th!Contact Rhoda: [email protected] news regularly on new episodes of HTFA Podcast and on new events and resources. Subscribe to my newsletter.Buy the book: Holding the Fort AbroadYour partner's job opportunity in another country seemed like an exciting idea, but lengthy work assignments mean you're holding down the family fort - alone.OR Your partner is working and living in another country, and you feel like you are shouldering all the home responsibilities alone.You may be wondering:How can we be a family when we're miles apart?Can I cope, alone, when troubles arise?I believe there are answers to the above questions, and the answers start with you. In this context, it's more important than ever to invest in yourself, to care for yourself, to set your own goals and to watch yourself grow. Equally important is to nurture your relationship with your partner and learn to parent together.

Synopsis:Ever wondered how your childhood wounds impact your relationships? Today my guest is Bryan Power. He is the founder of make your relationship fail and a certified integrated attachment theory coach. We look at integrated attachment theory together, what it is, how it can be useful for our relationships, and specifically then looking at how it works where there is geographical separation. 3 key takeaways:Attachment Styles Shape Every Relationship: Whether you’re anxious, avoidant, or secure, understanding your own and your partner’s attachment style is crucial for better communication and connection (especially if you’re miles apart!).“If I believe this person doesn't love me, this person is going to leave me, I'm going to be left here alone to deal with the family, the kids, they're never coming home. Those are the stories I'm telling myself that are taking my emotional bandwidth and just throwing it through the roof. Now I'm again, I'm at an emotional level 10. Instead of just being able to relax and say, hey, my spouse loves me, we're in this situation. They're away from me a little bit, but I know he loves me. I know she loves me. I know that we're okay. I know that this time away is just time that we're going to have to deal with a little bit on our own and. And someday we're going to be able to have that full time together. You're able to relax in that.”Healing Starts with Self-Awareness: “Fixing” a relationship often begins with working on yourself—identifying your personal wounds, triggers, and stories you’re telling yourself. The more aware you are, the healthier your connections become. Some of the wounds could be fear of abandonment, fear of losing independence, fear of being trapped, feeling unsafe. *When my emotions are really high, it's a really good time to say, why do I feel this way? What is it? What is it that I'm really afraid of here?”Distance Can Be an Opportunity: Time apart isn’t just a challenge—it’s a chance to foster growth, both individually and as a couple. Investing in relationship tools and self-development during these periods pays dividends when you’re reunited.“How can I look at this and say, okay, why am I so triggered? What are my core wounds that are causing me to be maybe overly sensitive to these things? And then begin to work on those. Because as we work on those wounds now, I'm going to be a little bit more okay with some distance. I don't have to call 10 times a day. Maybe I could call once or twice. I can now find a little bit better balance that actually works for both sides. Because if you're super needy like that, let's face it, the other person you're going to drive them crazy at some point.”The key is to find a balance. So how can I, as the anxious person not be so needy to where I can handle a lot of my needs myself? I don't have to be worried about my spouse constantly. On the flip side, as a dismissive how can I be sensitive to my spouse and realize that they may need a little bit more attention than I do at this point and I don't have to call them 10 times a day, but that one phone call a day could be that one great call that helps my spouse find some emotional connection and be able to regulate and be able to kind of feel good about this situation. Because if we just take it as a dismissive avoidant and we just poo poo the whole thing and just act like, oh, you're just being overly sensitive or overly needy, that doesn't really validate the other person at all. And it really makes them feel disconnected and unloved and unwanted, and it actually causes more and more anxiety. So you're actually triggering that. You actually could be triggering that even more for that person.”Visit Bryan Power’s website makeyourrelationshipfail.com for a free attachment style quiz. Through his website you can access personal coaching, pursue self-guided learning and join Thais Gibson’s Personal Development School. Thais Gibson interview with Mel Robbins - integrated attachment theory Contact Rhoda: [email protected] news regularly on new episodes of HTFA Podcast and on new events and resources. Subscribe to my newsletter.Buy the book: Holding the Fort AbroadYour partner's job opportunity in another country seemed like an exciting idea, but lengthy work assignments mean you're holding down the family fort - alone.OR Your partner is working and living in another country, and you feel like you are shouldering all the home responsibilities alone.You may be wondering:How can we be a family when we're miles apart?Can I cope, alone, when troubles arise?I believe there are answers to the above questions, and the answers start with you. In this context, it's more important than ever to invest in yourself, to care for yourself, to set your own goals and to watch yourself grow. Equally important is to nurture your relationship with your partner and learn to parent together.

