Cultural Gap

Here in Canada, immigration has been the source of her talent pool in the midst of what would otherwise be a negative population growth. So it is quite commonplace to find cultural barriers here particularly in the major city centres.

The cultural bridges that are now being forged in communities are, however, just a reflection of smaller cultural rifts that are brewing in immigrant homes throughout the country. This is commonly referred to as the "cultural gap" and is oft experienced between children and their immigrant parents - "generational gap".

For immigrant parents, the tendency is to rely on what you are familiar with and draw from the experiences of your own upbringing. This often comes with a set of rules and obligations that are culturally based. It important, however, to realize that your children will be living their lives in the new country now. Holding them to foreign cultural requirements while they adapt to their new cultural environment will put a strain on them. So as much as possible, try to be as flexible without compromising your core values.

For immigrant children, the tendency is to struggle between your parents expectations and those of your surroundings - friends, media, etc. It is important to remember first and foremost that your parents do love you and that they want what's best for you. Be understanding to the fact that there are no parenting manuals and they are relying on what they know based on how they were raised. Ultimately though, you will live in the new culture. Take what is good that you can learn out of your parents teaching and incorporate it into your own cultural makeup. The resulting blend is unique and amazing because it somehow can co-exist in either culture.