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