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Do You Ever Feel Like Your Spanish Isn't Enough?
Have you ever felt embarrassed about your Spanish or worried you're not Latina enough because you didn't grow up fully immersed in your culture?
Do you want your children to feel proud of their heritage, but you're still figuring out what that connection looks like for yourself?
What if reclaiming your roots isn't about being perfect at Spanish, but about discovering who you are and deciding what you want to pass on to your children?
What You'll Discover in This Episode
In this deeply personal episode ofThe Latina Mom Legacy, Janny Perez sits down with Cynthia Perez, a therapist, mother of three, and founder of Rooted in Reflection, to explore what it means to reclaim your language, identity, and ancestral roots.
Growing up in California, Cynthia was called “pocha” by her father when she tried to speak Spanish. The shame made her shut down and stop trying. Years later, after experiencing severe burnout while working in healthcare and raising young children, Cynthia began a healing journey that led her to explore her Maya and Yucatec heritage, reconnect with her ancestors, and uncover painful chapters of her family's history.
That journey eventually led Cynthia and her family to leave Los Angeles and move to Guanajuato, Mexico, where she is navigating life in Spanish, raising her children in a new community, and discovering parts of herself she never knew she had.
But moving to Mexico hasn't magically erased her insecurities. Cynthia shares the exhaustion of being the family's primary Spanish speaker, the discomfort of having others switch to English, and the unexpected identity shifts that come with starting over.
Whether you're reconnecting with your heritage, raising bilingual children, or learning to embrace parts of yourself you've hidden, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to be perfect to belong.
About Cynthia Perez
Cynthia Perez is a therapist, mother of three, and founder of Rooted in Reflection. Born in Long Beach, California, Cynthia embarked on a journey of healing and self-discovery that led her to reconnect with her Maya and Yucatec heritage and move her family to Mexico. Through her work, she centers inner healing from a decolonial perspective, exploring ancestral connections, cultural identity, andmarianismo (colonial influences on motherhood). She is also a self-published author of three books and the host of the podcastConfetti All Around.
Memorable Quote
“Growing up Latina, I never felt like I belonged. But I'm so happy to be here.” -Cynthia Perez
Timestamps & What You'll Discover
04:06 — Growing Up Pocha: When Spanish Shame Begins
Cynthia shares how being mocked for her Spanish as a child made her stop trying—and how that shame can still show up today.
06:24 — Reconnecting With Her Maya Roots Through Healing
How burnout, inner-child work, meditation, and curiosity about her family history opened the door to a deeper connection with her ancestors and Yucatec heritage.
14:01 — Ancestral Connection, Family History & Learning to Surrender
Cynthia reflects on a difficult period in her life, the role her grandmother's memory played in her healing, and learning to ask for guidance and support.
17:46 — Why She Left Los Angeles and Moved Her Family to Mexico
The unexpected path from a successful career in behavioral health to a major family move—and the values that ultimately influenced her decision.
22:47 — Reclaiming Spanish While Raising Kids in Mexico
The reality of navigating daily life in Spanish, advocating for her family, and working through the anxiety of being judged for how she speaks.
27:13 — Raising Kids in a New Culture and Community
How living in a predominantly Mexican neighborhood is helping her children become more comfortable with new friendships, independence, and community life.
31:31 — What Cynthia Would Tell Her Younger Self
Her advice for anyone who feels behind in their language journey: stop comparing yourself, enjoy the process, and make learning fun.
32:05 — How to Reclaim Your Heritage Without Moving Abroad
Why curiosity, self-love, adventure, and taking action can help you reconnect with your roots wherever you live.
32:47 — What to Consider Before Moving to Your Heritage Country
Cynthia shares practical lessons about researching local history and customs, preparing for emergencies, building community, and navigating unexpected changes in identity.
34:22 — The Suitcase That Changed How She Saw Herself
A powerful story about leaving behind a home, questioning who she was without familiar belongings, and receiving a family keepsake that connected her to her mother's migration story.
38:30 — Connect With Cynthia Perez
Learn about her work in inner healing, her books and resources, and her podcast,Confetti All Around.
39:33 — The Fast Round: Favorite Spanish Words, Yucatec Food & Legacy
Cynthia shares her favorite Spanish word, the home remedies she loves, the traditional Yucatec dishes she wants to pass down, and the legacy she hopes to create.
Bilingual Parenting Takeaways
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Shame can make children stop speaking. When children are mocked or feel that mistakes aren't welcome, they may become less comfortable using the language. Create a safe space where they can practice without fear of judgment.
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You don't have to master Spanish to reclaim your culture. Your language journey is a process, and comparing yourself to others can take away the joy of learning.
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Curiosity can open the door to cultural connection. Ask relatives about your family's history, explore the places your ancestors came from, and learn about the traditions that shaped your family.
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Your children can grow alongside you. You don't need to have every answer about your heritage before you begin sharing it with them.
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Reclaiming your roots doesn't require moving abroad. You can start at home through stories, books, food, conversations, and new experiences.
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Consider the culture, not just the destination. If you're thinking about moving to your heritage country, research local customs, schools, community life, and practical support systems before making the leap.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode
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Rooted in Reflection:rootedinreflection.org — Cynthia's website, featuring free videos, a free ebook, books, courses, and support focused on inner healing and a decolonial perspective.
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Confetti All Around: Cynthia's podcast, featuring conversations and personal stories about healing, identity, and culture.
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Latina Moms Raising Bilingual Kids Private Facebook Group:Join Janny's free community to connect with other parents raising bilingual children.
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Yucatec Maya Heritage: Cynthia discusses her family's connections to Mérida, Progreso, Chuchuluub, and Maní, Yucatán, and how learning about her ancestral homeland became part of her personal journey.
Continue Your Bilingual Parenting Journey
Want to raise bilingual and bicultural kids while building your own confidence along the way?
Join the Latina Moms Raising Bilingual Kids community. Connect with other moms who understand the challenges, celebrate your wins, and get support when raising bilingual children feels overwhelming.
Explore free bilingual parenting resources. Visitmilegasi.com for practical tools, tips, and encouragement to help you keep Spanish alive in your familia.
Connect With Janny
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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
Interested in Sponsoring The Latina Mom Legacy?
Reach an engaged community of parents raising bilingual and bicultural children. Get in touch to explore sponsorship opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Mamá, you don't have to move to another country, speak perfect Spanish, or know every detail of your family history to reconnect with your roots.
Cynthia's journey reminds us that reclaiming your heritage can begin with a question, a conversation with a family member, or the courage to explore a part of yourself you've kept hidden.
And as you discover more about who you are, you also get to decide what you want your children to inherit—not just your language, but your stories, traditions, and relationship with your cultura.
You don't have to have it all figured out. Start where you are, stay curious, and keep going, mamá.
Un beso, un abrazo, y hasta la próxima. ¡Chao, chao!
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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