Loading ...10 Behaviors of Arab American Parents
By: Meriam Helal/ Arab America Contributing Writer
Each parent has his/her own parenting techniques, but Arab American parents all have specific tricks and habits they all do to their children. Here are some of them.
1. They answer “Insha Allah” to EVERYTHING!
“Insha Allah” is a magical word that means: if God willing. Arab American parents use it as a code for No. They don’t want to make a decision, so it is easier to claim that it wasn’t meant to be.
2. They’re not happy with whatever you do!
Arab American parents are always pushing you to do your best, but sometimes it’s counter-intuitive because they are pushing you to do more, even when you are doing well. If you get a 100% on a test, they will still say: why don’t you get A+. If you have a job, they will still remind you that when they were your age, they had three jobs and didn’t have a phone.
3. They always ask for help with technology
Most parents are not tech savvy, but Arab American parents are particularly technology ignorant. Whether they ask for help to contact family in the Arab World or to update their social media, they will surely ask you for tech support day and night.
4. They get mad if you correct them
While having a conversation or helping them with their electronics, you might correct their English or their use of technology, which will not be received well; they get offended.
5. They ask for a lot of details when you are going to an event
If you tell your Arab American parents about an event you want to attend, they surely ask: what’s the event about? Where? What time? With who? What’s their phone number? What’s their address? What do their parents do? What are you going to eat? Even they may ask for their social security number. You better hope that none of these answers involve a person of the opposite sex, staying out late, or the involvement of alcohol.
6. They’re livid if you get a bad grade
While all parents from other cultures might be upset or disappointed with a bad grade, Arab American parents take it beyond a disappointment; they get very angry and take it out on you verbally and physically; in some instances, they threaten to lock you out of the house.
7. Their actions may be different than their words
Some parents have bad habits like smoking or cursing. They would warn you from doing such bad things and even punish you for doing it.
8. They always remind you of the sacrifices they made for you
Arab American parents have to work very hard and sacrifice a lot for their children, leaving their home country so that their children may have a better future. In fact, they will not let you forget the sacrifices they have done for you.
9. They brag about how respectful they were to their parents
Arab American parents had very strict parents that did not tolerate something children do to their parents nowadays. Therefore, when you do one of those things, your Arab American parents will respond with, “When I was your age, I never talked back to my parents….., and When I was young, I never argued with them.”
10. They except certain chores from each child
Many Arab American parents assign chores different from other parents. They expect boys to run to the market, or cut the grass, or change light bulbs, while they expect girls to help mom cook, make tea, and clean.