MIGRATING TO CANADA IS THE BEST DECISION MADE BY MY PARENTS!
When asked to speak about my experience in Canada and my peers, I took my time to write this as I would not want to be misunderstood or misjudged wrongly based on my response (speaking for the youths). When my parents told me we were relocating to Canada, I had mixed feelings: excited about my new achievement, but sad that I would lose my friends, mainly because I did not know what to expect in a foreign land. It was an emotional period for my home, leaving my friends and extended families; we had a few ups and downs before we finally made it here, but overall we did it!
Canada is undoubtedly a beautiful place, and I’m glad we migrated. Although I am aware racism and bullying exist because I have heard narrations from my friends, I am fortunate not to have experienced such. The lesson learned from others’ stories is that the best way to overcome this beast is to “speak out.”
It might be a bit on the Nigerian youths in Canada because we relate differently to Nigerian Parents and Canadian Parents due to different cultures (i.e, you cannot look a Nigerian parent in the face due to the culture, but Canadian culture requires eye contact when communicating. Nigerian youth tend to be less expressive as they are careful not to be termed rude by Naija’s parents. The youths also need to be understood and allowed to express their feelings, which could only be corrected when they speak them. My recommendation should be that parents listen attentively to their children and know that it took them a lot of courage to explain themselves.
Our parents have helped make the home a fun-filled environment and constantly engage the youth to stay current… They also need to understand that teenagers dislike being compelled to make friends with their friend’s children unless they want to because teenagers are more comfortable when within their clique. Parents sometimes believe the teenagers aren’t correctly socializing with other children. But I think it is essential for parents to know that it is okay. There are just times the teens need their space. So, my advice is to understand the types of children you have and not compare them with other children.
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