Parenthood

I am from the Philippines and I moved to Canada with my family in 2014.  It was a challenge adjusting to a new place, language and culture.  Most of the Filipinos are not used in this kind of weather. In the Philippines, we have two seasons, wet and dry; and here, we have four seasons through the year. All of us were excited to see snow and all those red orange trees during spring. We actually enjoyed all kinds of different activities in all the four seasons. 

Adjusting to a new language was another thing. I was constantly worried about my kids.  I was afraid that they will have a hard time coping in school and making friends.  But I was wrong and soon I found out that they easily adapted to their new country and learned English very fast. 

 I am very happy to see my kids adjusting so well in Canada.  But I have also noticed some changes in their behavior.  There is something new in them which sometimes makes me uncomfortable. As a parent, I want my children to keep their values and culture as a Filipino.  Canadian culture is very different from our culture.  I find them drifting away from their Filipino culture and that worries me.  It’s just so fast that sometimes I don’t know what to think. Maybe I need more time to adjust and accept my new values here. But I also want my kids to keep their ‘old’ values along with their ‘new’ Canadian values. I know that my kids will appreciate that in the long run.

I love our new life here in Moosomin but I feel as a parent it is my responsibility to make sure that my children stay in touch with their roots and, at the same time, become responsible and productive citizens of their new country.