From Struggle to Strength: Overcoming Challenges in Immigrant Family Integration

Understanding and addressing changes in adolescents and children during migration, as well as shifts in family roles, is crucial for BC's Iranian community and all new immigrants. These changes profoundly impact family dynamics, cultural adaptation, and overall well-being. By comprehending and actively addressing these shifts, communities can support successful integration, preserve cultural heritage, and foster healthy family relationships within the context of migration. This is essential for building cohesive and resilient civic societies in BC.

Sherry invited Azar Zia Manesh, a psychotherapist and family counsellor registered with the RCC in BC, along with Parinaz Zavadzadeh, a Farsi language teacher, and Shima Mashayekhi, a registered clinical counsellor in BC, to discuss this important topic.

Sherry asked Azar why it is crucial to learn about the family cycle and the immigration experiences of families entering BC. Azar said that this knowledge helps in navigating cultural adjustments, managing inter-generational dynamics, addressing parenting challenges, and providing tailored community support for immigrant families. Understanding these factors ultimately facilitates smoother integration and fosters healthier family relationships.

Parinaz elaborated on the significant role teachers play in assisting families with adjustments and adaptation to a new society. Drawing from her experience as a teacher, she emphasized that educators serve as key influencers in the lives of children and adolescents, providing not only academic guidance but also essential social and emotional support. Teachers have the opportunity to create inclusive and welcoming classroom environments that celebrate diversity and validate the cultural backgrounds of all students, including those from immigrant families. By fostering positive relationships with students and their families, teachers can help ease the transition process, address cultural differences, and promote a sense of belonging for both students and their parents. Parinaz stressed the importance of collaboration between educators, families, and community resources to ensure the successful integration and well-being of immigrant families in educational settings.

Sherry asked Shima to elaborate on the challenges faced by newcomer parents and how they may sometimes become distant from their own children. Shima responded by acknowledging the numerous challenges newcomer parents encounter, including adapting to a new culture, language barriers, employment struggles, and financial pressures. She explained that these stressors can sometimes cause parents to prioritize immediate survival needs over nurturing their relationships with their children. Shima emphasized the importance of providing support and resources to help parents manage these challenges effectively. She also suggested strategies such as scheduling regular family time, seeking community support services, and promoting open communication within the family to help parents maintain meaningful connections with their children despite the difficulties they face.

Azar stressed parents' active listening and understanding as vital for closer parent-child relationships, promoting smoother adaptation and language learning. She highlighted children's involvement in daily life, encouraging parents to see it as empowering. By allowing children a voice in family decisions, parents foster independence and confidence, nurturing healthier family dynamics and overall well-being.

Sherry concludes the significance of comprehending and aiding immigrant families as they tackle challenges like cultural adjustment and language barriers. She emphasizes the importance of open communication and collaboration. Ultimately, Sherry underscores empathy and proactive measures as essential for fostering the successful integration and well-being of immigrant families.

Guests:

Azar Zia Manesh; psychotherapist and family counselor RCC in BC

Parinaz Zavadzadeh; Farsi language teacher in BC

Shima Mashayekhi; Registered clinical counselor RCC in BC,

LJI Journalist: Sherry Soltani

Skyrise Media Society