Every culture has its particular parenting practices. For example, Japanese parents urge their children to be quiet, respectful, obedient, and to “fit in” with the overall culture, while American parents aid their children in being outspokenly individualistic. Native Americans, as with many indigenous peoples, may have some of the closest bonding of all familial groups around the world.

In a study, “Attributes of Native American Parenting,” conducted at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, authors Tamara C. Newcomb, M.S. & Brooke Harrie, B.S.W. noted that Native American families reported a range of parenting practices. Among the common practices was extended family members’ involvement with childrearing, especially as it pertained to teaching traditional beliefs and heritage. However, contemporary Native American parents also placed a high value on formal education, since education is a major factor in escaping the poverty prevalent on reservations. Overall, said Newcomb and Harrie, Native America parents reported that they thought of themselves as good caregivers and experienced little frustration with their children.

While time has changed many traditional practices, the philosophy at the heart of Native American parenting has remained steadfast, according to an article on Native American Encyclopedia. A resource, “Keepers of the Children: Native American Wisdom and Parenting” by Laura Ramirez, uses Native American values to teach parents how to raise children who understand their nature. Mrs. Ramirez in her book that the intention is to teach children fulfillment that comes not from things, but from leading purposeful lives.

This contemporary picture harks back to accounts of Native American parenting documented by Dr. Charles A. Eastman in his 1918 book, “Indian Heroes and Great Chieftains,” now in the public domain. Dr. Eastman himself was a Sioux descendant whose Indian name was Ohiyesa (meaning “winner”), so he had direct experience with his subject.

Each phase of a child’s development, from their first solid food to their first steps to the first time they accomplished a skill, was looked upon as an opportunity for rejoicing, according to Dr. Eastman. Each time a child reached a new level of skill, such as their first words, parents and extended family would present the child to the community for praise. The communal appreciation for a child’s accomplishment usually took the form of a feast and a dance at which the child was the honored guest.

In addition, each celebration was a chance for the child’s parents to demonstrate the virtues prized by the native community, according to Dr. Eastman. For instance, the poor of the tribe could be well-fed at a child’s birthday feast, showing a son or a daughter the virtue of caring for others less fortunate than they. The celebration dance would teach the youngsters about their rights and responsibilities as a family member and a citizen of the community. They would come to respect their elders as authorities equal to their parents, at the same time developing friendships and affection for them. These extra-familiar relationships were essential to the community for the care of the elderly.

Today, the effects of high poverty and drug and alcohol abuse among Native American communities pose great threats to the family structure. As an antidote to these pernicious influences, many Native American parents today stress the teaching of their traditions to their children. This can be seen especially among those who attend and participate in powwows, annual festivals of American Indian dance, music and crafts. Many powwows include categories for children to dance as a way of passing down their heritage. Thus, while individual development may be emphasized more than in the past, Native American parents still rely on the extended community as a resource for raising their children.