Synopsis:In this episode, I sit down with Anna Skorobogatowa, a powerhouse diplomatic spouse, mentor, and founder of Not Just a Spouse. Anna shares honest stories about juggling career aspirations, raising three kids, and handling life’s curveballs - including sudden evacuations and living apart as a family.We explore the unseen resilience it takes to support a family across borders, navigate parenting separately at times, reinventing yourself during constant change. We also underline the vital importance of community and sharing with each other. The episode is a shout out to diplomatic spouses, who sometimes also live geographically separate. Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone navigating a life that’s anything but ordinary:Community & Safe Spaces: Anna talks about why she created both in-person and global meetups for diplomatic and expat spouses: to tackle isolation, share the unspoken challenges, and offer real, judgment-free support.The Realities of Time Apart: Anna opens up about juggling a demanding degree, parenting three young children, and how repeated separations—sometimes due to emergencies—stretched her to her limits.Survival Mode & Self-Care: Both Anna and I reflect on those “crawl-through-the-day” periods. Anna emphasizes the lifesaving power of support networks and why giving yourself permission to ask for, pay for, or creatively source help is not a luxury, but a necessity.Adapting and Reinventing: Hear how Anna’s experience of multiple moves, solo transitions, and even evacuations forged a deep adaptability and strategic mindset—plus practical examples of how she made life work (like moving into a fully furnished home rather than starting from scratch)!The Importance of Validation: Anna and I validate the challenge and resilience it takes to hold the fort abroad. You’re not “just” anything: you’re resourceful, adaptable, and deserving of support.Join Anna’s next online community event here Diplomatic and expat spouses: your resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness are incredible. Let’s keep lifting each other up and advocating for the support all globally mobile families deserve!Looking for more?Check out Anna’s initiative, Not Just a Spouse, and the Unpacked podcast for deeper dives into diplomatic spouse life.  Contact Rhoda: [email protected] news regularly on new episodes of HTFA Podcast and on new events and resources. Subscribe to my newsletter.Buy the book: Holding the Fort AbroadYour partner's job opportunity in another country seemed like an exciting idea, but lengthy work assignments mean you're holding down the family fort - alone.OR Your partner is working and living in another country, and you feel like you are shouldering all the home responsibilities alone.You may be wondering:How can we be a family when we're miles apart?Can I cope, alone, when troubles arise?I believe there are answers to the above questions, and the answers start with you. In this context, it's more important than ever to invest in yourself, to care for yourself, to set your own goals and to watch yourself grow. Equally important is to nurture your relationship with your partner and learn to parent together.

Synopsis:“My conclusion is that at the end of the day, what matters is the strategies that couples use to navigate the stress. And this is sort of then what mediates between the stressors and the couple's satisfaction.” In this episode, Julia Paulsson Jandl and I talk about the findings of her research in the aid and development sector: the challenges couples face and the strategies that they use. She is a seasoned humanitarian and development specialist, a relationship counselor and coach. She has just finished her Masters Thesis on couple satisfaction in that sector.. Interestingly, 12% of participants were in split location situations and 24% alternated so we delved into this aspect too. Her insights are useful not just for aid-sector families, but for anyone navigating high-mobility or long-distance relationship challenges.Key Takeaways: Julia Paulsson’s research emphasises that while the pressures of aid work and split location create unique challenges, satisfaction and relational resilience are possible through intentionality, open communication, creative rituals, and mutual respect for each partner’s individuality. The common thread is not the absence of challenge, but the presence of agreed-upon strategies to keep the relationship - and both individuals - healthy.1. Specific Strategies from the Study: Making Relationships WorkJulia’s research didn’t just dwell on the challenges; it also lifted out practical, evidence-backed strategies that resilient couples use, which can be helpful whether you’re living in the same place or miles apart:A. Commitment as Active PracticeCouples emphasized “commitment as an anchor”—it’s not passive but an ongoing, active choice (“minute by minute decision”) to show up, protect your partner’s interests, and maintain fairness and respect.B. Prioritizing