Children & their Hispanic Culture: 10 Ways to Nurture Culture at Home

When my children were young I would often wonder if I was doing my part to instill their love for their Hispanic culture. For most of their lives, we would spend either the whole summer with my parents or we would go for at least two weeks for the holidays in December. They knew the food, the language, understood the customs and traditions. And the minute the plane touched the ground in San Juan, they would forget about everything in California. But, those weeks went by fast and once back home, it wasn’t easy to nurture their love for everything Hispanic.

I am certain I am not the only Latino parent that questions their children’s cultural upbringing. How do we maintain that commitment, that passion, that appreciation for their native culture when they are growing up with the American Culture. How do we help them to place value in both cultures?

In her book, Raising Nuestros Hijos, author Gloria Rodríguez, PhD, says that children need to understand who they are, where they came from and who their ancestors are. This means that we must talk to our kids about our culture from the beginning. Maybe we share them photos of their family members, living and dead, and share who they are or who they were and the place they had in the family. Kids love stories, perhaps instead of a book at nite time, we show them that old photo album with family members and share our ancestors’ stories. Today, maybe these pictures are in an Ipad or a Iphone but the stories are part of who they are and should be shared. In addition to pictures, draw a family tree and share stories of each family member. Maybe abuelita and other family members can help! And if possible, don’t forget to organize a family get together at least once a year, or as often as possible, so your children have the chance to know their extended family members and listen to family anecdotes.

My Latina friends were convinced that the best way to instill love for the culture was through language. Speaking Spanish at home was a must when their children were little, and they did it effortlessly. Mostly because their husbands also spoke Spanish. It was different for me because my husband’s first language was English, and his second language was Greek. But, I admired their determination and to this day, twenty years later, I am in awe of their commitment to raise bilingual children asI am passionate about the subject.

Visiting a library and finding books about your native country is also a good way to teach kids about their culture. While you look at pictures of the books or perhaps in the computer, talk to them about your childhood, the food, the clothes, the music, the musical instruments indigenous to your country and the popular songs.

Remind children that it is a privilege to grow up with two or more cultures and they should be honored and respected. It doesn’t matter where we live, children should learn to appreciate everything about their Hispanic culture including the beliefs and the traditions and everything in between. And remember that instilling the love for culture is something we must do all year around and not only one moth out of the year!

Maritere’s picks- Things to do at home to promote culture

1. Consider raising bilingual children- Use language to instill the love of culture
2. Expose children to cultural activities that celebrate culture- any time of the year, not only during Hispanic Heritage Month
3. Share photos and stories from your childhood and family members
4. Plan an annual family gathering and invite all the extended family, including the long- distance cousins that can share anecdotes and help nurture culture.
5. Schedule regular skype, facetime or phone conversations with abuelitos.
6. Read in Spanish at least 3-4 times a week. Out loud is best!
7. Visit the library and find books that instill culture and pride.
8. Schedule play dates with other families that speak Spanish and that are also working on nurturing culture. It helps children emulate others.
9. Plan road trips to places that can teach children about their Latino culture: cities, museums, concerts.
10. In your daily live, show appreciation and pride for your native culture and for your adopted culture. It is the best example for your children!

Bai Bai,

Maritere

 

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