Moving to Canada with your family comes with the complexity of blending your home culture and traditions with Canadian culture. As parents, it’s important to maintain your culture while simultaneously embracing the culture of your new home.
We at Remitly understand this struggle for immigrant families and the importance of helping children feel at home while staying connected to their roots. We’ve put together our best practices for integrating your children into Canadian culture and preserving what’s meaningful in your family.
Importance of cultural integration in a diverse society
Canada’s population is incredibly diverse, with a variety of languages, ethnic backgrounds, and traditions in every province. This diversity is one of the reasons that the country is consistently one of the top countries in the world to move to. Canada’s multiculturalism also makes it easier for children to adapt and integrate, specifically helping them:
- Feel comfortable in social or school settings
- Understand local customs and expectations
- Develop an open mind about different ways of life
- Build a positive self-identity uniting both home and host cultures
Benefits of understanding and embracing Canadian culture
Some benefits of embracing Canadian culture include:
- Resilience: Children who navigate different cultures often become more adaptable and resourceful.
- Self-esteem: Embracing their new environment empowers children to see themselves as part of a bigger community.
- Social skills: Understanding local norms helps with smoother interactions at school or on the playground.
- Language skills: Integrating into Canadian communities often means speaking English and/or French every day, speeding up fluency.
Adaptation doesn’t happen overnight, so it’s normal for you or your children to feel uncertain at first. But, with curiosity and perseverance, embracing Canadian culture can complement your traditions rather than replace them.
Learning about Canadian culture
Before you and your family can truly embrace Canadian life, it’s helpful to understand the basics of what makes Canada unique. Children will usually have questions about their new environment. Talking about these differences helps them become more aware.
Key characteristics of Canadian culture
Canadians are often admired for their politeness, tolerance, and strong sense of community. Generalizations don’t fit everyone, but some traits often link to national identity:
- Respect for diversity: Canada is known for celebrating and respecting different cultures. Laws and social norms encourage freedom of expression and acceptance of different beliefs.
- Politeness and courtesy: You might hear “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry” often. Canadians value cordial interactions and strive to resolve conflicts amicably.
- Love of nature and outdoor activities: From hiking trails in British Columbia to kayaking in the Maritimes, you’ll soon see that enjoying the outdoors is an integral part of daily life.
- Bilingual heritage: Canada has two official languages: English and French. While English is the primary language in most provinces, Quebec predominantly speaks French, and many regions incorporate both languages.
Important aspects of Canadian identity
To help your children understand better, you can point out important national symbols and cultural traditions:
- Maple leaf: Displayed on the flag, symbolizing unity from coast to coast.
- Indigenous heritage: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures are integral to Canada’s past, present, and future. Many parts of Canada pay tribute to Indigenous traditions through art, celebrations, and historical sites.
- Multicultural festivals: Caribana in Toronto, Chinese New Year festivities in Vancouver, or the Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg all reflect how multicultural communities influence local life.
- Civic engagement: Voting in elections, volunteering in local groups, or joining a parent-teacher association are ways to contribute to your local area.
Building your children’s awareness of these national narratives encourages them to see themselves as part of a bigger picture. Instead of feeling like an outsider, they can begin to appreciate the roles immigrants and newcomers play in Canadian society.
Resources for educating your family about Canadian history and traditions
Learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Some ways to explore Canada’s story and customs together include:
- Museums and historical sites: In many cities throughout Canada, you’ll find museums dedicated to local or national history. By taking your children to visit these places, you give them real insights into Canadian history.
- Local libraries: Libraries often host reading clubs, cultural workshops, or storytime sessions celebrating authors from various backgrounds.
- Online sources: The Government of Canada’s official website provides detailed information on history, government structure, and current policies. By understanding these aspects yourself, you can help your child’s learning or answer any questions.
- Community associations: Look for multicultural groups or newcomer services in your city. They often hold gatherings where you can meet other families to share experiences, recipes, and stories from your home countries and adoptive land.
Understanding Canadian values
While history and symbols help define Canadian identity, the nation’s core values show what brings people together. When your children start to understand these Canadian concepts, it’ll be easier for them to adapt to social situations.
Fundamental Canadian values and their importance
Each family has their personal beliefs, but some key principles are shared among people in Canada:
- Equality: Canadian law ensures everyone has equal opportunities and protection, no matter their gender, race, or religion.