Both Individuality and the CoupleResilient couples pursue both individual and shared goals. Making intentional space for each partner’s dreams, interests, and career ambitions—even if not realized at the same time—was key to long-term satisfaction and avoiding resentment.C. Intentional Boundaries and “Rules”Many couples developed rules and agreements to manage the intersection between demanding aid work and personal life. Examples included:Agreed limits on time apart (for split location couples: “maximum amount of time we are willing to be apart”)Family guidelines about what types of duty stations or posts were acceptable (“veto rules”)Minimum standards for things like schooling or healthcare access for the accompanying familyRituals to prioritize couple time-such as trying to be home for dinner or bedtime when possible, even if exceptions ariseD. Communication and Difficult ConversationsSuccessful couples had learned how to tackle difficult discussions directly—about moves, career priorities, and unmet needs—while being open to influence and willing to negotiate.E. Drawing From the Gottman “Six Magic Hours” ApproachJulia shared research-based recommendations rooted in the Gottman method:Partings and Reunions: Mindful transitions whether in daily routines or returning after periods apart—using messages, video notes, or rituals to connect even when physically distant.Appreciation and Admiration: Actively express positive observations, using messages or journals, to counterbalance negativity bias.Affection: This can be a challenge at a distance, but couples find creative ways (sharing clothing, sending heartbeats using smartwatches, or even virtual hugs).Date Nights: Don’t have to be dinner out—could be a virtual movie, shared meal via video, or just a dedicated walk-and-talk.State of the Union Check-Ins: Regular reviews—not just to surface grievances but to celebrate successes and keep in tune with each other even in asynchronous time zones.Repair Attempts: Learning the art of reconciliation after disagreements, and recognizing that “every couple under the sun fights”—the difference is how you reconnect.F. Flexibility and SeasonalityCouples acknowledged there will be seasons where one partner’s career might take precedence, but this should rotate and never be permanently lopsided.2. Split Location Relationships in the Aid SectorJulia Paulsson’s research looked deeply at couples, including those navigating split location arrangements, within the humanitarian and development sector. About 36% of her respondents lived in split locations either permanently or alternated between periods together and apart. The findings were illuminating in several ways:A. Relationship SatisfactionContrary to common assumptions, her study found that couples living apart in split locations had comparable levels of relationship satisfaction to those who always lived together. Julia emphasized that “being in different locations in itself does not predict relationship satisfaction.” The structure of the relationship (together or apart) isn’t as significant as how the couple actually manages the distance and accompanying stressors.B. Terminology

Synopsis:This episode is more of a personal episode as our family has been through a huge transition this year. I was also contemplating that it was a complex transition with more than one change going on over this summer. I share an update but also what I found most helpful. Application of the 5 Pillar Framework during TransitionsPersonal Well-being: tracking sleep, 30 minutes ‘brain reset’, checking in on personal needs, blood tests for mineral deficiencies and stress markersCouple Relationship: coping with limited time together, focus on logistics and admin, balancing intensity and connectionParenting: supporting children (especially teens) through transitions, creating open space for emotional sharingTransitions: acknowledging the challenge and normalizing the stress that comes with itEmergencies: dealing with unexpected issues (e.g., canceled flight tickets, administrative challenges), learning the value of resilience and stubbornness.Contact Rhoda on [email protected] news regularly on new episodes of HTFA Podcast and on new events and resources. Subscribe to my newsletter.Buy the book: Holding the Fort AbroadYour partner's job opportunity in another country seemed like an exciting idea, but lengthy work assignments mean you're holding down the family fort - alone.OR Your partner is working and living in another country, and you feel like you are shouldering all the home responsibilities alone.You may be wondering:How can we be a family when we're miles apart?Can I cope, alone, when troubles arise?I believe there are answers to the above questions, and the answers start with you. In this context, it's more important than ever to invest in yourself, to care for yourself, to set your own goals and to watch yourself grow. Equally important is to nurture your relationship with your partner and learn to parent together.

