Child Rearing Practices and Cultural Diversity

1. Child Rearing Practices and Cultural Diversity

2. Do not stereotype! • Acculturation • SES level • Specific ethnic group • Geographical area • Exposure • age

3. European Americans • Child-centeredness • Independency • Individualism • Formal early education valued • Sometimes both parents in workforce

4. Native Americans • Family members may be primary caregivers in early years (grandparents, aunts and uncles • Group may be focus • Respect for elders • Avoid ridicule or critism • Observation of others/nonverbal language • Seeks harmony

5. African Americans • Children are future-need adult protection and guidance • Must be disciplined-adult responsibility • Setting limits • Good education, food and place to play • Focus on obedience, and respect, do best in school • Focus on kinship • Adults-loco parentis

6. Latino American Families • Children validate marriage • Nurturing to children (may be viewed as permissive and indulgent) • Relaxed attitude toward development of early skills (interdependence) • Closeness-family members (siblings) • Male dominance • respect for elders • Language • religion

7. Asian families • Focus on family structure • Value of sons • Generation • Discipline and education • Responsibility for own behavior in preschool • Early acquisition of self-help skills • Language

8. Middle Eastern Families • Support system • Responsibility for family • Language • Religious beliefs