- Inclusivity: Openness to different backgrounds has become a central pillar. It helps to encourage your children to make friends with classmates from different backgrounds so that they learn empathy.
- Freedom of expression: People can share their opinions respectfully, protest peacefully, or practise religion without fear of punishment.
- Politeness: It’s not just about saying “sorry.” Politeness also means listening respectfully, offering help, and acknowledging others’ efforts.
By teaching these principles, you help your children see everyday routines as part of a shared understanding that brings communities closer together. Over time, these small but meaningful habits will become second nature.
Teaching children inclusivity and acceptance
One of the most vital lessons a parent can pass on is that differences are normal and worth celebrating. This includes teaching children to:
- Make friends: If your child’s class includes newcomers from other cultures, motivate them to learn about their customs and languages.
- Read diverse books: Stories featuring characters from various backgrounds show children that experiences and traditions can differ without creating barriers.
- Discuss stereotypes: When children hear biased comments in media or daily life, take a moment to talk about why such remarks are hurtful. Explain how they should respond kindly.
Encouraging respect for diversity and multiculturalism
Canada’s multicultural mosaic offers your family a chance to widen their horizons. Simple gestures can reinforce acceptance:
- Try food from different cultures: Cooking global meals or going to multicultural restaurants can spark your child’s curiosity and help them become more used to different tastes.
- Attend cultural celebrations: Many Canadian cities host events like Diwali festivals, Eid gatherings, or Kwanzaa commemorations. By taking your children to these events, they develop a respect for diversity.
- Share your culture: Encourage your children to bring their favourite treats or songs from your home country to class or events.
Weaving these ideas into daily routines helps children embrace Canadian culture and appreciate the global tapestry that enriches it. After all, Canada is known as one of the friendliest countries in the world, making it a welcoming place to celebrate multiculturalism.
Exploring Canadian language and traditions
Language is one of the biggest challenges for immigrant families, especially if English or French isn’t spoken at home. You’ll have to think about how you can support your child’s language learning for school and social interactions. It also helps to talk to them about Canadian traditions, like holidays, sports, or local customs, so that they feel more comfortable in their new setting.
Engaging with both English and French languages
Learning basic French phrases opens up more ways to communicate, especially if you live in or near Quebec. A few ways to immerse children in language learning include:
- Bilingual media: Tune in to French or English children’s programmes and YouTube channels. This repeated exposure will help your children pick up pronunciation and vocabulary.
- Local language classes: Community centres and schools often offer after-school programmes where children can practise reading, writing, and speaking English.
- Family practice: Dedicate some time each day to language learning at home. Emphasize that mistakes are part of learning so children feel confident trying new words.
If your children speak another mother tongue, encourage them to see it as a strength. Being bilingual or trilingual helps them stay connected to their roots while fully participating in Canadian life.
Celebrating Canadian holidays and traditions with children
Explain the history or stories behind different Canadian holidays, and encourage your children to participate so that they feel part of their new home.
- Canada Day: Parades, face painting, and a patriotic history lesson.
- Canadian Thanksgiving: Mix your favourite dishes with local staples like turkey or mashed potatoes.
- Remembrance Day: Wearing poppies to honour military sacrifices.
- Winter festivals: Despite the cold, festivals like Winterlude in Ottawa encourage outdoor fun.
Incorporating Canadian customs into family life
It doesn’t have to stop at public holidays. Small habits can also foster belonging:
- Outdoor living: As you settle in Canada, you’ll experience its famously diverse climate, from freezing winters to warm coastal summers. So, encourage your children to explore nature.
- Local etiquette: From queueing patiently to saying “excuse me” when passing by someone, these little gestures show respect in day-to-day occurrences.
- Canadian entertainment: Introduce your children to iconic TV shows, music artists, or children’s authors. Children might discover new heroes or role models who represent local culture.
Fostering inclusivity and understanding
Raising children to appreciate different cultures goes hand in hand with helping them adapt to Canada. Your child will quickly see how diverse backgrounds can enhance their life, whether from friends of different ethnicities or teachers who speak more than one or two languages.
Strategies for raising multicultural children
- Open dialogue: Encourage daily chats about what your children learned in school or from friends. Invite them to ask any questions about cultural differences.
- Positive reinforcement: Praise them for respectful behaviour, whether trying someone else’s homemade snack or greeting a friend in their mother tongue.
