This unique book focuses on mobile families with extra layers of complexity – those who are multicultural, multilingual, multi-ethnic and/or multi-faith.
The author uses the metaphor of a South American shirt called a “mola,” made from layered fabrics that are carefully cut and stitched to reveal the colors of the inner layers. MOLA families, she explains, also have many layers. The “MOLA toolkit” helps families sort out the complexities and create a life “by design.” The author weaves together her own family’s story, examples of other MOLA families, insights and information, advice (both her own and that of other intercultural experts), and thought-provoking questions.
At the end of each chapter guided activities help families apply the insights and tools and Conversation Starters prompt meaningful family discussions.
This is a truly ground-breaking book that covers issues other books do not. Though some parts would be relevant for any Third Culture (or Cross-Cultural) family, it is really written for families that bring together -through marriage, birth or adoption- parents and kids who have a variety of nationalities, ethnicities or faiths, and/or speak a variety of languages.