Multicultural mothering
Bette Binya is raising her five young children in Toowoomba. It's a long way physically and culturally from her homeland in Sudan and the refugee camps where she lived before coming to Australia. Bette, pictured with her daughter, says children are the most important thing in life for Sudanese women. "We all lost children in the refugee camps because of disease and the lack of food which is why we like to have a lot of children," she says.
Bette takes part in a multicultural mums group that supports mothers to raise their children in Australia. Adjusting to Australian norms of parenting and family roles can be challenging says Kath Turley, from The Kath Dickson Parenting Support Program which runs the mothers group.
"Intergenerational cultural differences within the migrant community are major issues, as young family members adapt to their new culture," Kath says. "Many of the women are isolated by language and transport and don't know about the services or supports available in the community. We provide parenting information in a place where they can feel safe, valued and respected. A place where they can discuss concerns confidentially."
Bette says it's a bit scary raising children in Australia. "In Africa children must listen to their parents and wives must listen to their husbands. Sudanese men do not help with the children or domestic duties but in Sudan we have a large extended family to help. In Australia it's hard to find a house to rent with so many children and it's hard for the men to find work. But it's easier to get medicine and send our children to school."
For information about parenting in Australia download tip sheets in different languages at www.communities.qld.gov.au/family/parenting/tip-sheets.html or call parentline on 1300 30 1300.