Culturally Diverse Parenting
Amy and Joe are madly in love with their baby daughter. They are full of dreams and aspirations for their daughter who they plan to raise in a traditional, two parent household. Joe is a 5th generation Californian with ancestors from Ireland and Germany. Amy is a third generation Japanese-American. Amy and Joe want their little girl to appreciate both of their cultures. Raising their daughter to enjoy a rich cross-cultural heritage can be enhanced when considering the following:
- Both parents consciously try to learn as much as possible about each other’s cultural and lifestyle experiences.
- Parents can learn about each other’s family history by sharing photo albums, family heirlooms, and personal childhood keepsakes.
- When a family member dies, it is important to capture the essence of their life with accomplishments, songs, and mementos.
- It is helpful to retrace your family history through internet and library searches.
- Cultural festivals and local cultural events help families experience their cultural backgrounds together.
- Families should plan to travel to their ancestors’ homelands to learn more about their culture.
- Some children benefit from learning a language spoken by their grandparents or other forbearers.
- Children may attend a culturally focused preschool, elementary school, Saturday school, or summer school camp.
- Parents should encourage their children to participate in the Rotary Club Cultural Exchange Program, school cultural exchange programs, sister city programs, and church or service learning cultural exchange programs.
Happy cultural experiences with your family!
Joyce
Copyright © 2018 by GenParenting
Joyce Iwasaki has over thirty years of educational experience working with diverse students in grades from preschool through high school. Joyce’s extensive background includes teaching elementary school, serving on early childhood advisory boards, and advocating for educational initiatives as a legislative aide. During her tenure as a legislative aide, she helped create legislation that allowed incarcerated mothers to keep their newborn babies with them while in prison. Additional legislation was enacted to allow incarcerated pregnant mothers to remain unshackled during labor and delivery. Ms. Iwasaki established and served as the president of an educational scholarship foundation for fifteen years. Her foundation awarded college scholarships to emerging student leaders who provided service to their schools and communities. Joyce is active in performing arts and cultural organizations. She also provides ongoing support to her daughter and family by raising her grandson in her home.