10 Benefits Of Growing Up In A Multicultural Family & 10 Challenges
Were You A Multicultural Kid?
In our globalized world, an increasing number of people are growing up with two or more cultures present in their families. In much of the Western world, this cultural melting pot is becoming the new normal. For kids, growing up in this environment has many benefits from being exposed to different languages to being more culturally sensitive. However, there are negative aspects too like facing prejudice and identity struggles. Here are 10 benefits and 10 challenges of growing up in a multicultural family.
1. The Food
One of the main benefits of being raised in a multicultural family is the food. Enough said. Being raised in a monocultural environment will only expose you to one type of cuisine while a multicultural upbringing will offer a much richer culinary experience.
2. Exposure To Languages
Growing up in a multicultural family, you get exposed to more than one language from a young age and hopefully grow up fluent in multiple languages. Without this exposure, it's a lot harder to learn languages further down the road, and being multilingual gives you a huge edge in your career and life.
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3. Broader Worldview
Growing up in a monocultural environment makes you a person of limited scope whereas being part of a multicultural family makes you more well-rounded. You have a greater understanding of the world and know how to interact with a larger variety of people.
4. Unique Personal Identity
Although it can be confusing, kids who grow up in a multicultural family are confronted with the question of identity at an early age. They learn to embrace the uniqueness of their upbringing and create their own hybrid version of the cultures that surrounded them as children.
5. Better Social Skills
Growing up in a multicultural family instills in you better social skills because you grow up interacting with people from different backgrounds. You end up being able to relate to a greater variety of people.
6. Increased Cultural Sensitivity
If you grow up surrounded by a variety of cultures, you're less likely to show prejudice toward others for their cultural background. You'll be more understanding and tolerant of people's differences.
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7. Unique Traditions
Someone who comes from a multicultural family gets to enjoy all the different celebrations and customs present in those cultures. This can make for a festive and exciting life.
8. Greater Adaptability
Growing up in a multicultural environment, you're straddling two or more different worlds. Navigating the diversity in your family makes you more adaptable and resilient.
9. Competitive Edge in Careers
Multicultural backgrounds are valued in many industries including diplomacy and international business. This is especially true if you can speak more than one language.
10. Expanded Network
If you have a multicultural family, chances are you have at least a handful of family members living in other parts of the world. This opens the door for you to spend time abroad, living with your family members, immersing yourself in their culture, and using their already-established social network to your advantage.
Now that we've gone over the benefits of growing up in a multicultural family, let's talk about the potential downsides.
1. Identity Confusion
One of the main issues people with a multicultural background report is being confused about their identity. If you only have one culture, you easily become part of the clan, but if you have multiple cultures, it's hard to fit into anyone.
2. Language Barriers With Family Members
If you're unable to learn all the languages your extended family speaks, you may find it hard to connect with them because of the language barrier. This can be frustrating and make you feel isolated from your own family.
3. Disjointed Family
Most multicultural families are geographically separated to some extent. With some family members living abroad, you might live many years of your life without ever meeting them, leaving you feeling very separate from them culturally and emotionally.
4. Differing Parenting Styles
If your parents come from different cultures, they may have conflicting ideas about how they want to raise their children. What's more, their ideas and their expectations of you might be conflicting with your environment.
5. Relationships May Be Challenging
Differing cultural expectations surrounding marriage, gender roles, sexual orientation, and relationships may make your dating life hard. In some cultures, your parents and family are very involved in your selection of a partner which may conflict with the cultural norms of the environment you grew up in.
6. Generational Disconnect
If you grew up in a multicultural family you may have trouble connecting to some of your older family members. They grew up in a very different world and might not be able to understand your world and your blended identity.
7. Cultural Misunderstandings
Different cultures have differing values, expectations, and ways of communicating. As such, misunderstandings within your own family may cause conflict, friction, and rifts.
8. Navigating Different Traditions
At some point in your life, you may have to decide between the different celebrations and traditions you want to adopt for yourself. For example, deciding between Hanukka and Christmas. This may cause conflict within your family.
9. Dealing With Prejudice
Though it's not as common these days, people from multicultural backgrounds still experience prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination, and bullying. This can be challenging and hurtful who kids who might end up despising their heritage. It's one of the biggest adversities they have to overcome.
10. A Lack Of Belonging
Having a blended identity that bridges many cultures, you might end up not feeling like you quite belong anywhere. Each of those cultures may also have trouble fully embracing you as their own.
