“A family is an angel”: Immigrant children’s representations of family

Abstract

This article explores how children who have recently immigrated to Québec, Canada, represent the family. Using the child-centered approach, this qualitative study is based on semi-structured interviews with 43 immigrant children aged 6 to 14 years. The results reveal that children represent the family according to the different functions it plays in their lives, that is, to provide them with security, protection and support, and that their definition of the family is based on the affection and love that unites those who make up the family, shared time and lasting stable ties.