The Latina Mom Legacy

703: Why Cultura Matters More Than Vocabulary When Raising Bilingual Kids


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Do you worry your child doesn’t know enough Spanish words or feel pressured by flashcards? This episode will change your mindset! Janny Perez explains why focusing only on vocabulary isn’t enough—and how weaving cultural traditions (cultura) into daily life helps Spanish stick for a lifetime.

Discover five practical ways to bring Latinidad into your home through storytelling, holidays, food, music, and family connections—without the overwhelm. Learn why connection beats perfection, and how your role as a parent is more about being a culture keeper than a walking dictionary.

🎁 Free Family Heritage Activity: Kickstart Hispanic Heritage Month with this fun, printable resource to celebrate traditions and spark conversation.

Timestamps & What You’ll Discover

    • 00:01 – Why Cultura, Not Just Vocabulary, Matters: How culture gives words meaning, builds identity, and makes Spanish memorable.

    • 7:32 – Storytelling Makes Words Stick: Why cuentos and leyendas anchor language in emotional memories.

    • 9:52 – Embedding Language in Traditions and Holidays: Simple rituals make vocabulary last.

    • 13:10 – Food: The Easiest Way to Pass on Cultura: Cooking together in Spanish connects learning with joy.

    • 16:47 – Music & Family Connections: Songs, games, and celebrations immerse kids naturally.

    • 25:25 – Why “Connection Over Perfection” Wins: You are the culture keeper, not a walking dictionary.


    Quick Bilingual Parenting Takeaways:


    • Cultura, not just vocabulary, builds lasting bilingualism and pride.

  • Everyday traditions, stories, food, and music make Spanish unforgettable.

  • Family connections create natural opportunities for Spanish, no worksheets needed.

  • Flashcards fade, but cultural experiences last forever.

 

Resources Mentioned in The Podcast:

  • 🎁 ⁠Free Family Heritage Activity⁠

  • ⁠Confident Bilingual Parenting Course⁠

  • Nobody Told Me This About Raising a Bilingual Child

  • More free printables + resources at ⁠milegasi.com⁠

How You Can Support & Engage

Apply to Be a Guest – Share your bilingual parenting story!

Leave a Review⁠Apple Podcast ⁠or ⁠Spotify ⁠Your feedback helps the show reach more parents raising bilingual kids.

Join the NewsletterLa Lista at ⁠Milegasi.com⁠Get exclusive bilingual parenting tips, free printables, and updates on new episodes and courses

Interested in Sponsoring the Show? Reach an engaged bilingual parenting community. Contact us → ⁠Sponsorship info⁠


Connect on Social Media

  • Instagram: ⁠@milegasi⁠

  • Threads: ⁠@milegasi⁠

  • Podcast Instagram: ⁠@thelatinamomlegacy⁠

  • Pinterest: ⁠@milegasi⁠


Final Thoughts

You’re not behind, mamá—you’re building a legacy! With Janny’s five cultura-fueled strategies, Spanish becomes a thread tying your child’s heart to their heritage. Celebrate connection, embrace familia’s stories, and remember…¡tu cultura es tu superpoder!Ready for a cultural reset? Download the free heritage activity and start celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at home today. ¡Si se puede! If you would like to learn more about Confident Bilingual Parenting, visit ⁠milegasi.thinkific.com.

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The Latina Mom LegacyBy Janny Perez

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