Comments on: Is Language Enough When Raising Bicultural Kids?

By: Lucile

Lucile — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 16:56:59 +0000

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By: Diane Kemp Lopez

Diane Kemp Lopez — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 23:49:18 +0000

Sharing the culture to the extent possible is important. Sometimes we do more here in the US than our relatives do! For ex., there are great Dia de los Muertos events in San Diego, where we go look at elaborate altars, people paint their faces, etc. My family in Mex. might simply visit the cemetary. And think about Cinco de Mayo! While these events are not necessarily replications of what happens in-country, they are still ways to celebrate and learn about different customs, right? Also, why don’t you join a group of Latina moms and kids? Having these amiguitos for your kids is great! They’ll go to parties with piñatas, etc.

By: Yogamama

Yogamama — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 03:39:00 +0000

Language isn’t enough, though if they really get native speaking time it can go a long way. I know that the accent is definitely not the only things that changes in Spanish from country to country, but the slang, euphemisms, and topics of conversation can teach culture in unexpected ways. If family culture and country culture don’t reflect their full heritage, the experiences with their heritage culture will probably always more “educational” then part of their identity, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth while to try to give them those experiences!

By: Kristina Sloan Hernandez

Kristina Sloan Hernandez — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 02:31:23 +0000

I almost could have written this. My husband is Mexican/Puerto Rican; his family speaks mainly Spanish, does many traditional foods, but only a small amount of cultural traditions. My grandmother is Mexican and bilingual, but verylittle culture and no language has made it to my generation ( though many of us have our kids in the same language immersion program, so we’re doing our best to rectify this). My husband’s family lived in Mexico for part of his childhood, and he frankly takes for granted things I know the value of, due to my family being a generation more assimilated than his. So I am taking it on myself to make days like Dia de Los Muertos special and as authentic as I can, and questioning his older sisters and parents, as well as my grandmother about traditions, celebrations, and foods that they remember from years ago. We include European traditions from my side as well, and are making our own ne ones as we go, but I’m doing my best to ensure that my kids appreciate the beauty and richness of their mixed culture.