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Kids and Culture. A unique challenge to Indian American Parents. Two careers and two cultures. Two careers create very little time Two cultures create unique challenges. Parenting is a journey. We learn: about ourselves Our values Our childhood Our spouse and we can: Shape the future
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Kids and Culture A unique challenge to Indian American Parents
Two careers and two cultures • Two careers create very little time • Two cultures create unique challenges
Parenting is a journey We learn: • about ourselves • Our values • Our childhood • Our spouse and we can: • Shape the future • Mold a global citizen • Contribute to humanity
Raising a culturally balanced child • Exposure to the American culture and language is organic • Exposure to the Indian culture will have to be created
What is culture? • Indian culture is complex • It is also very fluid – like a river it is ever changing – just slightly (as it assimilates from the surrounding, there is also a sense of continuity)
Obstacles • Lack of time • Lack of clarity about what to teach • Lack of resources • Spouse with a different idea about culture • Lack of training – especially in communication • Complexity of Indian culture
You and your spouse • Are you two on the same page? • Or at least reading from the same book?
What do you consider culture? • Respect and reverence • Social skills • Language • Religion • Art • Music • literature
What is most important to you? • Visualize your child as an adult • What would you like him or her to be doing?
Assimilation or Alienation? • Lunch: Indian or Western? • Which language to teach? • Dress • Activities
How do you do it? • Giving samskara is a slow process • You have to do it day in and day out • You have to be the role model of what you want to preach • Be open - create an environment for learning • Art of communication
Communication • Sensitivity • Patience • Respect • Sense of humor • Sharing • Timing
Day to day life • Use of prayers • Books • Music • Stories • Breathing techniques • yoga
Festivals • Be creative • Choose one family festival • Involve children in a true sense • Have fun
Traditions • What are the benefits of some traditions? • Do you have one? • Can you create one? • What are traditions?
Indian art or music • Enroll in one of the classes • Understand the long term value of it
A small window of time • The first 7 years of your child’s life • We can stretch it to may be ten years • But our time is limited