Navigating the Dynamic: First-Generation Children and Immigrant Parents
Written by Roselande Pierre-Louis LAC, June 2024
There are many complexities within family structures and family systems. Whether those structures and systems are homogenous (where cultures, values and traditions are singular and represented from the core) or heterogenous (fostering multiple backgrounds), it is important to reflect on the impact of individuals adjusting to change. More specifically, cultural changes and influences within the home can have plenty of short-term and long-term developmental effects particularly related to identity. Let’s explore the impacts of the developmental effects of families consisting of a heterogenous structure such as those with first generation children born from immigrant parents.
Considering the strong components of cultural values and traditions, children born in a culture different than their parents or caregivers can carry immense pressure from expectations brought on by their family. This pressure can come from parents expecting their children to succeed in a predestined career, having a family of their own, subscribing to a religion, or maintaining traditional lifestyle rules (dietary, routine, academics). These pressures can bring about mental health challenges including stress, irritability, depression, anxiety and even isolation.
The Concept of Intergenerational Trauma, Assimilation and Acculturation
Intergenerational trauma is when ancestors, relatives and/or older family members have some form of adverse psychological, physiological effects from a frightening, disturbing or distressing event outside of an individual’s ability to cope or manage. These struggles can have negative or challenging impacts on socioemotional development, personal identity, adaptability, and overall mental health balance.
Assimilation refers to an individual’s ability to fit within a dominant culture vs acculturation which is where two or more cultures combine and can maintain the integrity of each background. Understanding these concepts is important to review how identity can be formed within home structures and how values are maintained. Assimilation may look like a child conforming to values and traditions of a dominant culture that their parents immigrated to but unfortunately their parents may not have fully accepted. An example that comes to mind is of how a Haitian American who grew up celebrating New Year’s Eve with their family by going to church to welcome in the New Year and stayed at church until midnight to pray and eat a traditional soup with other churchgoers. A longtime tradition that has gone on since Haiti became its own independent nation. This person may want to fully embrace the dominant culture by instead spending time with friends at Time Square by watching the ball drop at midnight. This can cause disruption amongst the family unit because religion and tradition are sentimental and honorable to the parents and may be seen as defiance and disrespect if not honored.
Although some families may learn to accept both cultures (acculturation) by making accommodations and adjustments, other families who still struggle to find balance will become critical and reject the concepts of other cultures. Often, such criticism can lead to the individual struggling by hiding parts of their parents’ cultures externally and people pleasing their parents when at home. This kind of flexibility is difficult to maintain and can lead to boundary challenges, such as an inability to express themselves with others , potentially leading to self-esteem issues. Language barriers may also become a challenge as individuals trying to accommodate for both cultures may also carry responsibilities such as being a translator for their parents in various settings. Some examples include translating difficult medical results to their parents, explaining grades and teachers’ remarks on schoolwork to parents, or explaining the charges of a bill or notice from a federal or state department. These are are just a few real scenarios that many first-generation children end up bearing responsibility for just to navigate transitions into a dominant culture.
Psychological Effects on Immigrant Children
The psychological effects of these experiences can be profound and varied. Here are some common impacts:
Anxiety and Depression: The constant pressure to succeed and the stress of navigating two cultures can lead to feeling anxiety and depression. First-generation children might feel they are failing their parents or their peers, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
Guilt: Many first-generation children can experience survivor's guilt, feeling guilty for the opportunities they have that their parents or relatives back home did not. This can be compounded by the pressure to honor their parents' sacrifices by achieving high levels of success.
Isolation: Feeling different from their peers and even from family members can lead to a sense of isolation. They might feel misunderstood by their parents due to cultural gaps and by their peers due to cultural differences.
Resilience and Adaptability: On the positive side, many first-generation children develop strong resilience and adaptability. They learn to navigate complex social landscapes, become adept at problem-solving, and often exhibit high levels of empathy and cultural awareness.
Achievement Motivation: The high expectations placed on them can drive first-generation children to achieve academically and professionally. This motivation can be a source of pride and fulfillment, though it needs to be balanced to avoid burnout.
Bridging the Gap: Strategies for Support
Understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by first-generation children can help mitigate the negative impacts and enhance the positive ones. Here are some strategies for parents, educators, and the children themselves:
Cultural Integration: Encouraging a balanced integration of both cultures can help. Celebrating cultural heritage at home, learning about one’s own background, immersing yourself in the history of the culture and even participating in a broader community can foster a more inclusive identity.
Mental Health Support: Access to mental health resources is crucial. There are many multicultural counselors or counselors that are informed in working with intergenerational communities to assist with this specialized topic. Although some cultures may have reservations about using mental health resources, it is still important to stay informed on how these resources can be a useful tool to manage an individual’s or a family’s struggle.
Community Building: Creating or joining communities of other first-generation families can provide a sense of belonging and shared experience. These communities can offer support, advice, and a sense of solidarity.
The relationship between first generation children and immigrant parents can be complicated but growth is possible. It is important to identify strengths within the culture and honor the components of both the homeland culture as well as the dominant culture to adapt. Concepts of acculturation are important to maintain balance and connectedness within each cultural experience and introducing how assimilation can be done appropriately. This is such a deep-rooted topic and there is so much to explore, but for now I can leave you with the information I have provided. I encourage you to be open minded to everyone’s unique background and be aware of how people around you might be assimilating or how you can learn to practice acculturation. By recognizing and addressing these dynamics, we can learn how to better support the journey for first-generation children to thrive in a diverse and ever-changing world.
