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¿Do You Ever Question If Speaking Only Spanish at Home Is “Too Much”?
- Have people told you that raising your kids in español here in the U.S. won't work?
- Do you ever worry your child will feel like an outsider because Spanish is their first language?
- Are you trying to stay committed to Spanish while wondering if you're doing enough or doing it “right”?
If so, amiga, this episode is for you.
What You’ll Discover in This Episode
In this episode, Janny Perez sits down with Erika Fernández-Pacheco, a Dominican and Ecuadorian mamá, sports journalist, and creator behind Curls and Sports.
Erika made the intentional decision to raise her two daughters Spanish-only at home—even after friends told her they had tried it and it “just didn't work.”
She shares what made Spanish a priority for her family, including her desire for her daughters to communicate with their grandparents, what a typical Spanish-speaking day actually looks like, and the reality of maintaining Spanish when English surrounds them.
You'll also hear an honest conversation about bilingual fatigue, Spanglish, screen time in Spanish, reading to your kids, family priorities, and the importance of staying present and connected.
Most importantly, Erika shares the message she wants every mamá who has been doubted to hear:
Trust your gut.
Because bilingual parenting doesn't have to be perfect to be meaningful and every family's journey will look different.
About Erika Fernández-Pacheco
Erika Fernández-Pacheco is a Dominican and Ecuadorian sports journalist, content creator, and mamá of two girls living in New York City. Known online as Curls and Sports, Erika shares content about motherhood, sports, career, and lifestyle. She is also raising her daughters Spanish-only at home, with a focus on keeping them connected to their language, family, and cultura.
Memorable Quote
“Continue to trust your gut on this, because your gut’s not gonna lie to you.”
— Erika Fernández-Pacheco
Timestamps & What You’ll Discover
05:15 — “They Said It Wouldn’t Work”
Erika shares who doubted her decision to raise her children in Spanish and how those comments made her question whether her daughters would feel like outsiders.
06:45 — Why Spanish Became a Priority
Erika explains why communicating with their grandparents was one of the biggest reasons she and her husband committed to Spanish at home.
08:32 — The Reality of Spanish-Only at Home
From switching from English to Spanish with her husband to experiencing “bilingual fatigue” and occasional Spanglish, Erika gets honest about what the commitment actually feels like.
10:47 — What a Spanish-Speaking Day Looks Like
Breakfast, screen time, meals, books, play, family time, and bedtime—all in Spanish. Erika walks us through the routines that help keep Spanish part of everyday life.
12:43 — Why Reading Matters
Janny and Erika talk about making Spanish books part of daily life and finding books and stories that children actually enjoy.
17:02 — The Power of Putting the Phone Down
Erika shares how putting her phone away between 5:30 and 8:30 has helped her be more present and intentional with her daughters.
20:28 — Creating Real Connection With Your Kids
Janny shares a simple strategy she used with her daughter: “Mírame a los ojos.” They also discuss asking specific questions instead of simply asking, “¿Cómo estuvo tu día?”
22:55 — Connection Comes Before Language
What happens when your child wants to express something important in English? Janny explains why connection and communication should come first even while you continue speaking Spanish.
23:55 — It’s Never Too Late
Erika and Janny talk about guilt, different family priorities, and why parents shouldn't compare their bilingual journey to someone else's.
27:45 — Why You Need a Bilingual Parenting Plan
Janny explains why raising bilingual children requires intention—not perfection—and how having a plan can help families navigate the journey as life changes.
30:50 — Trust Your Gut
Erika's message to the mamá who has been told Spanish-only won't work: trust yourself, prioritize what matters to you, and don't give up just because the journey gets messy.
32:38 — Seeing the Payoff
Erika shares what it was like watching her daughters connect with family in the Dominican Republic and experience Spanish as a real part of their cultural identity.
Quick Bilingual Parenting Takeaways
- Trust your gut.
- Be intentional, not perfect.
- Every family’s journey is different.
- Connection comes before language.
- Make Spanish part of everyday life.
- It’s never too late to start.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode
Confident Bilingual Parenting Masterclass
Ready to feel more confident raising your bilingual child? Join Janny's Free Confident Bilingual Parenting Masterclass on September 29, 2026.
You'll learn how to move away from perfection and create a bilingual parenting approach that actually works for your family.
Save your spot at milegasi.com under Masterclass.
Continue Your Bilingual Parenting Journey
- Join the free Latina Moms Raising Bilingual Kids community for ongoing support, real-life tips, and resources from moms on the same journey.
- Explore free bilingual parenting resources at milegasi.com for printables, tips, and support.
- Register for Janny’s free Confident Bilingual Parenting Masterclass for practical strategies to help you feel more confident in your family’s bilingual journey.
Connect with Janny Online
Podcast: The Latina Mom Legacy
Website: milegasi.com
Instagram: @milegasi
Facebook Community: Latina Moms Raising Bilingual Kids
Interested in Sponsoring The Latina Mom Legacy?
Reach an engaged community of parents raising bilingual and bicultural children.
Final Thoughts
You don't need everyone else to understand your bilingual parenting choices.
You need to know why you're doing it, what matters to your family, and what you're willing to commit to.
Some days will feel easy. Some days you'll be tired, switch languages, or wonder if it's working. That's okay.
As Erika said: trust your gut.
Your bilingual journey doesn't have to look like anyone else's. It just has to work for your familia.
Day by day. One step at a time. Sí se puede.
About Janny Perez
Janny Perez is a bilingual parenting educator, coach, and host of The Latina Mom Legacy podcast.
As a multilingual mom herself, Janny helps Latina and multicultural families raise bilingual children with confidence, consistency, and connection to language and culture—even in English-dominant environments.
Through Mi Legasi, Janny teaches parents how to move beyond guilt and the pressure to do bilingual parenting perfectly, and instead create a flexible approach that works for their child, their family, and real life.
Learn more at milegasi.com
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