There’s a proverb in my culture that goes “Those who do not look back from where they came from will not reach their destination.”

It means that when you do not acknowledge or learn about your origins, you cannot achieve your future goals.

But why is knowing our roots important to reaching our goals?

Helping your child understand cultural identity | Place2Be’s Parenting Smart

How your past propels your future

A study from Emory University found that the more children knew about their families, the stronger their sense of control over their lives. These children also had higher self-esteem and believed their families functioned more successfully.

This means that being in touch with your heritage creates a strong sense of identity. Knowing what your ancestors went through, what they achieved, and how they navigated life are all part of your story. Understanding all this helps you understand yourself and your own journey. It can even lead to discovering your purpose and meaning in life, and instill a sense of belonging and pride.

We are fortunate that we are living in a society where valuing one’s own culture and heritage is not only allowed but encouraged. Diversity is celebrated here!

Here are 5 ways you can do to keep your kids connected to their heritage:

1. Speak to them in your language

   Using your home country’s language will not make it harder for your kids to learn English or French. In fact, studies have shown that your child will develop stronger English skills if they continue to use their home language (read The power of bilingualism: 5 benefits for newcomers to learn more about how a bilingual or a multilingual brain works).

   The easiest way for kids to learn the language is hearing and using it often at home. Expose them to normal conversations, speak to them regularly, and encourage them to respond using your home language. If your kids respond in English (as it may be easier for them), remind them of the benefits of being fluent in their native language. You can tell them that they’ll be able to connect with their grandparents, cousins, and other relatives better. They’ll also be able to learn more and appreciate your home country’s literature, art, and cinema when they know the language. Being bilingual is cool and it can be their superpower!

   Here are other ways that could help them develop their proficiency:

   • Attending cultural or family events so they can be exposed to your home language.
   • Reading books to them, listening to traditional songs, or watching shows and movies, in your native language. Your local library is often a great source of these audiovisual materials and books.
   • Enrolling your child in a language program. Most schools offer international language programs for free.

2. Embrace traditions

   Celebrate your home country’s holidays every year. It’s a great way for kids to learn about history and culture. Take it as an opportunity to tell them about important historical events or personages in the centre of these celebrations. You can also try infusing elements of your culture in holidays celebrated in Canada. For example, together with trick-or-treating on Halloween, you can involve them in lighting candles and offering food for your ancestors, if you’re Latin American, Filipino, or Chinese. You can also serve ethnic food on special occasions like birthdays, and introduce games and other activities that are usually done in your home country.

3. Talk to them about your home country

   Kids are curious folks! Encourage their curiosity by answering their questions, telling them stories, and always being open. When they see your pride in your culture, they will be more inclined to learn about it. Use maps, photos, and other visual aids to make it interesting. For example, showing old family photo albums is a fun way to tell your kids about life in your home country. Talk about the events, places, and people that are in the pages. Not only will they get a kick out of seeing what you looked like in your teens, it will also be a great way of bonding and sharing information without it sounding like a lecture.

4. Cook with them

   Cooking a recipe that has been in your family for generations is another way of handing down a tradition. It also opens up an opportunity to share stories and family memories. Involve them in the process and tell them about the local ingredients or cooking techniques used. You can even share historical or cultural significances connected with the food. If you’re not into cooking, try going to a restaurant that serves your ethnic cuisine.

5. Involve them in cultural activities

   Expose them to the richness of your culture through rituals, art, dance, and music. Visit museums featuring your culture’s art. You can also visit your home country’s pavilion at Folklorama. If you want more involvement in this event, you and your children can become members or volunteers. Aside from Folklorama, there are many other cultural activities happening around Manitoba throughout the year. A good way to know about them is to join your own ethnic organization, or follow immigrant-serving organizations on social media.

 
Sources: 7 ways to connect kids to their family heritage, Deborah Farmer Kris, PBS kids for Parents; 5 benefits of learning your heritage, Family Literacy Blog Posts, ABC Literacy Canada; and How to raise Canadian children who stay in touch with their culture, Arrive. Accessed August 15, 2024.