Last week, in our blog post Life of a First-Time Host Mom—Part 4: Sports & Community, Meghan shared an exciting new chapter in her experience as Blanka joined her school’s field hockey team. However, this week took a slightly more emotional turn as the realities of parenting a teenager became clearer than ever.
Facing Challenges and Growing Together
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Earlier this week, Blanka came home in tears. At this point, she’s been here nearly one month and has truly given every day her best effort. This must be so exhausting!
When she walked in, I was in the middle of leading an online work meeting. I wasn’t able to check in with her and I felt terrible. Immediately after the meeting, I went to her room. In the few seconds I had to transition from workplace manager to mom, I rapidly thought of all the things I should say to try and encourage her.
I walked in, sat on the bed, and she started telling me about school—the “mean girls,” missing familiar friends from Poland, the feeling of her American classmates excluding her through small actions, and sometimes even feeling alone at school.She explained that she makes a great deal of effort to ask her classmates questions to get to know them, but they don’t always reciprocate. She described this as feeling invisible and simply “the exchange girl from Poland.”
While she was talking, I realized that perhaps I had been putting a lot of pressure on myself to know what to say to encourage her, when really what is most important is listening…creating a safe and non-judgmental space for her to share who she is, how she feels, and to tell me exactly what she needs.
Lessons Learned
So that evening, I listened to her share and once she was done telling me everything, I affirmed what I knew about her—she is brave for coming to a new country and making all new friends. She is kind and friendly and good at making friends. She is smart and capable.
I suggested that we get sushi for dinner, a comfort food for her. Then that night, we went to sleep early, and the next day turned out much better. So although I may not have approached that situation perfectly, I am trying to remind myself that this is totally as new for me as it is for her and to have compassion for myself as I would for someone else navigating a new life chapter.
While Blanka’s tough day was unfortunate, Meghan took action and led with care to support her, despite the unfamiliarity of the situation. She proved that no matter what, as a host parent, simply listening and providing a little bit of comfort can go a long way.
To read more about Meghan’s journey as a first-time host mom, follow along on our social media or here for more updates!
Are you interested in opening your heart and home to an international high school student? Visit HostWithGreenheart.org to meet our students and apply to host!