Two mothers have accepted to share with us their experience as multicultural parents.
Testimony 1# Raising children in a French-American family
Whitney is an American mother married to a French man.They have together two boys, ages 7 and 4.
Being a parent
Being a parents for me means being there for my children in every sense, emotionally, physically, academically, financially,… It is the most amazing, and most difficult thing I
have ever undertaken, yet I would not change it for the world.
Languages and cultures at home
We respect the “one parent, one language” rule in our home. I only speak to the boys in English and my husband only in French. Bilingualism is a wonderful advantage. My children are both bilingual and bicultural. That is due to us planning and organizing trips to my home country every year. It was never a choice. For us it is what is natural in a French/American family.
The benefits of exposing children to multiculturalism
A better understanding of different cultures and a respect for them.
Testimony 2# Raising children in a Japanese-Ukrainian family expatriated in France
Katya is an Ukrainian mother married to a Japanese man, they just came to Paris this summer and will stay in France for 5 years.They have together two boys, ages 2 and 4.
Being a parent
Being a parent for me means to pass on my knowledge and values to the next generation.
Languages and cultures at home
At home we mix all languages : Japanese, Ukrainian and International english.
Since their birth our children are immersed in this multicultural environment, and we clearly want them to discover the French culture.
I think exposing a child to more cultures and languages from young age will develop their earlier understanding of the world and contribute to their intellectual development. I’m pro early education as long as it doesn’t harm their play time !
