Immigration might provide your family with opportunities to escape oppression. However, leaving your home country most likely has significant challenges.
Supporting your children through this volatile time will require patience and vigilance. Your knowledge might help you better understand how to support your children throughout the process.
Navigating emotional trauma
Depending on your experiences leaving your native land, migration might involve trauma and fear. According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, traumatic experiences could include the deportation of a loved one or detention in an unfamiliar place. Even when you arrive in a safe place and begin the naturalization process, the emotional repercussions might persist in your children.
During this time, you will want to give unconditional love to your children. Provide them with reassurance. Discuss the benefits of moving to a new place. Make goals for the future. Explore resources in your community to find support and inclusion.
Working through cultural differences
Another challenge your children could face is the process of working through cultural differences. This could include language barriers, as well as differences in beliefs, traditions and customs. Find ways to honor your heritage and teach your children the importance of maintaining long-held family traditions. Look for resources that your children can use to learn about their new home. Recognize that acclimation will take time and that adjustment does not mean abandoning your heritage.
Despite the challenges of immigration, your children may experience many new and exciting opportunities. Your example and willingness to learn and explore may give your children encouragement to follow your lead.
