Parental involvement is essential to the well-being of immigrant adolescents. Parents can help their adolescent children explore new aspects of cultural identity by discussing values, beliefs and goals, while also connecting them with positive role models who embody success within the new culture.
The Bible admonishes, “If a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him.” (Leviticus 19:33 NKJV)
Notwithstanding, the current climate makes life particularly difficult for immigrant families living in the United States, especially for adolescents and youths who often struggle with culture shock, experiencing anxiety, surprise, disorientation and confusion as they adjust to a vastly diverse cultural and social environment. Yet, research shows that adolescents can embrace these cultural differences through identification, connection and involvement in their traditional culture. Stabilizing ties such as language, food, religion and kinship relationships play a vital role in helping young people maintain a sense of belonging and identity amid change.
Parental involvement is essential to the well-being of immigrant adolescents. Parents can help their adolescent children explore new aspects of cultural identity by discussing values, beliefs and goals, while also connecting them with positive role models who embody success within the new culture. Open communication about personal growth and cultural adaptation is key. Parents should also establish “bi-directional” rules, created jointly by parents and adolescents, to ensure safety while respecting a child’s appropriate developmental autonomy. This collaborative approach strengthens family bonds and empowers adolescents to navigate their unfamiliar environment with confidence.
Furthermore, one of the greatest contributions parents can make is to teach higher-order skills, which involve applying multiple thinking abilities to solve problems, draw conclusions and make sound decisions. These include critical thinking, which enables adolescents to analyze, evaluate and reason effectively by assessing credibility, identifying bias, and drawing logical conclusions; creative thinking, which encourages innovation and imagination in finding new approaches to challenges; problem solving, which involves identifying issues, gathering data, comparing alternatives, and implementing effective solutions; and decision making, which guides adolescents to prioritize, evaluate consequences and choose the best course of action. Developing these higher-order skills equips young people to thrive in a complex and diverse society.
It is equally important for parents to create a home environment where their children feel safe to think, question and grow. By fostering open communication and encouraging higher-order thinking, parents help their immigrant children develop resilience, independence and self-confidence. As Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson emphasize, children need to feel “safe,” “seen,” “heard,” “soothed” and “secure” to flourish emotionally and mentally. Most importantly, parents should nurture faith in God. For immigrant families, faith can serve as a profound source of hope, emotional strength and community support. It provides a spiritual framework for interpreting life’s challenges, offering comfort and guidance in times of uncertainty. Faith reminds both parents and children that they are not alone in their journey of adaptation and growth, and it anchors them in purpose, identity and divine assurance. Biblical patriarchs echo the goal of faith: “For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a better homeland … Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews 11:14–16 NKJV)
Ainsworth E. Joseph, PhD, DMin, CFLE, is an assistant professor of marriage and family lifespan education at the Seventh-day Theological Seminary at Andrews University.
