Cultural and Family Values

Many Somalis believe strongly in democracy and equality between people (there is no class system in Somalia). Somalis also see the value of education, hard work and respect for elders and religious authorities. For Somalis, the family is the source of personal security and identity. The father is the head of the traditional Somali household. Some Somali parents are concerned about the effects of American society on their children (e.g., television, music, etc.), especially those that undermine young people's respect for parents.

The concept of child care is new to most Somali people. In Somalia, women cared for their children at home or relied on extended family for child care. Here, Somali parents still prefer using relatives, neighbors or friends for child care, but sometimes that can be difficult to arrange.