TRADITIONAL PARENTING

Prior to pre-contact with the Aboriginal population parenting was taught through grooming and role modelling. It was very simplistic yet so harmonious and the teachings came from all living forms, from the four legged creatures to the ones that fly and from our Mother the Earth. They lived in harmony with their environment.

Parenting was not left to chance in the Aboriginal community prior to the arrival of the Europeans. There was a well-defined system in place with customs, values, and practices which were handed down from generation to generation, parents and other care-takers nurtured, protected, and guided children.

Children were taught through role modelling appropriate behaviour. Different tribes do things differently, but each tribe have very positive values about children that helped keep the group strong. Aboriginal people believe in the circle and children are very much a part of the circle and respected.

Children were seen as gifts from the Creator.  Due to children arriving from the spirit world, they possessed a special wisdom that should be listened to. Children were never talked down to and were treated with upmost respect and honour.

Children were regarded as sacred beings and the entire community played an active role in ensuring the quality care of the child was adhered to. Extended families played an active role in the child's rearing through helping the family in any way they could. No one had the sole responsibility for a child. Grandmothers and aunties kept a watchful eye to make sure children were treated in a proper way. Children could be corrected by anyone in the community, so the child care responsibilities was everyone's job. The entire community was the parent.

Traditional parenting was characterized by patience and kindness. Relationships were very important. Parents utilized cradle boards to keep the children close to them. Name giving ceremonies was the first initiation to the cultural rituals and rites of passage the child participated in which were usually done at other ceremonies such as pow-wows. Children were praised through the Elders words and eyes often making prophecies about the child's positive future. All children were breast-fed and weaned only when ready.

All the tribes had special songs and stories that entertained and soothed the children which taught about culture and respect.

Storytelling was one of the most influential ways of teaching the children lessons of life. There were told many different types of stories such as trickster stories (coyote story) and legends. Most legends stress that one should not be greedy, boastful or make fun of others, especially Elders and children. The legends also encourage older children to watch and help the younger and weaker children. Legends always taught the right way of doing things.

Parenting traditionally is harder because of the experience of the people and the way society is today.. The expectations are not clear as they once were. The entire lifestyle has shifted with the influences of the technology and the complexity of our society. Each person's experience may be different in the way people choose to parent today. However, the traditions remain the same despite the changes.