Culture would change the way a child sees the world. Speaking two different languages, being nourished by another culture is a great wealth for a child but it can be a challenge for parents of different cultures. Different studies by anthropologists, ethnologists and sociologists have explained the importance of the first mother-child interactions and their influence on the child’s development.
Understanding each other’s differences
When there are tensions in a couple caused by cultural differences, it is first and foremost important to understand each other’s differences and then to discuss them in order to find concessions in either direction. Often, it is the lack of understanding of cultures that makes the relationship complex. When one is a vegetarian and the other swears by meat, understanding and open-mindedness is more than essential, especially when there is a child or children in the household.
This video can explain it:
In some communities, the question of baptism or circumcision may arise. One or the other parent should not feel that his or her duty of transmission has been violated. Ideally, the thorny issues should be clarified. When one is Catholic and the other Jewish, both parents should agree on practices.
Reconciling cultural differences in the family
It may even be better to let your child choose to practice later when he or she is old enough to think and make informed choices. A child needs to know where he or she stands in order to know who he or she is, and there is nothing more empowering than letting your child choose. Your two cultures can be the pretext to shape your culture and to co-construct your family culture. It is necessary to conceive a consensus in which each one recognizes the other and accepts, while recognizing himself. This implies that even if partially adopted, each one finds himself in it. Mixing this culture will allow you to better transmit your values to your child. Compromise will help to achieve balance and harmony in your family home.
In some respects, diversity is a family issue and questions of transmission arise. Bilingualism, biculturalism, between sharing and misunderstanding, it is necessary to understand cultural differences and to find compromises for a family balance that is in the psychological and psychological interest of your child. It is not always easy to find this balance and this can sometimes confuse your child’s mind in his quest for identity. Through this article, we will give you some keys to understand the influences of your culture and what can be at play in the development of your child.