This is a quick announcement to let any new listeners know that I traditionally do not publish new episodes in August. It gives me a chance to pause a bit and it also gives you the opportunity to listen to previous episodes, especially if you can only listen to one every so often. You can search the episodes by topic on my website rhodabangerter.com/podcast for example mums who travel or transitions or split location. There will be more episodes in French as an opportunity arises. I record them. They are numbered F1,F2 etcIf you are with the kids on summer holidays alone then episode 50 is for you with a reminder to make memories and make the time work for you too not just for your kids.I'm grateful this year to have been ranked #35/100 in Feedspot's 100 best expat podcasts. It's a great recognition of the impact of the podcast and also of what we are living when geographical separation or a parent travels for work As a family, we are on another split location. I can't give you as many details as last time when I wrote a whole book about it but rest assured I am taking notes and will share when possible. Especially now as we live it with teenagers.If you haven't signed up for my newsletter then you can go to the link. This will keep you informed of new episodes and new resources coming out. Remember wherever you are, wherever your partner is you are not alone. Buy the book: Holding the Fort Abroad

Synopsis:Men and emotions, a topic that often goes unspoken. This conversation offers insights and practical advice for men struggling to navigate their feelings—especially against the backdrop of expat life and being away from family for work. We discuss loneliness, anger, anxiety, guilt. Whether you’re a man living abroad, a partner supporting one, or simply interested in emotional wellness across cultures, this episode brings actionable tips, and hopeful encouragement for the journey. Chris Moyer is a leader in Third Culture Kid care. He brings years of experience in coaching, counseling, and supporting expatriates. He currently lives with his family in France. “I think your average man may not necessarily feel the need for a discussion like this, but the reality is that men and women are emotional beings and part of our overall health is emotional wellness. And so finding a way to bridge that gap is really important and something that I'm quite passionate about.”KEY THEMES:1. Men and Emotional ExpressionRhoda and Chris explore the unique challenges men face around acknowledging, understanding, and expressing emotions—particularly in the context of expat and globally mobile lifestyles. Chris highlights how men often lack “permission” to be emotional, with social norms limiting emotional discourse mainly to anger. , “Many of us have learned one way or another that as men, emotions are typically not okay. They’re a sign of weakness.2. The Importance of Emotional HealthEmotional health is tied to overall wellbeing and healthy relationships. The conversation compares emotional self-care to physical health maintenance—a proactive, ongoing practice rather than only a reactive one.3. Navigating Difficult Feelings AbroadLiving abroad, especially for men, can intensify feelings such as loneliness, guilt, anxiety, and resentment. Chris shares his personal experience with loneliness when his family travels, and they discuss how these emotions are often magnified by distance or the transient nature of expat life.4. Overcoming Stigma and Building SupportChris speaks on the stigma men face seeking support (from friends or professionals) for emotions like anxiety or guilt. Men often struggle to find spaces or relationships that allow honest emotional conversation, as “fixing” is the default response from others.5. Family & Cultural ImpactThe role of upbringing, culture, and family dynamics is discussed, including how societal expectations shape the emotional lives of men and perpetuate certain patterns (or help break them in the case of intentional parenting).6. Actionable Tips & ResourcesPermission & Awareness: The first step for men is granting themselves permission to feel and name emotions.Relationships & Mentors: Cultivating close, trusted friendships and finding mentors can create spaces for vulnerability. Intentionally build a core support group, especially as a transient expat. This can sometimes take years. Normalise emotional conversations among men, and don’t be afraid to seek or offer presence rather than solutions.“it's more about a way of life. To me it's about checking in with myself regularly. And so part of that is I've got a mentor who I meet with on a regular basis, somebody who's walked a very similar way of life, who's a dear friend, but also a mentor who just listens and encourages”Physical Activity: Movement and exercise are powerful tools for managing emotional stress and processing feelings.“Making sure that we're taking care of our bodies is critical, it doesn't solve all of our emotional stuff, but it does get out a lot of some of the angst that we can be feeling.” Proactive Self-Care: Routinely checking in with yourself and your support network is key—don’t wait until emotional “warning lights” flash.Proactively prepare emotionally before relocating or traveling for extended periods.