Moving abroad opens up new opportunities and experiences for families, but it can also lead to a gradual disconnect from one’s roots, especially for children. As children grow up in a new environment, it’s easy for them to feel detached from their home country, particularly when the parents do not actively nurture those cultural ties. It’s crucial for parents to help children embrace both their new identity and the rich heritage of where they come from.
Understanding the Emotional Disconnect
Many children who move abroad at a young age or are born in a new country may grow up identifying solely with their current surroundings. Over time, they might lose interest in their native culture, language, and traditions, especially if those elements aren’t actively preserved at home. One of the often overlooked reasons for this is that parents, while trying to adjust themselves, unintentionally downplay their home country. Understandably, in cases like Nigeria, the economic and social challenges are real. However, constantly speaking negatively about one’s home country in front of children can create a sense of shame or rejection of their roots.
Parents must recognize that although they have moved for a better life, they are still foreigners in their new land. Their children, especially those born abroad, are at risk of growing up without a sense of true belonging neither fully here nor there. In this case, it’s essential to instill pride in where they come from, even while embracing the new.
Celebrating Cultural Traditions
Keep cultural celebrations alive at home. Mark holidays, cook traditional meals, play cultural music, or wear cultural attire during festive seasons. These small yet powerful acts reinforce a sense of identity and help children connect emotionally to their heritage.
Tip: Involve children in these celebrations. Let them learn the meaning behind traditions and take part in preparations. This will create cherished memories and strengthen their cultural ties.
Keeping the Language Alive
Language is one of the strongest links to a person’s heritage. Speak your native language at home or mix it into daily communication. Even if the child responds in the dominant language of the new country, continued exposure helps keep their linguistic connection alive.
Tip: Storytelling, songs, movies, and books in your home language can make learning fun and less forced.
Staying in Touch with Family Back Home
One of the most damaging effects of migration is when children grow up not knowing their extended family. Due to family disputes or emotional distance, some parents may cut ties or limit contact. While parents have every right to protect their well-being, children should not be deprived of the knowledge that they have family back home.
Tip: Arrange regular video calls, send gifts or letters, or even share stories about family members. If possible, plan visits to your home country so children can see where they come from.
Balancing Two Worlds
Teach your child that they don’t have to choose between their identity as a member of the new society and their cultural heritage. They can belong to both. Balance is key.
Encourage friendships across cultures, but also introduce them to children who share similar roots. This helps normalize dual identity and makes them feel less alone in their experience.
Final Thought
Your child’s connection to their roots depends largely on how you present it. If you value and celebrate your culture, they are more likely to do the same. It’s not about glorifying everything back home but recognizing its significance. Let your children grow up knowing where they come from, so they can stand tall wherever they go.
Let me know how has it been for you since you migrated with your kids? Please kindly share, like,comment and also subscribe. I am happy to hear from all of you. till my next post.
Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure, but for children, it can also be a confusing and emotionally challenging experience. As a parent, your support plays a critical role in helping your child navigate the transition and thrive in their new environment. From homesickness to language barriers and making new friends, children face a variety of obstacles but with the right approach, they can overcome them with resilience and confidence.
Understanding Your Child’s Emotional Needs
The first step in supporting your child is to understand the emotional impact that moving abroad can have on them. Children may experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anxiety, confusion, and even excitement. For younger children, the absence of familiar faces, routines, and surroundings can be particularly unsettling. Older children and teens may struggle with a loss of identity, the fear of not fitting in, and concern over leaving behind friendships and familiar environments.
Before the Move: Talk About It Early and Often One of the most powerful ways to prepare your child emotionally is to have honest, age-appropriate conversations about the move before it happens. Explain why the move is necessary not just what it means for the family as a whole, but how it impacts each individual child. For some families, the reason might be to reunite with a parent who already lives abroad. In these cases, emphasize the importance of being together as a family, creating new memories, and supporting one another in a new place.
If you’re moving for work, education, or better opportunities, explain this to your child in terms they can relate to. Help them understand that, while change can be difficult, it’s also a step forward and part of a bigger journey for the family.
Tip: Involve your child in the process. Allow them to ask questions, voice concerns, and even express fears. The goal is not to promise that everything will stay the same because it won’t but to make sure they know that you will be facing the changes together as a family.
Tailor the Conversation to Their Age
Young Children: Use simple, reassuring language. Explain the move using pictures, books, or playful methods to help them grasp what’s coming.
Teenagers: Give them space to process. They may be more resistant or emotionally conflicted, so create room for dialogue without pressure. Show that you trust their ability to adapt, while acknowledging the difficulty of leaving friends, schools, or routines behind.