- Role models: Look for figures who successfully integrated two or more cultures, like athletes or artists, and share their biographies with your children. This demonstrates that blending identities is not only possible but can lead to fulfilling careers.
Teaching children to respect and appreciate diverse backgrounds
Raising children in a multicultural environment helps them grow into confident, compassionate individuals. Some simple ways to support their journey include:
- Encourage curiosity: If your children come across a term or custom they don’t understand, suggest they look it up or ask their friends for help.
- Offer perspective: Compare daily customs like greetings or meal habits between your home country and Canada. This helps children understand that “normal” is different across cultures.
- Stay calm: If your child experiences signs of bullying or exclusion, talk about solutions. Emphasize that hostility often stems from not knowing. Also, discuss these problems with teachers or community leaders who can help you resolve issues.
Building a supportive community for your family
No parent does this alone. Finding out about local networks, clubs, or faith communities is invaluable:
- Newcomer associations: Many cities offer immigrant support groups or multicultural centres.
- Volunteering: Joining local initiatives lets your children practise language skills, meet new friends, and see the power of teamwork.
- Online forums: Virtual communities are especially helpful if you live in a smaller town. Websites like Canadian Immigrant share stories, tips, and events for newcomers.
- School involvement: Attend parent-teacher meetings or help out with field trips. Building these relationships with teachers and other parents will encourage your child to engage too.
Fun ways to blend into Canadian culture
Fun, hands-on activities can help your children embrace local life. These experiences leave positive memories that make your family feel more at home.
Family activities that promote cultural inclusivity
- Sports: Hockey leagues or soccer clubs teach teamwork, respect, and discipline.
- Neighbourhood potlucks: Find a way to get your neighbourhood involved in a potluck. Sharing a common cultural dish from your home while sampling dishes from other cultures fosters mutual appreciation.
- Art and crafts: Children’s classes in painting, Indigenous beadwork, or photography understand their surroundings and uncover new talents.
Encouraging children to participate in local Canadian events
Annual festivals or city-wide celebrations provide perfect opportunities to explore:
- Winter carnivals: Quebec’s Winter Carnival or Ottawa’s Winterlude highlight cold-weather fun like ice sculpting and winter sports.
- Cultural parades: Cities such as Toronto and Vancouver host Pride parades, Caribbean carnivals, or Lunar New Year celebrations.
- School performances: Many schools arrange plays, talent shows, or multicultural days. Supporting your children’s involvement builds confidence and creates a sense of belonging.
Exploring Canadian cuisine and storytelling through family experiences
Food often serves as a universal language. By sampling local dishes or fusing them with your own traditions, you create new tastes:
- Local specialties: Poutine, butter tarts, and beaver tails are some iconic Canadian treats. Try them at a local fair or replicate them at home with your child’s help.
- Outdoor cooking: Camping or backyard barbecues bring families together. Teaching children how to roast marshmallows or grill salmon under the stars offers an authentic taste of Canadian outdoor life.
- Story-sharing nights: Combine dinner with storytelling. This helps everyone see how cultural stories enrich family bonds.
Every activity helps your children build a personal connection to their surroundings, making Canada feel like a second home that complements their heritage.
FAQs
How to raise Canadian children who stay in touch with their culture?
Focus on maintaining important traditions from your home country while also integrating Canadian culture, such as local holidays and traditions. Encourage your children to speak both English (or French) and their mother tongue. By balancing both worlds, they remain connected to their roots while feeling at home in Canada.
What are 3 examples of Canadian culture?
Three main characteristics include respect for diversity, politeness, and a strong connection to the outdoors. Canada’s diverse population ensures multiple cultures coexist, while politeness shows up in everyday manners like saying “sorry” or holding doors open. Meanwhile, Canadians love outdoor activities like camping and winter sports, which celebrate the country’s beautiful landscapes.
How to blend in Canadian culture?
Try learning at least one official language (English or French), attend community events, and understand everyday customs. You can also help with your child’s adaptation by encouraging them to join local sports teams or cultural clubs. Ultimately, keep an open mind, share your traditions, and gradually incorporate Canadian routines into your daily life.
What is important to Canadian identity and culture?
Core elements include multiculturalism, bilingualism (English and French), and a shared emphasis on equality, inclusivity, and respect. Canada also takes pride in its Indigenous heritage. By exploring local festivals, understanding different cultures, and participating in social life, as newcomers you can embrace Canadian culture with your children.