Your Child and Their Culture - online workshop with Paiwand

In the final workshop of our partner charity HeadsUp Harrow Parent and Carer series, Paiwand’s mental health counsellor Ramzia Akbari opened up a discussion around the important topic of culture in children’s lives.

The finale of our partner charity HeadsUp Harrow Parent and Carer series took place on the 30th of March. Previous online events of the series covered the topics of supporting children’s and young people’s mental wellbeing, as well as answering questions about relationships and sex. In the final workshop, Paiwand’s mental health counsellor Ramzia Akbari opened up a discussion around the important topic of culture in children’s lives.

In her interactive lecture, Ramzia explained the ways in which culture enriches our lives, gives us meaning, and acts as a lens through which we see the world. She spoke about intergenerational clashes over cultural values, which are hard to navigate and very common, especially among immigrant families. Ramzia emphasised that a good approach to these situations as a parent is framing them as “gaining something from this new culture” rather than viewing it as a situation in which one is losing their roots.

Ramzia also offered tips on how to introduce diversity into children’s lives – for example through stories, movies, celebrations or traditions. Cultural identity is crucial for one’s sense of belonging – a stable sense of self can be thought of like a house which you decorate with aspects of different cultures, building a harmony for all the different parts of your identity. As a parent or carer, the best you can do is to meet your child with open-mindedness and understanding.

Dr. Farooq, Paiwand’s Mental Health Advocacy Project Manager, also contributed to the discussion, emphasising to focus on our similarities rather than differences and issues - and to remember that parents can learn a lot from their children.

If for any reason you couldn’t attend the workshop, don’t worry – the recordings will soon be available. Make sure to follow Paiwand and Mind in Harrow so you don't miss it & to get updates of future events like this one. 

Don't hesitate to contact our Mental Health team if you or your children are facing any difficulties. Paiwand is here to help.