Children in Multicultural Families

Parenting tips for intercultural families

I married a man of a different race and culture when it was not an acceptable thing to do. I do not regret my decision, but that decision has come with interesting consequences. It took many years for us to get used to each other’s customs and traditions. It has been quite an adventure for both of us.

The children that resulted from this union have struggled to find their own identities. Because I was doing most of the raising, since my husband's occupation demanded that he travel quite a bit, the children mostly speak my language and only one child is fluent in the father's language.

I believe our children have tried to choose the best from each culture. They can also change back and forth between cultures in different circumstances to suit their circumstances. We have learned as parents what form of discipline worked and what did not since his culture and mine had very different opinions in this regard.

As the mother of these wonderful children that I feel very blessed to have, I have not tried to push my own culture on them. I can see the good points of both cultures and brought those to their attention. I cannot lie that at times I have been a bit sad that they chose their father's side over mine, but I tried not to let them know that.

My children are very open minded to other cultures and loving towards people. They are all outgoing and have become good citizens of our communities. We lived in my husband's country for 13 years and now live in my country. This has given our children the foundation they need to really know who they are and develop their own families from there.

I have always let our children know of my respect and love for my husband, his family and race. I think this has helped the children in many ways. Even though my son speaks his father's language fluently, he is willing to serve in the Armed Forces for my country. I think that speaks volumes.

All of our children graduated from college and have become assets to society in their own ways. I have learned so much from my husband's culture that I feel adds to the harmony and respect our children feel with one another. I also think the children have had more opportunities in some ways than others since they have traveled internationally and they have friends from different walks of life.

We do tease each other about the traditions that are a bit "out there", and all of our children have a healthy sense of humor, and do not get easily offended. It has not been very easy raising children with two totally different cultures and traditions, but when we have worked together as husband and wife, instead of against each other; it has brought us a home of peace and harmony.

ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Parenting is a daunting responsibility even when things are running smoothly. When a child shows behavior requiring medical intervention, it becomes more difficult.

In order to help those who suspect their child may have this disorder, here are a few clues that a problem is ADHD rather than another disorder.

Does the child have difficulty paying attention to you or staying focused on a task?
Does the child have difficulty controlling themselves or appears hyperactive?
Does the child’s behavior seem out of sync with peers?

The average onset of ADHD is 7 years old. It is more prominent in boys than girls. The disorder manifests itself in 9.0 per cent of American children age 13 to 18.

 

 Clues

 

In order to help those who suspect their child may have this disorder, here are a few clues that a problem is ADHD rather than another disorder.

Does the child have difficulty paying attention to you or staying focused on a task?
Does the child have difficulty controlling themselves or appears hyperactive?
Does the child’s behavior seem out of sync with peers?

 

Similar Conditions

 

The average onset of ADHD is 7 years old. It is more prominent in boys than girls. The disorder manifests itself in 9.0 per cent of American children age 13 to 18.

Before rushing to a diagnosis of ADHD, there are several conditions that need to be ruled out. A pediatrician can determine if the child:

Has a middle ear infection. This could cause hearing problems and lack of interest.
Has recently had a change or disruption, such as a family member passing away, parents divorcing or other stressful situation.
Has vision problems making it difficult to concentrate.
Has seizures or other medical problems.
Has any other learning disabilities.

 

Symptoms

 

Observations that may indicate ADHD include the most common symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. To receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the child must exhibit these behaviors for at least six months.

Inattention is indicated when a child often forgets things, switches from one activity to another and is easily distracted. If a child is easily bored with a task after a short time or has difficulty completing a job, it may be a sign of ADHD. Not listening when being spoken to, becoming easily confused, moving slowly and appearing to daydream may also be suspect.

Hyperactivity include symptoms such as fidgeting and squirming in their chair, talking nonstop, and dashing around. They may play with one toy for a short time then move quickly to another. The child feels the need to be constantly moving.

Impulsivity is shown through interrupting another child’s activities or an adult conversation, with no regard to consequences. They may blurt out comments unrelated to the subject. The child has difficulty waiting for their turn and shows disregard for another child’s needs or wishes.

 

Assessment

 

The disorder ADHD is derived from the above behaviors (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). It can continue through adolescent years and even into adulthood.

Children have different personalities and mature at different rates. They also exhibit various temperaments and have different energy levels. Most child exhibit one or more of the symptoms of ADHD at one time or other, but if it is persistent and disruptive to teachers, parents, classmates and siblings, it may need treatment.

There is no single diagnostic test for ADHD. It is assessed over time by parents with the help of pediatricians or mental health specialists. The child can be evaluated in social situations or be given academic and intellectual tests to determine if it is a learning disability or another disorder.

Concurrent Conditions

 

Other possible conditions which may manifest themselves at the same time as ADHD include:

Oppositional defiant disorder
Conduct disorder
Anxiety
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Tourette syndrome
Learning disability
Sleep disorder
Bed-wetting

A diagnosis of ADHD may require sessions of therapy, visits to the doctor, and alterations in personal and family behavior.

At this time, there is no known cure for ADHD, but with medication, therapy, social skills training and establishing routines, a child can show improvement and make life easier for all concerned.

Why exposing your children to another language is one of the best things you can do | Deseret News National

Why exposing your children to another language is one of the best things you can do | Deseret News National

Raising Children in Multicultural Families

Parenting tips for intercultural families

I married a man of a different race and culture when it was not an acceptable thing to do. I do not regret my decision, but that decision has come with interesting consequences. It took many years for us to get used to each other’s customs and traditions. It has been quite an adventure for both of us.

The children that resulted from this union have struggled to find their own identities. Because I was doing most of the raising, since my husband's occupation demanded that he travel quite a bit, the childrenmostly speak my language and only one child is fluent in the father's language.

I believe our children have tried to choose the best from each culture. They can also change back and forth between cultures in different circumstances to suit their circumstances. We have learned as parents what form of discipline worked and what did not since his culture and mine had very different opinions in this regard.

As the mother of these wonderful children that I feel very blessed to have, I have not tried to push my own culture on them. I can see the good points of both cultures and brought those to their attention. I cannot lie that at times I have been a bit sad that they chose their father's side over mine, but I tried not to let them know that.

My children are very open minded to other cultures and loving towards people. They are all outgoing and have become good citizens of our communities. We lived in my husband's country for 13 years and now live in my country. This has given our children the foundation they need to really know who they are and develop their own families from there.

I have always let our children know of my respect and love for my husband, his family and race. I think this has helped the children in many ways. Even though my son speaks his father's language fluently, he is willing to serve in the Armed Forces for my country. I think that speaks volumes.

All of our children graduated from college and have become assets to society in their own ways. I have learned so much from my husband's culture that I feel adds to the harmony and respect our children feel with one another. I also think the children have had more opportunities in some ways than others since they have traveled internationally and they have friends from different walks of life.

We do tease each other about the traditions that are a bit "out there", and all of our children have a healthy sense of humor, and do not get easily offended. It has not been very easy raising children with two totally different cultures and traditions, but when we have worked together as husband and wife, instead of against each other; it has brought us a home of peace and harmony.