La famille

Living as a Family

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Staying in Touch

Little daily things can help you stay connected across borders and make the distance seem smaller.

Key messages

  • Being far away from your family can stir up difficult emotions. Acknowledging them is an important step in taking care of yourself.
  • Even at a distance, your family still plays an important role in your life. Take time to establish a routine to stay in touch.
  • When you are missing your family, reach out to people you meet in Québec and available resources.

Leaning on family, despite the distance

Getting settled in another country involves major changes, especially if you arrive by yourself or are forced to leave your country of origin.

When you are still getting your bearings in Québec, staying in contact with your loved ones, even when they are far away, can:

  • Make it easier to manage difficult emotions
  • Provide stability and comfort
  • Reassure you that you are still part of the family
  • Be a source of advice and encouragement and give you a space to talk

“At first, I felt lonely. With the time difference, it was hard to find a good time to talk to my loved ones. It was also hard knowing that my sisters were missing me and growing up far away.”

Finding the right way to communicate with and stay involved in the lives of family members in your country of origin takes time and involves some adjustments.

Tips:

  • Make video calls.
  • Exchange voice messages to make up for the physical absence of your loved ones.
  • Schedule a regular time to talk each week.

Coping with feelings of guilt

This feeling can come from a fear of disappointing or hurting the family members you leave behind. This is very normal.

For example, the distance can make it harder to meet family expectations or be there:

  • For major events like births, marriages and deaths
  • To care for a loved one

Although nothing replaces physical presence, little gestures can show your loved ones you care about them:

  • Sending them photos
  • Being available for moral and emotional support
  • Offering to organize an event from a distance
  • Checking in on them

Guilt can also come from your family’s expectations for your studies or work. The pressure to succeed and help your family financially can be a heavy burden.

Talking to other people in similar situations can be comforting and validating. Find out what options are available.

“My parents are paying for most of my studies. Sometimes, I feel guilty. I feel like they idealize my life here and don’t realize the challenges I face. I don’t want to worry them or disappoint them. I found out that many international students experience the same thing. It felt good to learn I’m not alone and to share my experience with others.” 

To find out more

Coping with feelings of powerlessness

Worrying about your family can make you feel powerless, especially if you feel like there is nothing you can do to help them.

For example, you may not be able to send them money to improve their situation.

Feeling useful and sharing moments of solidarity can help you cope with this feeling. For example, you can help people going through a similar migration experience.

Find out what volunteer or community involvement opportunities are available.

“My cousins are still in Syria, in an unstable situation. I worry about them a lot. I feel like there’s nothing my mom, sister and I can do.”

To find out more

R IE Holding onto hope of reuniting with your family

The family reunification process can be long. Wait times can also make you feel powerless.

Tips:

  • Keep hope alive: focusing on your family’s future and your plans can give you the strength to keep going.
  • Strengthening your relationship with family members in Québec can make it easier to settle in give you a sense of security and stability.

R As soon as you arrive in Québec, you have one year to apply for family reunification under the One-Year Window of Opportunity program. After this deadline, check if you are eligible to the Family Reunification Program.

“My brother couldn’t come with us to Québec. Right now, he’s in Germany. My mom started the family class application process so he can join us. Luckily, my mom, sister and I talk to him often on WhatsApp.”

EI Check the procedures for sponsoring a family member through the family class program.

To find out more

Sources

Baldassar, L. (2010). Ce « sentiment de culpabilité ». Réflexion sur la relation entre émotions et motivation dans les migrations et le soin transnational. Recherches sociologiques et anthropologiques. 41 (1), 15-37. https://doi.org/10.4000/rsa.185

Centre d’expertise sur le bien-être et l’état de santé physique des réfugiés et des demandeurs d’asile (CERDA). (2025). Se réunir avec sa famille. Carnets de route. https://carnetsderoute.info/info/reunir-famille/#mises-a-jour-reunification-familiale

Drouin, D. (2020). Le stress acculturatif chez les étudiants internationaux universitaires – une recension systématique des écrits scientifiques (Édiqscope, 12). Équipe de recherche en partenariat sur la diversité culturelle et l’immigration dans la région de Québec (ÉDIQ), Université Laval. https://www.ediq.ulaval.ca/sites/ediq.ulaval.ca/files/uploads/E%CC%81diqscope%20version%20en%20ligne%20Daniel.pdf

Immigration Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC). (2024). Guide de présentation d’une demande de réunification des membres de la famille à l’étranger dans le cadre du délai prescrit d’un an. Gouvernement du Canada. https://www.canada.ca/fr/immigration-refugies-citoyennete/services/demande/formulaires-demande-guides/guide-5578-demande-en-ligne.html

Legault, G., Oxman-Martinez, J., Guzman P, Gravel, S., & Turcotte, G. (2000). La séparation familiale en contexte migratoire : Conflits parents-enfants. Interactions, 4(1), 59‑76.

