Nick Jonas on raising a child in a multicultural family, and why it matters more than ever
Nick and Priyanka use family stories and daily habits to make sure Malti grows up connected to both her American and Indian roots.
Raising children is never easy, and it can be even more challenging when parents come from different cultures. In 2018, Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony that honored their American and Indian backgrounds. They welcomed their daughter, Malti Marie, in 2022, and since her birth, they have made efforts to help Malti feel connected to both her American and Indian heritage. Their family is a great example of how parents today navigate identity in a world that is more connected than ever.
What he said
Nick recently appeared on a CBeebies show and talked about their multicultural family, and how he and Priyanka are helping Malti “embrace and celebrate the cultures around her.”
Nick explained that they are raising their daughter in a way that keeps her connected to both her parents’ roots and helps her learn about the traditions. He mentioned how exciting it is for them as parents “to think about the things that we love about our cultures, whether it’s clothing or food or traditions that are important to us.” By incorporating these elements into their daughter’s daily life, they are ensuring she has the opportunity to learn about both Indian and American traditions.
Their goal as parents is to give Malti a real, hands-on experience with her family history. Nick spoke about “giving her the opportunity to learn about it through books and other programs and spending time with family where she can really engage and understand, kind of where she comes from.” By spending time with her grandparents and extended family, she hears stories and witnesses traditions firsthand. Nick added, “finding a way to really embrace all those wonderful traditions and things that we love so much about our multicultural family, and celebrating them with her has been a real special thing for us as parents.”
Nick and Priyanka frequently travel between the United States and India with their daughter. They celebrate special occasions with their families, including festivals and weddings. This not only helps Malti to embrace both cultures but also allows her to create beautiful memories with her parents.
This is not the first time Nick has spoken about his wife and daughter. Recently, in another interview, he shared that being a good husband means being reliable and showing up for the people you love every single day. He spoke of the importance of his love for his wife, emphasizing that it sets an example for their daughter. Nick understands that Malti is watching how he treats Priyanka, and he wants her to grow up seeing a standard of respect and care so she knows what a healthy relationship looks like in her own future.
Why does this matter?
The way Nick and Priyanka are raising Malti reflects a reality for many families today. Because people move and travel more than ever before, it’s common to see families with diverse cultural backgrounds. Most kids today grow up influenced by different traditions and values, and this diverse upbringing has many advantages. When a child is exposed to different ways of living from the start, they often grow up to be more adaptable and better at communicating. This exposure builds cultural awareness, helping them feel comfortable in almost any setting.
Additionally, celebrating every part of a child’s background boosts their confidence. When parents honor their child’s unique heritage, it helps that child understand who they are. Learning about family food, holidays, and history gives kids a sense of belonging and keeps them grounded. Also, seeing different ways of doing things at home fosters empathy toward others. While navigating two cultures can sometimes be challenging, staying engaged and having open conversations can make a significant difference.
At the end of the day, good parenting is about being present alongside your child every step of the way. It’s important for parents to celebrate big achievements, but they should also take time to cherish the quieter times together, like reading a story or simply listening to each other. Other celebrities like Matthew McConaughey have also emphasized the importance of spending time with your kids and helping them learn to appreciate what they have and who they are, which helps them grow into confident individuals.
In the end, choosing to raise a multicultural family is more than just honoring traditions. It is about preparing children to succeed in a diverse world. By staying active and present, parents like Nick and Priyanka ensure that their children grow up with a clear sense of identity and an appreciation for different cultures and perspectives around them.
