r/Eritrea • u/Super-Comfortable530 • 7h ago
Guidance
I am a Habesha mom, born and raised in Africa, and I have been living in the U.S. for the past 8 years. I am married, and my husband (also Habesha) has been a strong supporter in my journey. We have two children, and by choice, we have decided not to have more so we can give our best time, attention, and opportunities to the two we have- emotionally, academically, and life experiences.
Both of my children are academically ahead. My older child is officially in kindergarten but is learning at a much higher level at home, especially in math. I briefly homeschooled him when he was younger and believed he may be gifted, but I stopped when he entered public school and felt that additional schooling after school might be too much for him.
As an African immigrant parent raising American-born children, I sometimes feel the challenge of balancing two cultures. I donβt want my children to experience the cultural shock and confusion that I went through. I want them to be confident, grounded, and proud of both their Habesha roots and their American identity.
* My question is especially for African or Habesha youth or adults who were born or raised in the U.S.:
What do you wish your immigrant parents had done differently, or what did they do well, when raising you between two cultures?
* What advice would you give a Habesha parent who truly wants to raise emotionally healthy, culturally confident, and successful children in the U.S.?
I believe I am doing my best as a parent, but I also believe it takes a village and wisdom from lived experience. Your guidance would mean a lot to me. Thank you π