Miller, A., Hess, J. M., Bybee, D., & Goodkind, J. R. (2018). Understanding the mental health consequences of family separation for refugees : Implications for policy and practice. The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 88(1), 26‑37. https://doi.org/10.1037/ort0000272

Pannetier, J. (2018). Liens transnationaux et santé mentale : De la nécessité du lien entre ici et là-bas ? Le cas des migrations africaines en Île-de-France. Revue européenne des migrations internationales, 34(2‑3), Article 2‑3. https://doi.org/10.4000/remi.10817

Rousseau, C., Bertot, J., Mekki-Berrada, A., Measham, T., & Drapeau, A. (2001). Étude longitudinale du processus de réunification familiale chez les réfugiés. Conseil québécois de la recherche sociale.

Viruell-Fuentes, E. A., & Schulz, A. J. (2009). Toward a Dynamic Conceptualization of Social Ties and Context: Implications for Understanding Immigrant and Latino Health. American Journal of Public Health, 99(12), 2167‑2175. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2008.158956

Getting Settled as a Family

Getting settled in a new society can disrupt family roles and habits.

Key messages

  • Family members who come with you to Québec can help you adjust and get your bearings.
  • Be patient with yourself and your family members: the adjustment process is different for everyone.
  • Spending time together and letting everyone find their place in the family strengthens bonds.

Being with your family in Québec

When you arrive in Québec, your family can be a valuable source of :

  • Support and safety
  • Shared values
  • Fun and laughter
  • Continuity between your life before and your life in Québec
  • Stability in a time of change
  • Closeness

One family, many paths to adjusting

Upon arrival, each member of the family may have their own wishes, needs and adjustment challenges. Each person’s situation can also impact the family’s habits, relationships and roles.

These changes are normal. At first, they may be unsettling, raise doubts or concerns and even cause tension. However, with time, they can also strengthen family bonds.

Tips :

  • Talk to, listen to and be patient with each other. This helps everyone find their place
  • If the changes are difficult to deal with, don’t hesitate to ask available resources for help.

To find out more

Myth: “Children and teenagers can’t have mental health issues.”

Reality. of 25, and 50% before the age of 14. In younger children, they can take the form of restlessness, frequent crying or trouble sleeping. These can be normal reactions to big changes, like starting school. It is important to be aware of them. If they persist, talk to a professional (doctor, teacher, etc.). To find out more, see Recognizing the signs of a mental disorder in children | Government of Québec.

Source: Kessler R. C., Berglund P., Demler O., Jin R., Merikangas K. R., Walters E. E., 2005

Understanding each person’s experience

To support your family, it can be useful to know each generation’s unique hopes, challenges and experiences. Click on the icons and arrows to find out more.

Grandparents Parents Children Comprendre les réalités de chacun·e Comprendre les réalités de chacun·e - Grands-parents Comprendre les réalités de chacun·e - Parents Comprendre les réalités de chacun·e - Enfants Comprendre les réalités de chacun·e - Relation entre les grands-parents et les parents Comprendre les réalités de chacun·e - Relation entre les grands-parents et leurs petits-enfants Comprendre les réalités de chacun·e - Relation entre les parents et leurs enfants Comprendre les réalités de chacun·e - Relation de couple

How to support your family’s well-being in Québec

Spending simple everyday moments together can strengthen family bonds. Together, you can rediscover things you used to do or find new activities.

Here are some easy ideas to try, depending on your roles and interests.

Grandparents

Seniors are a valuable source of knowledge and family history.

Little things that can support your family’s well-being

  • Cooking together
  • Translating words into your language of origin
  • Sharing family history through photos or stories

Parents/couples

Taking care of yourself makes it easier to take care of other family members.

Little things that can support your family’s well-being

  • Participating in a community activity while the children are at school
  • Taking a dance class as a couple
  • Going for a relaxing walk
  • Exploring the city

Children

Children should stay children, even with new responsibilities. Their joy, curiosity and love of learning can have a positive effect on the entire family.

Little thing that can support your family’s well-being

  • Finding a fun activity for the whole family (playing board games, going to the park, visiting a cultural or historic site, etc.)

“At first, between school, daycare and work, we barely saw each other. It was very different from in Syria, where we spent a lot of time together. One day, Mom said: ‘Sunday nights are for family.’ Since then, we’ve spent them together every week. We tell each other about our day, and we laugh. And if I need to cancel, it had better be for a very good reason!”

