This article presents advice for intercultural parents, based on findings of a qualitative study that examined how intercultural parents negotiated their cultural differences. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted with fourteen intercultural heterosexual couples/parents in South East Queensland. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data and understand the meanings of participants’ experiences. The findings revealed that not only aspects of cultural background, but also systemic and contextual factors impacted on the experiences of intercultural parents. Advice for intercultural parents is described from three systemic perspectives: the individual sphere, the couple/parent sphere and the child's sphere. Practical implications for therapists and counsellors working with intercultural parents are discussed.
Practitioner points
Find value in cultural differences and similarities in parenting style to form a balanced view
Explore benefits and opportunities of intercultural parenting as source of strength
Use culture as a valuable source for change
Assume the role of mediator and interpreter when dealing with conflicts in cultural code
Practice cultural sensitivity and reflexivity
Conflict may be due to processes other than culture, such as emotional processes. Explore power dynamics in parenting
This study employed a qualitative and social constructionist approach to examine cultural differences in intercultural parenting and how parents negotiated cultural differences. Semistructured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 intercultural couples/parents. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data and understand the meanings of participants' experiences. The findings revealed that while intercultural couples experienced several similar aspects of parenting experienced by monocultural couples, their experiences were exacerbated because of the cultural differences. The most common descriptions of differences and uniqueness in parenting were identified as (a) discipline, (b) sleep patterns, (c) cultural taboos refood and traditional medical practices, (d) children's socialization process, (e) education, (f) language and communication, (g) role of children, and (h) the role of extended families. Five major conflict resolution strategies were identified: (a) communication, (b) compromise, (c) sphere of rule, (d) asymmetrical decision-making, and (e) individual traits. Practical implications for therapists and counsellors working with intercultural parents/couples are discussed.
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