by Hadidja Hamadi
My parents’ move from the Comoros Islands to France was like signing up for an extreme challenge course: language barriers, cultural differences, and the immigrant grind. Yet their determination never faltered. They built a stable life in France, laying a strong foundation for me. A few years later, I took my turn on this adventure, moving from France to America. Now, I’m embracing my challenges and seizing opportunities. I am always amazed by the lessons we learn from our childhood from an adult perspective. The things we say to ourselves we will never repeat, and the things we don't realize are our safe foundation.
Growing up, I navigated the beautiful blend of my Comorian heritage and Islamic values at home while integrating into French culture. This unique mix shaped my identity.
My close Muslim Comorian community in France was more than just a social circle; it was my personal support system. The sense of belonging and the mutual support we shared became our foundation. It taught me the importance of staying connected, lifting each other up, and the emotional resilience that community brings.
Living in a diverse cultural environment was like immersing myself in a vibrant tapestry of perspectives. I learned to honor different viewpoints while holding onto my core values. This delicate balance of tolerance and empathy has been my compass in navigating our wonderfully complex world.
Thanks to my parents, education has always been a beacon in my life. They instilled in me the belief that education is the golden key to breaking barriers and unlocking opportunities. This belief has been a cornerstone of my journey, and today, I cherish the idea of being a lifelong student, always eager to learn and grow.
Moving to a new country and facing the challenges of language barriers and cultural differences was undoubtedly tough. But these experiences taught me resilience, the art of not taking life too seriously, and the art of finding joy in the little things.
5 Lessons from Becoming an Emotionally Intelligent Immigrant Parent:
Embracing Emotional Intelligence: I quickly understand that my mindset will determine the type of parent I will be for my children from my French-Comorian perspective. Keeping my emotions in check and understanding my children's feelings is the secret sauce for a healthy parent-child relationship.
Cultivating Open Communication: It's key to creating a safe space for my kids to share their thoughts and feelings. By sharing my perspective, we’ve built trust and deepened our connection. It’s all about keeping the lines open. I tried hard not to say, “Back in France, we used to do this and that,” and instead focus on listening to them.
Cultural Heritage as a Foundation: I instill our Comorian and Islamic values with a French dose. This cultural foundation helped my kids navigate their identity confidently, and they felt proud to be able to speak French with their grandparents.
Adapting to Change with Compassion: Moving to a new country demands adaptability. I learned to handle change with a hefty dose of compassion and patience. I learned as much as possible to be the parent I wanted my kids to remember.
Prioritizing Emotional Well-Being: I must prioritize my children’s emotional well-being. Being present, supportive, and nurturing, I aim to raise emotionally healthy kids ready to tackle the world with kindness and confidence.
The journey of being a global citizen brings clarity, joy, and confidence to my parenting. As the CEO and Founder of Chouette Parenting, I guide families to find clarity, confidence, joy, and peace on their journeys.
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