“how are you building into your emotional health in a proactive way? If you're doing that, I think you're going to have what you need around you to help you when the crisis comes. Because crises come, that's just part of life”Professional Help: Sometimes professional support is essential, and there’s no shame in seeking it.“Part of the human journey is learning how to relate to myself, and then how I relate to others, whether it’s my emotions or theirs.”Resources mentioned in this episode: Top Tip Sheet: How To Manage Intense EmotionsBook The Winding Road to Portugal: 20 Men from 11 Countries Share Their Stories: Ross, Louise: 9781905597994: Amazon.com: BooksHolding the Fort Podcast Episodes on EmotionsEpisode #49:   Tapping and managing emotionsEpisode #43:   Related emotional wellness topicsContact Chris Moyer on his LinkedIn Page https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-j-moyer/Receive news regularly on new episodes of HTFA Podcast and on new events and resources. Subscribe to my newsletter.Buy the book: Holding the Fort AbroadYour partner's job opportunity

Synopsis:As the spouse of a World bank executive for over 30 years, Daniela Draugelis has experienced firsthand the unique challenges and growth that come with raising a family while navigating extended work travel, often more than 100 days a year. Daniela is an intercultural trainer, a certified professional coach and cultural intelligence facilitator with over 20 years of experience living and working across cultures. Today, she helps expats, diplomats and internationally mobile families thrive through coaching and training that blends cultural intelligence, energy, leadership, and deep personal insight.In the children’s early years, Daniela’s husband was absent for periods of travel lasting 4-5 weeks, repeated absences from when children were newborns to age six or seven. Later years: transition to more local/domestic weekly travel; changes in family rhythm Emotional and Practical Impact of Early Years Absences Daniela’s experience of isolation: living outside her home country, lack of support system, balancing professional life, childcare, and household responsibilities during husband’s absences.Impact of child’s health condition (breath holding spells) on couple’s decision that Daniela would pause her career to focus on her child’s health. Importance of local friendships and informal support networks Examples of reaching out to neighbors for help (especially during illness) Using calendars and stickers to help young children understand the duration of absences Rituals for departure and return: airport drop-offs/pick-ups as a family routine. Managing children’s expectations and emotions around time and connectionBrief conversations with young children. Mainly Daniela’s husband consistently made the effort to be involved with children’s lives and to never miss major milestonesNavigating Reentry and Shifting Dynamics Jet lag and fatigue upon returnChallenges for Daniela switching between solo-parenting and co-parenting Maintaining authority and involvement for both parentsEstablishing and Preserving Father-Child Bonds Deliberate decision to let “fishing” be a special dad-and-children activity Creating unique touchpoints for father-child connection that persist into adulthoodChildren’s current relationships with their fatherstrong bondsno lasting resentment In children’s older years, the rhythm of travel changed. Availability of household help, school routines, and after-school activities easing stress for DanielaFocus on family time during reunions, sometimes at the expense of couple time Reflection on the need for intentional couple routines and conversation Challenges in maintaining both professional and marital identities for Daniela Daniela’s return to Personal and Professional FulfillmentVolunteering, skill-building, and staying engaged while not formally employed Transition into new career as a coach and intercultural facilitator Hindsight and Lessons Learned Wish for more guidance and support in earlier years The value of not feeling alone, and building routines for smoother transitions Importance of discussing changes and keeping the traveling partner updated on family life Resources mentioned in this episode: The ICAN Model, developed by Dr Ken Canfield stands for Intentional Involvement, Consistency, Awareness, Nurturing, This model works well for parenting at a distance and can be supported by both parents. Read more about it here How the ICAN Model Helps Families Stay Connected When One Parent Travels - Rhoda BangerterHow to contact Daniela Draugelis Connect with her on LinkedInVisit her website: Cultural Pathways Receive news regularly on new episodes of HTFA Podcast and on new events and resources. Subscribe to my newsletter.Buy the book: Holding the Fort AbroadYour partner's job opportunity in another country seemed like an exciting idea, but lengthy work assignments mean you're holding down the family fort - alone.OR Your partner is working and living in another country, and you feel like you are shouldering all the home responsibilities alone.You may be wondering:How can we be a family when we're miles apart?Can I cope, alone, when troubles arise?I believe there are answers to the above questions, and the answers start with you. In this context, it's more important than ever to invest in yourself, to care for yourself, to set your own goals and to watch yourself grow. Equally important is to nurture your relationship with your partner and learn to parent together.