What is Culture?
And why should you teach your children anything about their culture? In a world marked by racial and cultural tension, why teach children their differences instead of focusing on what makes us the same?
Culture has several definitions
1. The quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent in arts, letters, manners, or scholarly pursuits.
2. The behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular group of people, as a social, ethnic, professional or age group.
3. The sum total of ways of living built up by a group of human beings and transmitted from one generation to another.
Definition #1 & #2 above are what people often refer to when they are talking about “culture”. Used this way, people can move from one culture to another based on age, location, or interests over a lifetime.
In this conversation, we are going to focus on #3:
“Ways of living transmitted from generation to generation“.
Culture defined this way is varied and rich. It is a living and active thing that grows and changes, gets added to or subtracted from (sometimes forcefully like through enslavement), or gradually with changes in technology and economic or political influences. It is never static. Humans have always been divided into groups. There are hundreds of different languages and cultures. Why is this important?
“Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there.” Genesis 11:1 (ESV)
“Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.’
And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built.
And the Lord said, ‘Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.
Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another’s speech.’
So the Lord dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city.
Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth. And from there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth.” Genesis 11:4-9 (ESV)
Importance of Connectedness
Ever since biblical historical times, people have been divided into different languages, culture, and origins. Your children were born into a particular clan, tribe, race, and country. It’s natural to feel a connection.
Studies have shown that youth connectedness is an important protective factor for health and well-being. It reduces the likelihood of a variety of health risk behaviors. Connectedness refers to a sense of being cared for and belonging. Feeling connected at home is extremely important.
In a CDC article published in 2018, it is noted that youth experience significant risks. The risks include:
- drug use
- suicidal thoughts
- being bullied
- high-risk sexual behavior
- mental health issues including depression
Family connectedness plays a huge role in decreasing the likelihood that youth will engage in risky behavior. Youth who have pride in who they are, and in their family (in other words, feel connected), have a huge advantage over youth who feel abandoned or uncared for.
As they approach and maneuver the teen years, the culture that is important to YOU should be well on the way to settling immovably into their hearts. So…..how can you cultivate connectedness in your children?
Cultivating Connectedness
Stories about Family
- Positive stories, not gossip.
- A feat that a family member attained.
- A famous person in the family tree.
Tell these stories often, until they are the love of your family. If you are not getting the teen “eye roll” because you’re telling it again, you have not told it enough.
You’ll be surprised when your child, who seems bored with these stories, enthusiastically shares them with friends and acquaintances.
History of Ancestors
Who are their ancestors?
You might think “I don’t have anything to say about this.” But, everyone does.
If you were adopted, that is your family. This is not a medical history. This is an oral history of who you are and where you came from.
Cultural Heritage
Is there a dance, a language, a festival that is part of who your family is?
Teach it.
Go to an event and immerse them in the culture, if possible.
In Part 2 of this series, we will discuss more specific ways to instill culture in your children.
We would love to hear how YOU build connectedness in YOUR family. Tell us about it in the Comments below!
Enjoy the journey!
Doc Tibbs
🌷🌼🌻
to have Healthy Relationships
Is your relationship with your teen child strained or difficult?
Fostering healthy relationships is vital for the social and emotional well-being of teenagers. By promoting open communication, teaching empathy, setting boundaries, and being positive role models, parents can provide the necessary guidance and support for their teen to navigate the complexities of friendships. Your involvement and guidance as a parent plays a significant role in shaping a teenager’s social experiences and helping them establish meaningful connections with their peers.
Join Dr. Tibbs, as she provides an easy-to-read handbook based on personal parenting experiences as well as her professional experience as a pediatrician. Rest assured that your best parenting days are still ahead of you!
CORDS:
Reflections on Weaving the Tapestry of Life
Dr. Tibbs’ book is a powerful meditation on the meaning of family, identity, and community. There’s something beautiful about learning to love your culture and simultaneously cultivating in your children the awareness that everyone has a culture or heritage that is important to them.