Set Realistic Expectations and Share What You’ve Learned As a parent, it’s important to research the destination thoroughly so you can answer your child’s questions and prepare them realistically for what’s ahead. Whether it’s about school, lifestyle, cultural norms, or making new friends, your awareness helps ease their anxiety. Explain what changes they can expect like different school systems, moving down classes, possible language barriers, or even changes in food or weather and how you’ll all work together to adjust.
Migration is as natural as breathing, as eating, as sleeping.It is part of life, part of nature.
Reassure and Reaffirm Stability Above all, your child needs to know that even if the environment is changing, your presence and support are not. Assure them that they are not alone and that their feelings matter. Reiterate that as a parent, you are always there for them, no matter what.
Creating a Supportive Home Environment
A supportive home environment plays a critical role in helping your child feel safe and secure during the adjustment period. Establishing routines and maintaining familiar activities can provide a sense of comfort in a world that feels unfamiliar.
Tip: Create a comforting space where your child can retreat to when they need it. Whether it’s a cozy corner for reading, a space for personal hobbies, or simply a room filled with familiar items from home, a personal space can help them feel grounded.
Routines are another important aspect. While everything around them may be changing, keeping certain daily routines such as meal times, bedtimes, or family activities and been consistent can provide stability and predictability in their new life. This helps children feel less overwhelmed by the changes they are facing and gives them a sense of control in an unfamiliar world.
It’s also important to acknowledge that parents, too, are going through their own period of adjustment and shock. In many cases, families move to countries where they don’t have extended family or close friends to rely on. Unlike back home, where grandparents, neighbors, or siblings could help with childcare or emotional support, abroad you may only have your spouse or in the case of single parents, only yourself.
Juggling multiple jobs, managing household responsibilities, and trying to provide for the family can be overwhelming. However, it’s crucial to balance these demands with being emotionally present for your children. When children feel neglected, even unintentionally, they may retreat into silence or exhibit behavioral issues. Prioritizing time for your kids, however small can make a big difference in their ability to cope and connect.
Encouraging Open Communication
One of the most powerful tools you have as a parent is the ability to communicate openly with your child. Establishing regular check-ins, where your child feels safe to express their feelings, will help them process their emotions and gain a sense of connection with you during this time of transition.
To me, if life boils down to one thing, it’s movement
Tip: Ask open-ended questions, such as, “What was the best part of your day?” or “How are you feeling about school or making friends?” Let your child know that it’s okay to be nervous or upset, and that you are there to support them no matter what.
Encourage your child to share their experiences and concerns. Be patient and listen attentively, even if they’re not ready to talk right away. Over time, your child will come to understand that you are there to help them through the ups and downs of their journey.
Encouraging Social Interactions
Making new friends in a new country can be one of the most daunting challenges for children. For younger children, finding playmates in a new place can be overwhelming, while older children may worry about fitting in or dealing with cultural differences. Encouraging social interactions outside of the home is crucial to helping your child feel more integrated into their new environment.
Tip: Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, or sports teams where they can meet other children with similar interests. Many schools offer language support or after-school programs that can help children connect with their peers.
You can also seek out community events, playdates, or social groups for expatriates to help your child meet others who may be facing similar challenges. If language is a barrier, help your child practice and offer support in learning the new language. You can also connect with other parents who are also expats—this can help both you and your child feel less isolated and more connected to the local community.
Balancing Routine with New Experiences
While creating a stable routine is important, it’s also essential to introduce new experiences that will help your child embrace their new country. Exploring the culture, trying local foods, visiting landmarks, or attending festivals can help children see the positive side of their new environment and create lasting memories.
Tip: Take small steps to incorporate new experiences into your child’s life. Visit local museums, go for walks in nearby parks, or explore new hobbies that are unique to your new location. This will help your child feel excited about their new surroundings, while still offering comfort and stability through familiar routines.
In addition, involving your child in decision-making, such as choosing weekend activities or where to go for outings, can give them a sense of ownership in their new life. This encourages them to embrace the change and become more engaged with their new world.
Final Thoughts
Supporting your child through a move to a new country takes patience, understanding, and compassion. By recognizing their emotional needs, creating a supportive environment, encouraging open communication, fostering social interactions, and balancing routine with new experiences, you can help your child feel secure and confident in their new home. Remember that adjustment is a gradual process, and each child will move at their own pace. As a parent, your love, attention, and support will play a pivotal role in helping them thrive in their new environment.
Have you recently moved with your child? Share your tips for supporting children during a relocation in the comments below!
