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Note: This post accompanies Episode 703 of The Latina Mom Legacy: “Why Cultura Matters More Than Vocabulary When Raising Bilingual Kids.” Dive in for the key insights, takeaway tips, and resources to help you nurture bilingualism through cultural connection. ¡Vamos!
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Do you ever worry your child doesn’t know enough Spanish words, or feel pressured by vocabulary lists and flashcards? This episode will change your mindset! Janny Perez unpacks why focusing on vocabulary isn’t enough and how weaving cultural traditions (cultura) into daily life helps Spanish stick for a lifetime. Discover her five easy, practical tips to bring Latinidad into your home, without the overwhelm. Plus, get a special family heritage freebie to kickstart Hispanic Heritage Month.
Timestamps & What You’ll Discover
00:01 – Why Cultura, Not Just Vocabulary, Matters
How culture gives words meaning, builds identity, and makes Spanish memorable.
3:24 – How Most Parents Feel About Bilingualism
Janny shares her personal doubts and what most parents get wrong about “success” with Spanish at home.
7:32 – Storytelling Makes Words Stick
Why cuentos and leyendas from your childhood (like La Llorona) anchor language in emotional memories.
9:52 – Embedding Language in Traditions and Holidays
From “sana sana colita de rana” to Día de Muertos, learn how little rituals give vocabulary lasting power and joyful meaning.
13:10 – Food: The Easiest Way to Pass on Cultura
How cooking arroz con pollo or making tamales while naming ingredients in Spanish invites connection and learning at the same time.
16:47 – Music and Family Connections
Music, playlists, family games, and birthdays, Janny shows how these activities immerse kids in Spanish organically, building bridges, not burdens.
25:25 – Why “Connection Over Perfection” Wins
Janny reframes your bilingual parenting role: it’s not about being a walking dictionary, but about being the culture keeper and memory builder.
26:20 – Free Family Heritage Activity & More Support
Get immediate ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, plus details on the Confident Bilingual Parenting Course.
Quick Bilingual Parenting Takeaways:
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Cultura, not just vocabulary, is the secret for lasting bilingualism and pride.
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Everyday traditions, stories, food, and music make Spanish unforgettable for kids.
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Family connections create natural opportunities for Spanish...no worksheets required!
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You don’t need perfect Spanish; you just need to make memories.
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Flashcards fade, but cultural experiences last forever.
Quotes from Janny Perez
“Vocabulary is going to come and go, but cultura, that's what's going to last. That's what your kids will carry into their future and in their hearts.”
“It's not about perfection, it's about connection. You are the culture keeper, the memory builder, the connection maker.”
Resources Mentioned in the Podcast:
🎁 Free Family Heritage Activity
Celebrate your roots and start meaningful conversations with this fun printable for Hispanic Heritage Month! Find it in the show notes or at thelatinamomlegacy.com.
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Confident Bilingual Parenting Course – Step-by-step routines and cultural experiences to make Spanish a natural, joyful part of family life
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More free printables and bilingual resources: thelatinamomlegacy.com
How You Can Support & Engage
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Apply to Be a Guest: Share your bilingual parenting story!
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Leave a Review: Apple Podcast or Spotify – Your feedback lets us reach more Latino families raising bilingual kids.
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Join the Newsletter – La Lista: Sign up here for parenting tips, printables, and episode updates.
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Want to reach an awesome bilingual parenting community? Contact us → Sponsorship info
Connect on Social
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Instagram: @milegasi
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Threads: @milegasi
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Podcast Instagram: @thelatinamomlegacy
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Pinterest: @milegasi
Final Thoughts
You are 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 your familia’s stories and traditions, and remember…¡tu cultura es tu superpoder!
Ready for a cultural reset? Download the heritage freebie and start celebrating Hispanic Heritage at home today. ¡Si se puede!
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