[Sticky] Raising African Kids Abroad: How to Keep Your Culture Without Clashing With the System

Tokunbo Central’s answer: parents in the community describe a few approaches that work well.

• Values start at home: wherever you live, children learn most from what they see parents do every day.
• Explain the “why”: children abroad respond better to reasons than to “because I said so”.
• Build a village: African churches, mosques, associations and family friends give kids role models who look like them.
• Keep culture visible: food, music, language, clothing, festivals, and trips home.
• Know the local rules: schools and social services abroad take child welfare seriously. Learn what is and is not allowed (see our discipline thread).
• Talk openly: about identity, racism, friends and online life, so children come to you first.
• Agree as parents: couples who agree on rules before relocating find it easier.

Your turn: what is one tradition or value you have kept alive for your kids abroad, and how?