“If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk.”
— Raymond Inmon
Welcome to Day 13 of our walking challenge! By now, you’ve learned how to adjust your pace, monitor your heart rate, and stay motivated. Today, we’ll explore the benefits of walking on different terrains. Varying your walking surfaces can enhance your workout, prevent boredom, and provide unique health benefits. Let’s dive in!
Benefits of Walking on Different Surfaces:
Grass:
Lower Impact: Walking on grass is gentler on your joints compared to harder surfaces like pavement. This can reduce the risk of injury and is ideal for those with joint issues or arthritis.
Balance and Stability: The uneven surface of grass challenges your balance and stability, engaging your core muscles and improving overall strength.
Natural Scenery: Enjoying the natural beauty of parks and meadows can be mentally refreshing and boost your mood.
Pavement:
Accessibility: Pavement is readily available in urban and suburban areas, making it a convenient choice for daily walks.
Consistency: The even, hard surface of pavement allows for a consistent walking pace, which can be beneficial for tracking distance and time.
Speed and Efficiency: Pavement is ideal for brisk walking or interval training, as it provides a stable surface to push your speed.
Trails:
Varied Terrain: Walking on trails offers a mix of surfaces such as dirt, gravel, and rocks, which can enhance muscle engagement and coordination.
Scenic Views: Trails often lead through forests, hills, and mountains, providing beautiful scenery and a sense of adventure.
Full-Body Workout: The varied terrain and elevation changes of trails can provide a more comprehensive workout, engaging more muscle groups and improving cardiovascular health.
Fun ways to walk 🥰
Encouragement to Try New Terrains:
Mix It Up:
Incorporate different terrains into your walking routine to keep things interesting. For example, you could walk on pavement during the week and explore a trail or park on the weekends.
Plan Ahead:
Research local parks, nature reserves, and walking trails in your area. Plan your walks to include new and diverse environments.
Challenge Yourself:
Set goals to walk on different terrains each week. Challenge yourself to explore new paths, whether it’s a grassy park, a city sidewalk, or a rugged trail.
Safety First:
When walking on uneven or unfamiliar terrain, wear appropriate footwear with good traction and support. Bring water, a map, and a friend if you’re exploring a new area.
What terrains do you enjoy walking on? Share your experiences and favorite walking spots in the comments below. For more inspiration and updates, don’t forget to subscribe to my blog. Additionally, join our 5-DAY PRAYER WALK CHALLENGE: Rejuvenate Your Spirit on my YouTube channel. Watch the video below and please subscribe for more inspirational content!
Exploring different terrains can add variety to your walking routine and offer unique benefits for your body and mind. Whether it’s the softness of grass, the consistency of pavement, or the challenge of trails, each surface brings something valuable to your fitness journey. Step out of your comfort zone and try new walking environments to keep your walks exciting and effective.
Hello, everyone! 🥰 I realize that this extended break didn’t go as I had initially planned, but life had its own agenda. We’ll call it the “adventures of life.” Life happened. We can dive into that later, but for today, I want to share something related to this topic called: When and How to say ‚I do not know‘
In a world that often celebrates knowledge and expertise, it can be challenging to admit when we don’t have the answers. Whether you’re in a professional setting, a social gathering, or even within your own thoughts, the fear of appearing uninformed can hold you back. However, there’s a valuable skill in knowing when and how to say, “I don’t know.” This blog post will explore the importance of this admission and offer guidance on mastering the art of expressing your uncertainty.
The Power of Honesty
First and foremost, let’s recognize that admitting ignorance is not a sign of weakness; it’s a demonstration of honesty and integrity. People appreciate authenticity and are often more inclined to trust those who openly admit when they lack knowledge. Here’s why it’s crucial:
Builds Trust: When you admit you don’t know something, it shows you’re trustworthy. Others are more likely to believe in your knowledge when you do express it.
Fosters Learning: Acknowledging your gaps in knowledge opens the door to learning. It’s the first step toward acquiring new information and skills.
Avoids Misinformation: Pretending to know something you don’t can lead to spreading false information, which is harmful both personally and professionally.
When to Say “I Don’t Know”
The timing of expressing your lack of knowledge is as vital as the act itself. Here are some situations in which it’s beneficial to admit not knowing:
In a Professional Environment: When you’re faced with a question or problem at work, it’s better to acknowledge your ignorance and seek assistance or research rather than providing incorrect information.
During Conversations: In casual conversations or debates, saying “I don’t know” is an honest response. It’s okay not to be an expert on every topic.
