Raising Children in a Foreign Land-The Challenges and the Rewards

Millions of people migrate in hopes of making a fresh start in a new land. Europe now hosts over 20 million immigrants, the United States is home to more than 26 million foreign-born inhabitants, while more than 21 percent of Australia's total population was born overseas. Often these immigrant families must struggle with a new language and must adjust to a new culture. 

Frequently, children quickly learn the language of their new country and will start to think in the new language.  For their parents it may take longer. As children grow up  in a land foreign  to their parents, language difficulties may create a communication gap that is not easily bridged.

Not only does the new language affect the way children think but the culture of the new country may also influence how they feel.  Parents may find their children's reactions hard to understand.  Therefore, immigrant parents who are trying to raise their children in  "the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah" face unique challenges. -Ephesians 6:4.

Next time: The Challenge of Reaching Both Mind and Heart

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002