Helping Children to Embrace Their Cultural Heritage
By: Kyle Quilatan
Published on: October 25th, 2024
Children born or growing up in Canada may neglect their cultural heritage while adapting to Canadian culture and ways of living. It can be challenging for parents to integrate their children into Canadian society while helping them hold onto their roots. However, it is possible. This article will give a few tips on how to help children embrace their cultural heritage.
Language
While growing up in Canada, immigrant children may become more proficient in English than their native language. Children can pick up languages at an early age easier than adults can. Having them learn English and/or French alongside their native language might help them become equally fluent in both by the time they grow up.
Maintaining a native language allows children to communicate with relatives or friends who may not speak English back home. This skill also has benefits elsewhere. Bilingualism and multilingualism are marketable skills that help a candidate stand out when applying for a job requiring knowledge of more than one language. Thus, learning two languages at an early age gives children an advantage later in life.
Media
Movies, music and books keep children in touch with their cultural heritage. Consuming media from your home country allows children to not only hone their language skills but also gives them the chance to see how media back home compares to that of Canada.
Families can explore local events within Canada, such as music festivals, to strengthen their sense of ethnic community while encouraging their children to engage with these forms of media further.
Food
Teaching your children about traditional recipes can be a fun way to help them learn more about their culture. Food and culture are intertwined. They learn from each other. Different aspects of food, such as ingredients, cooking techniques and dining etiquette, teach about traditions passed down through generations.
Cooking also connects cultural heritage with other cultures. Fusion cuisine, for example, combines ingredients and recipes from different cultures to create new dishes. This kind of cooking can help children develop an appreciation for the various cultural aspects that come together to make a fusion dish.
Holidays
As children grow up learning about Canadian holidays, such as Canada Day and Family Day, parents can take this as an opportunity to teach them about holidays from their country of origin. Many holidays from around the world, including Lunar New Year or Holi, are now celebrated in Canada, meaning they are easier to learn about and partake in. Children learn about different cultures through these celebrations. Incorporating your culture’s festivals into your children’s lives will help them appreciate their heritage.
Community
Finding other families who share your cultural background can be a great way for children to engage with those who are like them. Connecting with such people can help children practice their native language and access local cultural celebrations. Cultural events, places of worship and ethnic community groups are all great places to begin making these connections.
Despite all this, it is important not to force your children to keep up with their heritage. Do not try to enforce your own culture above all other cultures. This can push your children further from their cultural heritage. Instead, try to be encouraging and understanding. Be patient while letting your children grow at their own pace.