Why Some Kids Cope Better With Cultural Barriers Than Others

"Growing up in a world that is home to multiple languages, values, and traditions, children often find themselves navigating cultural barriers that influence their development. Differences in parenting styles and changing societal expectations make this process even more challenging for children in multicultural family settings or communities. They need to balance their internal conflict with how the environment expects them to act, all while forming their own identity."

"Consequently, they may feel "different" at school or stuck between two sets of expectations. For example, children who are taught to exhibit unconditional respect for authority figures may feel confused in a classroom setting where teachers encourage open debate and independent thinking. Not all children respond to these challenges in the same manner, as some can adjust at a quicker pace and develop an unparalleled sense of belonging."

"Families play a vital role in forming the foundation of a child's values, beliefs, and early behaviors. Additionally, parental perspectives towards culture are influenced by family customs and norms. With intercultural parenting, parents who acknowledge both cultures - their own and the one their child is growing up in - help children feel proud instead of conflicted. Openly discussing these differences together may develop self-awareness for parents and a space for children to foster curiosity and understanding about their own culture."

Children raised in multicultural environments face competing expectations from different languages, values, and traditions that shape their development. Conflicting parenting styles and shifting societal norms force children to reconcile internal beliefs with external demands while building identity. Classroom dynamics can clash with cultural teachings, such as unconditional respect versus encouragement of debate, producing confusion for some children. Responses vary: some adapt quickly and gain belonging while others struggle. Three main factors influence adaptation: family support, individual personality traits, and the wider community environment. Families that acknowledge multiple cultures, foster open communication, and provide security help children feel proud rather than conflicted.

Read at Psychology Today