By Daniel Perelman, EliteSitter.com
It has long been said that America serves as a melting pot of different cultures. The truth is, however, that while many cultures do blend together, there is still the option to be American and to preserve certain customs if so desired. With so many Americans coming from different backgrounds and cultures, there is a growing amount of new American families who would like to pass on some of that to their children. With most parents being so busy though, which in itself is an American way of life, doing so can be difficult. It is also important to note that the best time to influence a child is during their early childhood. A solution to this problem is to hire a Nanny, Babysitter or Nurse who comes from the same or similar culture, so that they are able to pass something on to the child in the parent’s absence.
Through language, many traditions can be passed on such as holiday greetings, or words that describe certain situations that may not even exist in the English language. For example, a nanny who greets a child with a special phrase on the morning of a holiday can teach that child an important lesson about their culture. An added bonus to this method is saving money on a language tutor. Families searching on EliteSitter.com can filter their search results and limit them to caregivers who speak a specific language.
Another great way to influence a child’s cultural upbringing is with cuisine. You are what you eat right? Children exposed to certain dishes, or special meals at religious or national ceremonies, will take with them more than just calories. A caregiver can even have the child help them bake or cook a meal, which can turn into a learning experience as well as a fun activity. If searching for a caregiver who may have the traditional cooking skills you desire is important to you, then searching areas where your culture has a large presence may prove helpful. On EliteSitter.com, you can search specific zip codes and specify the range as well.
Growing up in American society will make kids American by default. Preserving a little bit of another culture is a nice thing, and going forward, it can help a person stand out when they want to. In addition to searching for the perfect nanny with specific cultural knowledge, you can also teach a nanny or babysitter the things you’d like to pass on – it may not be as perfect, but in America, we always try our best.
(Article first published as Passing On Your Culture)
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