They wantthe children to be respectful of traditional ways, wear clothesthat fit, and look presentable to the community. Because families often live with three generations under oneroof, parents can find themselves awkwardly positionedbetween their children and their own parents. Other negotiations become necessary on weekends. The children want to have theirAmerican activities. In Southeast Asian cultures, adolescence as Americans knowit does not exist.
Boys start farming.
You're either a child or an adult. Detzner and another researcher, Blong Xiang, a Hmongrefugee, have spent six years developing a curriculum to helpHmong families. Although parenting books are plentiful in theUS, Detzner says they are Western-oriented. Theyhave to have materials that speak to them. In the workshops Detzner and Professor Xiang have devised,families meet with a discussion leader, looking at eachsituation from the perspective of both the child and theparent.