Like Mariam’s family, choose an activity to do regularly that brings you together and is fun for everyone.

To find out more

The Observatoire des réalités familiales du Québec has a series of articles on family, particularly related to immigration. For example :

Taking care of seniors

Did you know?

Adaptation can be particularly hard for seniors, especially if they have to deal with several changes. Language can be a major barrier. This can lead to social isolation and have a negative impact on their well-being.

Are you a senior?

Tips:

  • Remember that each social interaction helps to overcome isolation.
  • Ask a community organization offering support to immigrants and refugees what activities are available in your area (card games club, community activities, etc.).
  • Ask the people around you for help participating in activities (transportation, finding activities, phone calls, etc.).

Want to support seniors in your family?

Tips:

  • Pay attention to their needs and the resources needed to meet them (home support, health care, assistance with processes and appointments, appropriate housing, etc.).
  • Organize accessible and familiar activities (group cultural outings, community kitchens, craft workshops, etc.).
  • Ask about community activities nearby.

This resource lists community resources for seniors in multiple regions of Québec:

211- Senior

To find out more

Sources

Abdela, S. (2017). Immigrer, c’est « traverser la terre » : La transmission culturelle dans les familles immigrantes. Observatoire des réalités familiales du Québec. https://www.orfq.inrs.ca/immigrer-cest-traverser-la-terre-la-transmission-culturelle-dans-les-familles-immigrantes/

Emploi et Développement social Canada. (2018). Isolement social des aînés : Un regard sur les nouveaux immigrants et réfugiés aînés au Canada [Description de programme]. Gouvernement du Canada. https://www.canada.ca/fr/emploi-developpement-social/ministere/forum-federal-provincial-territorial-aines/isolement-social-immigrants-refugies.html

Goudet, A. (2023). Migrer en couple : Évolutions des dynamiques conjugales et redéfinition des priorités face aux épreuves migratoires. Enfances Familles Générations. Revue interdisciplinaire sur la famille contemporaine, 43, Article 43. https://journals.openedition.org/efg/19286

Hinse, S. (2016). L’intervention sociale auprès des familles immigrantes de Québec et Chaudière-Appalaches. Cahiers de l’EDIQ, 3(2), 63‑78.

Kessler, R. C., Berglund, P., Demler, O., Jin, R., Merikangas, K. R., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 593–602. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.62.6.593  

Shirpak, K. R., Maticka-Tyndale, E., & Chinichian, M. (2011). Post Migration Changes in Iranian Immigrants’ Couple Relationships in Canada. Journal of Comparative Family Studies, 42(6), 751‑770. https://doi.org/10.3138/jcfs.42.6.751

Vatz-Laaroussi, M. (2008). Du Maghreb au Québec : Accommodements et stratégies. Travail, genre et sociétés, 20(2), 47‑65. https://doi.org/10.3917/tgs.020.0047

Vatz-Laaroussi, M. (2013). Les aînées réfugiées au Québec : Entre transmission et transformation sociale? Recherches féministes, 26(2), 105‑126. https://doi.org/10.7202/1022774ar

Vatz-Laaroussi, M. (2007). Les relations intergénérationnelles, vecteurs de transmission et de résilience au sein des familles immigrantes et réfugiées au Québec. Enfances, Familles, Générations, 6. https://doi.org/10.7202/016480ar

Thriving as a Parent

Striking a balance between your values and local practices can help you feel accomplished as a parent.

Key messages

  • Some parenting practices in Québec may be new to you. Take the time to learn and don’t judge yourself.
  • Knowing the law and what resources are available to newcomer parents can help you adjust and build your confidence.

Navigating a new context

In Québec, some ways of raising and taking care of children may be new to you.

These may include:

  • How children are disciplined
  • How much independence children have
  • How some situations are handled

You may notice this at daycare, at school, in health care settings and in conversations with other parents. Newness may surprise you or raise questions.

Did you know?

In Québec, parents have rights and obligations under the Civil Code of Québec.

Every child (aged 0–18) has the right to protection, security and attention from their parents. This is true regardless of the child’s migration status.

Parents must make decisions in the child’s best interest and respect their rights.

As a parent, you must:

  • Make sure your child attends school until the age of 16
  • Provide your child with food and care for them
  • Make sure they are supervised and safe

You also have the right to:

  • Decide where your child will live
  • Agree to or refuse health care for them until the age of 14
  • Decide who can take care of them (daycare, family members, friends, babysitters, etc.)
  • Pass on your religious beliefs

The Director of Youth Protection (DYP) is a government agency that can intervene when the security or development of a child is in danger.