Personal Growth: In your own self-reflection, it’s essential to acknowledge what you don’t know. This is the first step toward personal growth and development.
How to Articulate “I Don’t Know”
Expressing your lack of knowledge requires finesse. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Be Direct: Say it simply and directly. “I don’t know” is a complete and honest response.
Follow Up with Action: After admitting your lack of knowledge, turn it into an opportunity for growth. Say, “I don’t know, but I’m eager to learn more about it.”
Seek Help: If applicable, ask for guidance from someone who does know. This shows your willingness to learn.
Research: If the situation allows, commit to finding the answer on your own. This demonstrates initiative.
Conclusion
The ability to admit “I don’t know” is a valuable skill in both personal and professional life. It fosters trust, encourages learning, and avoids the pitfalls of misinformation. Remember, nobody knows everything, and there’s no shame in acknowledging what you don’t know. Master the art of this admission, and you’ll find yourself on a path to continuous growth and authenticity.
Please share your views on what you think we can be able to overcome the power of feeling if we say we don’t know we would be looked down upon.
Do you always have that gut feeling? When you know something is off, and you don’t have peace about a situation and a person? Do you sometimes have that little voice that comes so fast and slips away like it was never there?
Today we will be talking about the practical side of discernment and how you can listen to your gut as it can prevent or forewarn you on what’s about to come.
Firstly, what is Discernment?
It is defined as the ability to decide between truth and error, right and wrong. Discernment is also the ability to make careful distinctions in our thinking about the fact. In other words, it is the ability to think biblically.
John MacArthur
For a while now, I have been reading about what it means, and to be honest, it is mainly linked 🔗 to various biblical quotes and readings of the Bible. It is a gift that comes from God, and that each of us has this gift as an insight to penetrate past a person veneer and the surface of a situation and also past the words that a person is using to judge people and situations accurately and when I say judge I do not mean passing judgment on as I wrote on my other post https://princessanyasodor.com/2020/02/03/judging-others🎤🎤/ I mean judging as in assessing and evaluating.
When you are tapping into your gift of discernment, you can access and evaluate people in their motives and the situations that you find yourself in. This post discusses how to know when to listen to your inner guts and tap into the flow and let God show you what you need to do in any given situation.
Now you are thinking about what this is. These are those precise and concise words that flash through your mind or linger behind your mind like. For example, there is a nice person you know, but whenever you are around that person, you always do not connect with that person, or your friend tells you to come with them to a party and you have this little voice telling you not to go, or a mother who tells her son not to go out with some friends for a reason she actually cannot place her finger on, and so on. Some examples of these words are;
Don’t go
Stop
Pause
Get out now
Get more information
Step back
Don’t talk or hold your thought
Walk away
Don’t argue
Pick up the phone and call
Say I am sorry
These feelings, or skill, as I would put it, is up to us to nurture that seed of discernment that we have inside of us. So that when it’s time to discern people in their motives and situations it can be utilised. It can be nurtured in various ways, like through meditation or prayer. The more time you spend alone meditating or praying, the better tuned your spirit is to reading people better and seeing through their charades. These thoughts sometimes make you not sleep at night because it weighs heavily on your mind. When you have these thoughts, you desire one thing, but in retrospect, it is not suitable for you.
Do you know that saying? That Every disappointment a blessing? Oh yes! Sometimes it is true! I am sure you must have also irked when you are around someone or even before getting into a relationship, but because that person was packaged just the way you like and want, you just decided to throw that intuition to the wind and then later it grows and bites your ass.
An important message is: when you are dealing with someone, you are also dealing with their frequency.
Princess 👑
Ways to know and surrender to your inner self in discerning situations.
Surrending; paying attention to your inner self by meditating
Calmness; that peace of mind you have about something and sure enough to walk away from it because it’s not good for you even though you want it.
Empowerment; empowers us to act in accordance with our own lives and be able to act on our behalf
I have a friend who has the spirit of discernment, and it is an obvious one. Funny enough, when she tells her husband not to do something or to do something, he dismisses her. Then later that same thing, she warned him about rebounds, and he calls her a Wi###. ( you know 🧐)
Discernment is focusing on others and not on self because it allows you to assess if whatever situation you are in is good for you or not.
I will have to stop here for now and continue more on this topic next time. Please do leave a comment on how you see through the social mask people wear? And how do you deal with it? I will be happy to hear from you. Thank you
We will see here tomorrow on day four of daily post.
If you are struggling with self-discovery like I am, then I guess this post is for you. This strengthening of a personal relationship with oneself is coming from someone who is in the mix, or I would say, in the process of discovering herself.
