Two cultures within one family

My younger sister is 16 years old now, and rather proud of this fact I might add. After living in Germany for four years, she seems to me to be more German than anything else. I think this is because she has spent years very formative in creating her identity there, and this has had a profound effect on how she sees herself. At this point in their lives young adults are carving out their role in society, and finding an identity for themselves apart from their families. Peer groups are hugely important and the desire is to fit into and find a place in these groups. She has done a masterful job at this, and has a lovely group of friends and activities she is involved in.

It is apparent that two cultures exist side by side in the same household and family – that of my parents and that of my sister. There will be a difference in opinion about which football team to support, or whether the German propensity for an abundance of rules and regulations is positive or intrusive. My sister feels completely at home within the German culture; to my parents there will always be those few elements that feel foreign and awkward.

Children create their cultural identity from both their families and surroundings (friends, environment, etc) and when their parents are of a different nationality to the country they live in they will have elements of both cultures in their personal make up. Often the host country has a stronger influence on children. Have you considered the effect growing up in a different country will have on your children? Are you prepared to experience your host culture in your own home?