Children are raised and cared for in many different ways. Still, many actions and values stay the same. For example, all parents want what is best for their child: love, security and a promising future.

However, some practices that are familiar to you may be considered unacceptable in Québec. This can be difficult to understand, especially if you consider these practices to be normal and caring.

In particular, the rules on corporal punishment in Québec are very strict.

To find out more

Taking the time to get your bearings

It is normal to feel lost or confused when you encounter new things. Adjusting to new norms can take time. Don’t worry if you are not familiar with all of them yet. You are learning, and this does not make you any less competent as a parent.

It is important to feel supported through this transition. Don’t hesitate to use the resources available to better understand local laws and practices. Some resources are specifically designed for newcomer parents.

To find out more

Sources

Éducaloi. (2025). L’autorité parentale. https://educaloi.qc.ca/capsules/lautorite-parentale/

Éducaloi. (2025). Le rôle du Directeur de la protection de la jeunesse (DPJ). https://educaloi.qc.ca/capsules/role-directeur-protection-de-la-jeunesse/

Espace Parents. (2022). Qu’est-ce que l’initiative Espace Parents? https://www.espace-parents.ca/a-propos/

Güngör, D. (2023). Immigration et acculturation à l’adolescence. Dans R. Tremblay, M. Boivin, R. Peters, & M. Bornstein (dir.), Encyclopédie sur le développement des jeunes enfants. https://www.enfant-encyclopedie.com/immigration/selon-experts/immigration-et-acculturation-ladolescence

Resources for Families

Free resources are available for parents, children and the entire family.

Key messages

  • Asking for support can make a big difference to your family during a transition period.
  • Some resources offer assistance for newcomer parents that is culturally sensitive and tailored to their situation.
  • Other resources can help children with their learning, well-being and adjustment.

Espace Parents workshops

“Attending Espace Parents workshops was a very positive experience for me and my partner! We got to share experiences and tips with other parents. We developed a strong sense of solidarity! I learned what resources are available to support us and help us understand how school works in Québec. I feel much more confident in my role as a parent now.”

Some community organizations offering support to immigrant and refugees hold workshops for newcomer parents.

The Espace Parents program offers:

  • A warm welcome and activities tailored to your situation
  • Discussions with a counsellor and other newcomer parents
  • Help learning about local practices while respecting your values
  • 9 workshops of 2 hours each on parenting in an immigration context

Intercultural community counsellors (ICIs)

Some community organizations also support newcomers through intercultural community counsellors (ICIs).

Family and youth protection ICIs offer:

  • Support to families experiencing difficulties
  • Information on children’s needs and the services available.

Youth ICIs offer newcomer youth (aged 14 to 25) in Québec with:

  • One-on-one support
  • A space to express themselves through recreational activities, sports, cultural activities, etc.
  • Activities where they can meet other young people.

Family community organizations

“When we came to Québec, we left a large family behind that played an important role in our lives. That was hard, because we all supported each other a lot. When we arrived in Québec, we felt very isolated.”

These organizations offer services for all Québec families, regardless of their migration status.

Professional assistance in schools

Resources (psychologists, psychoeducators, etc.) are available to support children who are experiencing difficulties. Ask the staff at your child’s school for more information.

To find out more

Helplines

These free and confidential services are offered throughout Québec.

They allow you to talk to a counsellor about what children experience, including:

  • Bullying
  • Discrimination
  • Alcohol and drug use
  • Stress and anxiety

Sources

Centre social d’aide aux immigrants (CSAI). (s. d.). Intervention communautaire interculturelle (ICI). https://centrecsai.org/intervention-communautaire-interculturelle-ici/

Dufour, S., Lavergne, C., Morin, C., Casseùs, T. & Archambault, I. (2022). Rôles de l’agent de liaison interculturel communautaire dans la dynamique écoles, protection de la jeunesse et familles issues de la diversité ethnoculturelle. Revue de psychoéducation, 51(3), 177–198. https://doi.org/10.7202/1093884ar

Espace Parents. (2022). Qu’est-ce que l’initiative Espace Parents. https://www.espace-parents.ca/a-propos/

Richard, M., Dufour, S., Coppry, M., Lavergne, C., Martin, J., & Rufagari, M.-C. (2018). Les ateliers Espace Parents : Analyse de la genèse d’une intervention de soutien à l’adaptation du rôle parental en contexte d’immigration. Intervention, 148, 5‑15. https://revueintervention.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/ri_148_2018.2_Richard_Dufour_Coppry_Lavergne_Martin_Rufagari.pdf