|
| |
NAMI NEW JERSEY programs: samhaj events |
| |
|
Bridging the Gap: Raising Indian
Children in America
|
| |
There were a lot of questions and concerns on the minds
of the South Asian parents who came to this informative
and interactive workshop held at the West Windsor library
on June 19. This workshop was intended to help the parents
gain some insights into bridging the cultural divide that
rises between them and their American born children. Several
South Asian children, age 12+, participated in the discussion
and provided an opportunity for their parents to learn first
hand what it is like to be growing up "bicultural"
in America.
Dr. Anita McLean, the facilitator of the workshop started
off by asking the parents to share their fears and hopes
regarding raising their children in this country. Many of
the parents voiced their concern about helping their children
maintain their cultural identity at the same time get successfully
assimilated into the American society. Fears of being abandoned
by them, falling prey to drug addiction and teenage sexual
activity were also discussed. Dr. McLean pointed out that
these fears were not exclusive to South Asian parents in
America but faced by parents in many societies.
Following this discussion, Dr. McLean invited the teens
to participate in a "fishbowl exercise" where
parents were asked to hold their reactions while actively
listening to the teens talk about their issues. This interesting
process was co-facilitated by Sarika Seth, a graduate student
of clinical psychology. While the parents listened on, the
teens talked about how they were more accepting of American
culture than their parents, the enormous pressures imposed
by their parents to do well academically, and what they
felt was an over-reaction of parents' perception about American
influences. The teens articulated that they needed emotional
support and understanding from their parents.
At the end, the parents agreed that the discussion had provided
some valuable insights and discussed the need to hold similar
workshops more often.
|
|
This workshop was the second in a series of three in 2004,
sponsored by NAMI NEW JERSEY's SAMHAJ program and the Indian
American Civic Forum. They are intended to increase awareness
about mental health and well being among South Asian immigrants.
For more information on future workshops contact Aruna Rao
at (732) 940-0991 or e-mail naminj@optonline.net
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
 NAMI NEW JERSEY is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families who are affected by mental illness.
|
|
|
|