realities of immigrant family life
DESCRIPTION
Realities of Immigrant Family Life. Why do they immigrate? What are their dreams for family/children? What are their priorities ? Distrust of government authorities Low incomes , often lack formal education Isolation from extended family Trust issues, Belonging issues. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Realities of Immigrant Family Life
Why do they immigrate?
What are their dreams for family/children?
What are their priorities?
Distrust of government authorities
Low incomes, often lack formal education
Isolation from extended family
Trust issues, Belonging issues
Biculturalism should be our goal rather than assimilation
Strengths-based approaches
Value heritage, traditions, identity
Understand & navigate mainstream American culture
Respect
Context
Cultural disconnects exacerbate natural parent-adolescent conflicts
Different sense of timing
Working with interpreters
Use native speakers when possible
Don’t rely on children
Talk to the parent not the interpreter
Try a few words in their language
Cultural interpreters
Written translations
Reunification challenges
Parents feel they made sacrifices
Children felt abandoned
Children may have experienced trauma
Disappointment follows the Honeymoon
New children/step-parents
Children don’t feel they fit in anywhere
Resources
Parenting Fact Sheets on SCAN’s online Parent Resource Center (www.scanva.org)
Parent support groups
Promotoras