For many Filipino parents working abroad, the dream of bringing their children to join them in a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming. As Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) continue to make sacrifices for their families, the decision to reunite with their children in Canada presents both challenges and opportunities. This article explores the what, how, who, when, and where of long-distance parenting, specifically when OFW parents bring their children to Canada, and how this transition affects families.
What is Long-Distance Parenting?
Long-distance parenting refers to the situation where parents live in different countries from their children, often due to work commitments. For OFWs, this means that while they send money home and maintain regular communication, they might not be physically present to guide or care for their children on a daily basis. However, the hope of eventually bringing children to join them in Canada is a common goal.
Canada is a popular destination for OFWs due to its high quality of life, excellent education system, and opportunities for a better future. The transition from long-distance parenting to family reunification involves several steps and adjustments for both parents and children.
Who Are Affected by This Decision?
The main individuals impacted by the decision to bring children to Canada are:
- Parents: Often the primary decision-makers, parents must consider their work situation, finances, and immigration requirements to ensure they can reunite with their children in Canada.
- Children: Children, especially those who have been raised without one or both parents around, may face emotional challenges. These include adapting to a new country, culture, and life without the extended family they may be used to in the Philippines.
- Extended Family: Grandparents and other relatives may also be affected, as the dynamics of caregiving, support, and relationships change when the children are brought to Canada.
When is the Right Time to Bring Children to Canada?
Deciding when to reunite with children can be complicated. There are several factors to consider:
- Immigration Process: Canada has specific immigration policies for families that allow citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their children. The process can take time, so it’s essential to understand when you can apply and how long the process will take.
- Financial Stability: Parents need to ensure they have stable income and accommodation in Canada before bringing their children. They need to be prepared for the financial demands of raising children, especially if their children are adjusting to a new lifestyle and schooling system.
- Emotional Readiness: Both parents and children should be emotionally prepared for the transition. It’s important to gauge how the children will handle the emotional shift of being away from extended family and adjusting to life in a new country.
- Schooling and Education: Many parents choose to bring their children to Canada when they can provide them with a better education system. Deciding when is the best time depends on the child’s age, schooling needs, and readiness to integrate into a Canadian school environment.
How Can OFW Parents Prepare for Their Kids’ Move to Canada?
The process of bringing children to Canada requires significant planning and preparation. Here are the steps involved in reuniting with your children:
- Understand the Immigration Process: Parents need to apply for Family Sponsorship under Canada’s immigration system, which allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their dependent children to join them. This can be a lengthy process that involves submitting documents, proof of financial stability, and an application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Prepare Financially: Raising children in Canada can be expensive, with costs for housing, food, clothing, transportation, and education. Parents should ensure they have sufficient savings and a stable job to support their children.
- Cultural Orientation: Children coming from the Philippines may experience culture shock upon arriving in Canada. Parents can help by familiarizing their children with Canadian culture, traditions, and the language. This may include teaching them English or French (depending on the province), understanding the local customs, and making them feel comfortable with the new environment.
- Find Suitable Housing: Parents need to ensure they have appropriate accommodation for their family. This may involve finding a home large enough to accommodate children and ensuring it is located near schools, parks, and other essential services.
- Health Care and Insurance: One of the key benefits of moving to Canada is its universal healthcare system. However, newcomers might need to apply for provincial health insurance coverage for their children. Parents should also consider any additional private insurance for health, dental, and vision care if needed.
- Schooling and Education: Canada offers high-quality education, but the systems and standards may differ from those in the Philippines. Parents should research schools in their area and ensure their children are placed in an environment that supports their academic growth. Many schools offer programs for newcomers that can help children adjust to the Canadian education system.
- Emotional Support: Reuniting with children after long periods of separation can be emotional for both parents and kids. It’s essential to provide emotional support to children during their transition and create an open space for them to express their feelings. Parents should also adjust their parenting style to create a stable environment in Canada.
Where Can OFW Parents Seek Support in Canada?
There are various resources available for Filipino families in Canada to help navigate the transition:
- Filipino-Canadian Communities: Most major cities in Canada, such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, have large Filipino communities. These communities offer support networks, cultural organizations, and events that help new immigrants adjust and feel at home.
- Settlement Agencies: Government-sponsored settlement services provide a range of assistance, from helping with immigration documents to offering counseling and family services. Agencies such as Immigrant Services Calgary and Vancouver Immigrant Services Society are great starting points.
- Cultural and Religious Organizations: Many OFWs and Filipino immigrants turn to local Filipino organizations and churches for emotional and cultural support. These groups often provide resources, mentorship, and events that help Filipino families adapt to their new life in Canada.
Why is Reuniting with Children Important?
Reuniting with children is important for several reasons:
- Emotional Fulfillment: Being able to raise children in Canada gives parents a sense of emotional fulfillment and ensures they can provide the best opportunities for their children. Having the family together helps parents feel they have truly achieved their goal of building a better life.
- Stability for Children: Growing up with both parents present offers children emotional and psychological stability. It strengthens family bonds and ensures the children grow up in a nurturing environment, especially as they adapt to life in Canada.
- Building a Future Together: By bringing children to Canada, OFWs provide their kids with the chance for a better education, career opportunities, and an overall higher quality of life. It also allows for a more integrated family life, where children can be an active part of their parents’ success.
Conclusion
The decision to bring children to Canada as an OFW is an emotional and practical one that requires careful planning and consideration. Understanding the what, how, when, where, and who of long-distance parenting helps OFWs make informed decisions and ensure that their children can successfully adapt to life in Canada. With the right support, preparation, and resources, reuniting with children can be one of the most rewarding aspects of an OFW’s journey in Canada.
References:
- Immigrant Services Calgary – https://www.immigrantservicescalgary.ca/
- Vancouver Immigrant Services Society – https://www.viss.ca/
- Canada Immigration Family Sponsorship Program – https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/family-sponsorship.html
- Filipino Association of Vancouver – https://www.favinc.org/
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