I'm an American mother who raised my 3 children in France and China. Disciplining them was hard because of cultural norms, but my kids cherish their upbringing.

• Sarah Bajc, 57, and her three children have lived all over the world as she moved often for work.
• Bajc said that raising children overseas was difficult, especially during rebellious teenage years. 
• Setting boundaries, particularly when they bucked a country's cultural norms, was a big challenge.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Sarah Bajc, 57, about raising her children  overseas. It has been edited for length and clarity.

My name is Sarah Bajc and I am 57 years old. I was born and raised in rural Michigan, but have traveled all over the world. I have lived in countries like France, China, Malaysia, and most recently, Panama.