Slowly but surely it seems like life is returning to a new normal and with it has brought some changes, including how we raise bilingual children.  As a Latina mom raising a multilingual and multicultural child means making sure my child gets the language exposure and the need to use the language.  Sometimes that means being a bit creative with how Spanish or the minority language/s are used.  Here are my...

A new year brings with it new opportunities to define resolutions or goals.  As a mom, it is important to me that my goals also include my child and family.  As a Latina mom raising a bilingual, multicultural child, it is important to me that I continue on my bilingual journey, having goals, but not stressing out about specifics.  You want your bilingual journey as a family to be natural and as stress free as possible.  Here are my goals for the new year that you, as a bilingual or multicultural parent, may relate to or may inspire you:

I grew up speaking Spanish at home and English at school.  My parents spoke only Spanish with us, even though my father was bilingual.  My siblings and I spoke English every opportunity we got, much to our parents displeasure.  We hated speaking Spanish.  To us it was simply a way of communicating with our family.  It wasn't until years later that I truly appreciated the effort my parents put forth making sure we were able to speak, read, and write Español.

Confidence is assurance is oneself.  When we empower children to grow their confidence skills we are helping them obtain tools for handling difficult situations and stresses that come with school and home life like learning, dealing with peer pressure, or even changes in their bodies.  Raising bilingual Spanish children also means instilling in them confidence to continue in their language learning, no matter where they are at.  These book not only help them with practical tips but will also encourage Spanish language learning.

In many Latino & Catholic centric countries Christmas is not over until El Dia de Reyes or Three Kings Day.  Each celebrates in their own way like in Mexico they make a Rosca de Reyes, in Argentina, kids write a letter to the three kings and put it inside their shoes by their bed, in Puerto Rico, they celebrate La Víspera de Reyes and grass is put in a shoe box by the tree. 

However you celebrate El Dia de Reyes, these books will help you share their story with your child.

If you want to raise a bilingual Spanish child, que hable Español, one of the best ways that you can do this is by making sure that you make it FUN!  Children learn through play and getting them engaged, excited, and looking forward to playing with toys that enhance their language learning skills will make your job as a parent much easier when it comes to raising bilingual children.  Luckily,  I have a list of bilingual toys that your children and your family will enjoy in your bilingual parenting journey.

Whether you are traveling to Medellin, Colombia for the first time or whether it's your heritage country and you'd like to share your culture with your kids like me, there are many fun and exciting things you can do.  Now, I may have a bit of an advantage, having lived there for many years and still having extended family that can update us on the ins and outs of the city.  Luckily, this means having some insider information that you may not get through a regular travel blog.

Living in New Jersey, just 20 minutes from New York City I wanted to find a decent getaway that felt like I was truly away, away from the city, away from the traditional Jersey shore, and after googling a few destinations, Stowe, Vermont seemed like a pretty good option.  Now, going on a budget?  That's a different story, but I'll share with you some tips and options of what you can do to save yourself some money.

We're off on our very first family vacation with our 3 year old daughter in tow. Though this is our first official family vacation, I've traveled countless times with my daughter since she was 4 weeks old, so you can say we're pretty experienced.  Traveling with a baby or kids may seem like a daunting and challenging task, it doesn't have to be, if you set yourself up for a win.  These tips will make it easier for you on that next family vacation or quick trip!  Plus check out our free download.