Everyday experiences of 18‐ to 36‐month‐old children from migrant families: the influence of host culture and migration experience

Abstract

We explored the everyday experiences of 18‐ to 36‐month‐old toddlers at two study sites and the influence of adaptation to the host culture on the everyday experiences of children from migrant families. First‐ and second‐generation Puerto Rican families in Connecticut, USA, first‐ and second‐generation Turkish families in Bochum, Germany, as well as families of the respective majority cultures were sampled (N = 161). We interviewed mothers to obtain detailed descriptions of a 24‐hour period of a weekday. Study results focused on the activities children engaged in and the social context. The results indicated significant differences between the two sites. Despite site differences, we found parallel processes of adaptation across both sites. Everyday experiences of children of first‐generation mothers differed in important aspects (e.g. self‐feeding) from those of children of the majority cultures. Children of second‐generation mothers were in an intermediate position on most variables, primarily linear pattern of acculturation. Overall, our data suggests that the opportunities and constraints of the physical and social environment of the receiving country as well as the migration experience influence the everyday experiences of children.