I am not your everyday Positiveness guru who wakes up and sets her mind on something, manifests and be an all-around happy person. No, I am not that person. I thought I was, but Nah Nah Nah sometimes situations humbles you, and you have to learn yourself and know what your path and purpose is.
I am a firm believer that hard work and positiveness go hand in hand. The reason some people find this hard is that they do not genuinely want to put in some work. Sometimes life hit you hard, and one day you wake the F### up and see it for what it is. That is fine. I am still waking up, and it is through these challenges, tough love and the knowledge that I am accountable to every choice and decisions I make to my self that pushes me through.
I am in control of my body, hands, mind and decisions. So long as you are above 18+, you are supposed to take an active initiative to maintain and honouring your life force energy and not allowing outside forces to dictate how you are going to live the life you want. Well, that is up to you to decide if you wish it so or not.
Some of these forces could be to point fingers at people who caused you trauma and pain, or to point fingers at situations that have not been of good to you also hinders your journey to self-discovery.
This example here was my case, but I learned early enough that regardless of whatever the situation was or is, I can blame myself or make myself accountable and find how I can make that situation better 🌟.
Secondly, also to do things that will make you proud of yourself so that your future self can look back and be like, wow, ❕ you did that and then you will see your reality shifting for you. You have to understand who and what is it you want to be and then embodying that being that you want to be
This is the day two post of my daily reflections. I hope you are all doing well. Please do leave a comment below stating your journey of self discovery. What can be done for oneself to be aligned with him/her/itself? I would be glad to read your comments.
A dose of positivity. A little positivity goes a long way.
I want to use this medium to say that positive vibes is contagious. You can’t always be a downer. I feel down most of the time when things do not go my way too.
I watched the film ”Living in Bondage” (Breaking free) on Netflix and it is the sequel of the film ”Living in Bondage” which tells the story of Nnamdi Okeke, a young man who seems sympathic and inexperienced. The story of Nnamdi is very relatable because he wears his frustrations right on his sleeves. Nnamdi quits his job in the hope of opening a company of his own, in the aim of achieving greater success. The dream of being Independent did not pull through. Nnamdi’s uncontrollable pursue of success – fast cars, easy living and flashy lifestyle made him set out for a muffing quest for the extensive life, one that he would do whatever it takes to achieve it. Moreover, the point to prove himself that he is the better son to his father inevitably took him on this precarious quest.
Andy Okeke (Nnamdi Okeke biological father) mysteriously learns about a son he never knew existed. He is warned that his son is going down the path which he (Andy) sought out 27 years ago. It is a life-threatening journey for him and he does not want his son to go down that same path. Of course, the reunion of father and son did not go well and Nnamdi decides not to heed to his father’s advice.
Finally, Nnamdi‘s discovers the magnitude of his actions. He faces an enormous and regrettable predicament that has eventually become his bondage. He struggles to break free. In order to prove his commitment to a cultist group, he is instructed to sacrifice a loved one. In the film, the viewer sees he loves two people immensely, his brother (Toby) and girlfriend (Kelly).
I know you ask yourself, why I have decided to add a summary of the film ”Living in Bondage” It is to make a statement that at the end of it all, what helped Nnamdi was the bond between him and his brother (Toby) who came to his rescue. The dose of positivity Toby gave Nnamdi was what saved him at the end. And here is a dialogue between Nnamdi and Toby👇🏾
Toby :Somehow, we will get through this. Remember when I bashed Daddy`s car do you remember what you told me? You said to me what you go through I go through you did not bash the car
Toby and Nnamdi: we bashed the car.
Toby: You are my brother, my blood till the very end.
They both hugged at the end doing their brother stunts with the hands.
I felt that this dialogue between him and his brother was what gave him the strength to be able to defeat the cult that was after his life.
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
Leo Buscaglia
I am grateful, I have someone who is my Pillar and is there to always encourage me and tell me to share my worries. I am grateful for my parents who care about me and their prayers go before me. I am grateful for friends who whenever I call or texts, respond with the question (what is the way forward?) than berating me or telling me it was my fault.
Although we can find ourselves in a difficult time, we should have the courage to ask about the wellbeing of our neighbours, friends, colleagues, family members and also share some nice words with them which would go a long way. We do not know what any of them are passing through and you could be their joy that day or moment in time.
Kind words are short and easy to speak but their echos are truly endless
Mother Teresa
I hope you enjoy this post and do not forget to add a dose of Positivity in everything you do. Share your thoughts with me in the comment section below, like my post and do not forget to follow back.
