https://grandmabloggers.com/2019/09/19/tribute-to-my-mother-in-law-luisa-olivia-kongaika/

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.

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

What is Emotional Intelligence and Why You Should Care

It’s there on your bucket list of great parenting – to raise a well adjusted, successful child who will maximize his potential and flourish as an adult. 
But how do you do that? What experiences can you give your child now to help prepare him for a world that grows increasingly complex each day?
Schools push standardized tests and curricula based around STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) or Common Core, but future success is not just about best educational practices.
The latest research indicates that the more likely predictors of future success include not just cognitive learning factors but social and emotional learning tool, starting in pre-school through post secondary education.
In other words, it’s not just about IQ, But EQ – their Emotional Intelligence Quotient – as well.

But Really, What is Emotional Intelligence?

- See more at: http://afineparent.com/emotional-intelligence/what-is-emotional-intelligence.html#sthash.Vg83Lfqv.dpuf

Emotional intelligence is defined as our ability to identify, understand, utilize and manage our emotions appropriately to communicate effectively, problem solve, reduce stress and empathize with others.
Emotional Intelligence, or EI, provides us with the tools to interact in society in a positive and emotionally healthy manner.
- See more at: http://afineparent.com/emotional-intelligence/what-is-emotional-intelligence.html#sthash.Vg83Lfqv.dpuf

It’s there on your bucket list of great parenting – to raise a well adjusted, successful child who will maximize his potential and flourish as an adult. 
But how do you do that? What experiences can you give your child now to help prepare him for a world that grows increasingly complex each day?
Schools push standardized tests and curricula based around STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) or Common Core, but future success is not just about best educational practices.
The latest research indicates that the more likely predictors of future success include not just cognitive learning factors but social and emotional learning tool, starting in pre-school through post secondary education.
In other words, it’s not just about IQ, But EQ – their Emotional Intelligence Quotient – as well.

But Really, What is Emotional Intelligence?

- See more at: http://afineparent.com/emotional-intelligence/what-is-emotional-intelligence.html#sthash.Vg83Lfqv.dpuf

It’s there on your bucket list of great parenting – to raise a well adjusted, successful child who will maximize his potential and flourish as an adult. 
But how do you do that? What experiences can you give your child now to help prepare him for a world that grows increasingly complex each day?
- See more at: http://afineparent.com/emotional-intelligence/what-is-emotional-intelligence.html#sthash.Vg83Lfqv.dpuf

http://afineparent.com/emotional-intelligence/what-is-emotional-intelligence.html

It’

Emotional intelligence is defined as our ability to identify, understand, utilize and manage our emotions appropriately to communicate effectively, problem solve, reduce stress and empathize with others.
Emotional Intelligence, or EI, provides us with the tools to interact in society in a positive and emotionally healthy manner.
- See more at: http://afineparent.com/emotional-intelligence/what-is-emotional-intelligence.html#sthash.Vg83Lfqv.dpuf

s there on your bucket list of great parenting – to raise a well adjusted, successful child who will maximize his potential and flourish as an adult. 
But how do you do that? What experiences can you give your child now to help prepare him for a world that grows increasingly complex each day?
- See more at: http://afineparent.com/emotional-intelligence/what-is-emotional-intelligence.html#sthash.Vg83Lfqv.dpuf

Mother's Tribute

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com