Episode 60
#60 Coffee with an expat on split location - with Navine Eldesouki
Synopsis:
Navine Eldesouki shares with us what it is like living in split locations. She is the founder of Coffee with an expat, a community of women who lift each other up! At age 20, she left her home country of Australia and has lived in 8 countries, currently living in Dubai. Since 2020, her husband works and lives in another country.
What you will learn:
9 lessons from the podcast episode with concise titles and brief descriptions:
1. Flexibility in Expectations
Be adaptable, as life changes often affect plans, particularly in expatriate families dealing with distance and logistics.
2. Importance of Self-care
Pursue hobbies and interests independently to maintain personal happiness and avoid relying solely on your partner for fulfillment.
3. Emergency Preparedness
Have a detailed plan for emergencies, including contact information and important documents, to handle unexpected situations smoothly.
4. Maintaining Regular Communication
Use scheduled Zoom calls to connect beyond logistics, maintaining a vibrant relationship through humor and personal interaction.
5. Parental Responsibility Balance
Recognize the extensive responsibility of solo parenting while ensuring the traveling partner stays engaged and supportive.
6. Transitioning Family Dynamics
Manage the complexities of reintegrating a traveling partner into household routines, especially during short visits.
7. Building Local Support Networks
Forge connections with neighbors and local peers for emergency support and daily assistance in the absence of a partner.
8. Children's Emotional Well-being
Address separation anxiety and maintain open communication to support children emotionally during parental absences.
9. Encouraging Direct Communication
Foster direct relationships between children and the absent parent, promoting strong family bonds.
Resources Mentioned in the Show:
Navine Eldesouki:
Diary of an Expat: Unfiltered | Newsletter
Coffee With An Expat: