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Somos Poderosas: A Latina Mom’s Guide to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

By
Ana Diaz
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A Latina Mom's Guide to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
A Latina Mom's Guide to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

From an early stage of our lives, we are introduced to the impact of the power of women. We see our moms and abuelitas as superwomen who cook, clean, and still have time to serve and protect the whole family without even considering whether they have a career.

I see my mom make these perfectly shaped flour tortillas, and I am amazed at how she can cook so delicious and make perfectly round tortillas and cookies. Mi mamá makes the most delicious homemade Mexican meals that are one of a kind, and I find it scary to recreate her recipes. I can barely manage to make a decent meal on days when I don’t have over 30 things on my to-do list.

I see my amigas excelling in every role, from motherhood to their professional careers. All these amazing women are succeeding every day. However, our society continues to struggle with giving that actual empowerment to women, especially to Latinas. We are led into living with Imposter Syndrome.

The Path Latina Moms Walk

As women, we are already finding ourselves down that path of questioning our skills. However, as Latinas and mothers, we drag ourselves into the dark hole of this syndrome. We always doubt if we are good mothers, professionals, or even women. Societal pressure and our cultural expectations make it harder than expected.

Our cultural expectations are still in the process of admitting the power that Latinas bring to the table. As women and as Latinas, we inherit imposter syndrome that makes us doubt any big or small win we accomplish.

The meaning behind being a woman is powerful, yet the meaning behind being a Latina goes beyond description.

I am a woman.

I am a mom.

I am a daughter.

I am a friend.

I am a wife.

I am Mexican.

I am Hispanic.

I am Latina.

I am powerful.

I am me.

Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

As I embrace my journey of self-empowerment, self-love, and self-growth, I am in a constant battle against the imposter syndrome. I’ve been able to work through it through a few strategies that may help you.

Acknowledge your feelings but push negativity out.
Recognize your feelings, remember you are not alone, and that it is okay not to be okay. Refrain from negative self-talk when acknowledging your feelings. Validate all the feelings you have, but focus on them and move into a more positive path to get any negativity and harm out.

Celebrate and embrace your wins.
Embrace your wins. Be proud of your accomplishments, no matter how small. Every single achievement is worth enjoying. Keep a journal, and scrapbook, post on social media; do anything that works for you to highlight and enjoy what you accomplished. Don’t celebrate for the likes and acknowledgements from people, but rather for your pride.

Find support and create your community.
Don’t be afraid to seek support. Connect with mentors or friends who can understand your experience. You will be surprised at how many more women share the same struggles. Finding common ground with people who share the same struggles can lead to beautiful connections and friendships.

Practice Self-Love and Self-Growth
Set some manageable goals and that can help you understand that you don’t have to be perfect; you just have to be you and grow. Take care of yourself, and try to find some time to focus more on practicing self-love. Build up on your resilience and your strength, and most importantly, your happiness.

I am working on taking my mind off the idea that I am not capable of making great tortillas or chile colorado. I am embracing those small wins, like doing my daughter’s hair in different styles every day for school, and the big wins, such as earning multiple certificates at work. I am embracing the network and support I have found ever since I took a leadership class with 9 other powerful women who also noticed how we all were living with imposter syndrome. I am working on getting to know me.

getting to the Ana who is a career woman, a mother, a community member and a Latina woman.

Amiga, somos Latinas somos mujeres y mas que nada somos mamas. Si no nos queremos y validamos nosotras mismas como se lo vamos a enseñar a nuestras hijas, a nuestras futuras lideres. Eres una guerrera, eres una fregona, eres Tu! Acompañame a vencer este sindrome y amarnos mas. [Friend, we are Latinas, we are women, and above all, we are mothers. If we don’t love and validate ourselves, how are we going to teach that to our daughters, our future leaders? You are a warrior, you are amazing, you are YOU! Join me in overcoming this syndrome and loving ourselves more.]

Breaking the Cycle: My Journey from Childhood Trauma to Healing

By
Carla Arzate
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Breaking the Cycle: My Journey from Childhood Trauma to Healing

Carla shares how she’s overcoming her childhood trauma to give her children her best self as a Latina mom.

Not long after becoming pregnant with my first child, I had a minor mental breakdown. I felt it in my soul that I wasn’t ready to bring a child into this world. I didn’t feel prepared, I didn’t feel mature enough, and the last thing I wanted to do was mess up my kid. There were so many things about myself that I wanted to fix or heal before becoming someone’s mother. After realizing all of this, I decided to take advantage of the time I had left before having my baby. I started to deeply self-analyze myself so that my self-healing journey could begin. I did not want my daughter to have to suffer through some of the things I had experienced, including my childhood.

My Adverse Childhood Experience

Growing up in a Latino household, I noticed from a very young age that my family wasn’t “normal.” I viewed my mother as “mean,” and my relationship with her had been immensely complicated for as long as I could remember. As a child, I felt like a bother, no matter what I did. It felt like my family, particularly my mother, did not like me. I constantly felt like an outcast and was always trying to figure out why things were this way. I promised myself as a child that I would never allow my children to feel the pain I had felt.

Now I realize that wasn’t the case. After years of analyzing the women in my family, I found that generational trauma was a big issue among us. It wasn’t necessarily that my mother didn’t like me, she just happened to be a woman with some unresolved traumas of her own. She was trying to survive just like her mother before her, I came from a line of women who had never heard of emotional regulation. It took me a bit to realize that my mother had tried her best but unfortunately, she had caused me many of my traumas. I desperately did not want to repeat these cycles with my babies. Even though I love my mother, I don’t necessarily want to be like her. I believe that my babies deserve a healed mommy, they deserve a mom who recognizes the complicated dynamics in their Latino family.

The Science Behind It

Studies suggest that Latino families are more likely to experience issues such as generational trauma, household dysfunction, abuse, or neglect, due to migration-related stressors. So basically, due to immigrant parents and ancestors failing to prioritize mental health and never truly understanding their own emotions, nearly 80 percent of Latino youth suffer childhood trauma. After hours of research, therapy, and many late-night conversations with my Mexican grandmother, I finally had a deeper understanding of why my family was never “normal” to me.

My Healing Journey

It was heartbreaking, yet comforting to know I wasn’t the only person of Latino descent, who felt this way as a child. However, now more than ever, I was determined to end the vicious cycle that had affected me so much as a kid. I felt it was my job as a mother to be sure my kids received a different life. I was willing to do anything to give my babies a childhood they wouldn’t have to heal from as adults. I carried on with my self-healing journey by consistently re-parenting myself, continuing therapy, and identifying my triggers.

It has been a long and difficult journey but it’s worth it. Not only am I healing my inner child, but I am also living the peaceful life I craved as a kid. I am proud to be a cycle-breaking mom, healing my childhood trauma pain for the sake of the future generations that come from me. This journey has helped me understand my culture profoundly and has given me a new way of embracing it too. Being Latino may come with certain complications, but it’s a beautiful blessing to be part of this vibrant community.

The Unseen Strength of Trailblazing First-Generation Latina Moms

By
Nancy Sanchez
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Nancy reflects on how being a first-generation Latina mom has affected her motherhood and how she’s hoping to share her daughters’ lives.

Being a first-generation Latina is a journey filled with empowerment and moments of isolation. It’s a unique experience that many of us share but often navigate alone. For those of us who have been the first in our families to achieve milestones like attending and graduating from college, succeeding in careers that our parents never envisioned, and making bold life choices, it can feel like our biggest wins are sometimes lost in translation.

A Challenging Family History

I am the first in my family to attend and graduate from college, a path that was both challenging and rewarding. I ventured into the nonprofit world, earning scholarships and awards, and building a career that made a difference in the lives of others. Yet, despite these achievements, I often felt disconnected from my family. My parents didn’t fully understand what it meant to work in a field beyond traditional professions like being a doctor or a lawyer. To them, the idea of paying to attend school when you could be earning a paycheck seemed foreign and unnecessary.

I yearned for my family to grasp the depth of my accomplishments. Their muted reactions felt like a void where celebration should be. It took me entering motherhood to learn a profound truth: their inability to fully comprehend wasn’t a lack of pride but rather a testament to how far I’ve ventured from their known path to new waters. It was a revelation that, even at 40, I would never get the validation I fought so hard for, and surprisingly, it was liberating.

A Mother’s Realization

As a mother of six, I now look back on the start of my mothering journey and reflect on how far I still have to go. I am proud that I have celebrated every small win and milestone my children have had. I’ve come to understand the importance of honoring all the victories, big or small, not just for our kids but for ourselves as well. We all deserve it.

As a mother, I continue to learn throughout the years and with each of my children. I strive to do better, to be more understanding, while also accepting my faults and apologizing—something I never once heard as a child. I embrace my love language without fear, constantly showing affection to ensure my children know they are loved beyond words.

Having five daughters, I hope they will each set their own paths, lighting the world ablaze with their passions, whatever they may be. They are not constantly told to be a doctor or a lawyer but rather to follow their hearts. Wherever their journeys lead, they know I will be behind them, holding them up in the face of all adversity or challenges they may face. My wish is for their passions to bring them endless success, and I remind them that success does not always mean financial wealth. Instead, may they find happiness in their chosen careers so that they do not feel, as many of us do, that they are living solely to work. Rather, may they see work as just another road of the many they will take in this life.

May all five of my daughters be different but united, knowing that their success is mine because they are and always will be my heart outside my body in this world. May they feel my love wherever they end up, even if distance separates us. May they hear my voice from afar in moments when they need strength, and may they feel my love in moments when they need bravery. No matter what, I never want them to feel alone as trailblazers.

A Note For Other First-Generation Latinas

To my fellow first-generation Latina moms, I see you. I understand the challenges you face, the sacrifices you make, and the triumphs that sometimes go unnoticed. We may walk a path not always understood by those closest to us, but it’s a path that we can walk together, supporting and uplifting one another.

Let’s celebrate our wins, big and small. Let’s acknowledge the strength it takes to carve out our paths, even when they diverge from the expectations set for us. Remember, you are both creating and building a new story with your own family. To all my first-generation Latina mothers or any mothers who are healing their inner child, know that you are not alone, even if you may feel isolated at times. You are building something so new that they don’t yet understand. You are charting new territories and may feel unseen because you are trailblazing.

Be proud of you—I am proud of you. Keep crafting your legacy.

A Latina Mom’s Reflections: Navigating Back-to-School Amidst Joy and Fear

By
Jessica Sanchez Molina
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back-to-school-safety

As our children head back to school, Jessica reflects on the all too sad and real truth of back-to-school safety.

Many kids are going back to school or starting soon. Despite the excitement for the new school year, new school supplies (my favorite), and getting to see their friends again, there is another list that falls on the opposite spectrum, like dealing with bullying, tough new teachers, or even the terrible possibility of a school shooting. I wish we didn’t have to worry about this last one. With my three kids in mind, two of them school-aged, I wish this wasn’t a thing.

The Pain of Back-to-School Safety

Inevitably, it makes me think about mass shootings and the communities that have been marked by such tragedies. I know this got dark fast, but it was something that, as a Latina mom, impacted me and kept me up at night a few years ago. There was one particular event that affected me the most, I used to lie in bed afraid of the what-ifs. One night I asked my partner in tears, “Why do they hate us so much?” He hugged me tightly and that’s all I needed. When I heard about the shooting at a supermarket in El Paso, Texas, I was in disbelief.

Growing up in Mexico, in a northern state close to El Paso, a city we visited multiple times, I was afraid. I tried to understand how someone would drive for hours to get to a community to end lives based on some sense of superiority, targeting my community. I can’t imagine how this community has had to rebuild trust, apoyo mutuo, and try to make sense for the younger minds. Hundreds of miles away, from Florida, I still feel connected to this border city. It reminds me of school shopping with my mom, and visiting for las ofertas de Black Friday, and it will always have a place close to my heart—a familiar destination from my childhood and introduction to the US.

Back in 2019, when this event took place, I thought of the collective trauma we could all be experiencing, especially after another incident in 2018, closer to my current home at Parkland High School in Florida. A heavy feeling of defenselessness, the idea of our lives being at risk from others who are suffering greater traumas or are subject to ideologies that only bring us down as a society. It was a lot for my heart to think about, for our family, and our two kids at that time. Soon after, the pandemic distracted me with a different worry. With each new school year, I’m reminded of the catastrophic possibility, and I want to hug my babies closer and longer. 

The Reality of Heading Back to School

I regularly receive notifications from my kids’ school about lockdown drills and random student screenings. And there is that duality of security and concern.

Are they too exposed?

How do they perceive the proactiveness of these practices? Are my kids afraid to go to school?

Could this have long lasting effects?

My kids are seeing the preventive measures, what about potential perpetrators and their access to firearms?

My mind doesn’t stop, but I try to focus on what I can control and arm myself with knowledge. I’m sure my boys are not unique enough to come home from school with a succinct “good” after being asked about their day. I wish I could know it all—to be a fly on the wall of every room they walk into to ensure it is a good day, or to be their Pepito Grillo on their shoulder who tells them right from wrong and keeps them safe. But I can’t; I have to let them learn their ways and trust those around them, to protect them and guide them in the right direction, as I know my time always comes to help them understand their emotions and questions as best as I can.

Most of the time, they seem oblivious to the real possibilities of these drills. However, just the other day, my 13-year-old shared that he had a dream about being chased by a person with a firearm, at school. I froze and listened. He asked how he felt in the dream and his reaction was almost as if he were describing his latest video game mission. I still don’t know what to think of it, but I have a feeling the subject can come up again in a different light. And I hope to be ready.

I want us to be ready, mija.

As scary as it might be, unimaginable to think, we’re more afraid of the unknown and although we cannot control it, we can be informed about talking about back-to-school safety.

Back-to-School Safety

Here is a great resource from the Child Mind Institute to help us ease our minds and prepare us to be the strength our children need. Plus, it gives us the validation we all seek, acknowledging that it is a hard topic to navigate. For our beloved teachers, I can only express my immense gratitude for the careers you’ve chosen and the dedication to which you fulfill them, and I promise to keep you and our children in mind at the polls, ensuring I support the candidates that will take the necessary measures to defend us.

When my firstborn started pre-k, I did a “cute” first-day school photo: “I survived my first day of pre-k.” After school, shootings became more prevalent, and after the incident at El Paso, I regretted it. I cried and hated those words, how real they felt and how hard it was to swallow them. I questioned how I was supposed to defend my baby against all of this. I couldn’t see answers back then, and sometimes I still struggle to find them, especially with other atrocities across the globe. Then I look at their smiles, their innocence, and their immense hunger to take on the world and make it better, and I try my best. I trust them and I trust the higher powers and our ancestors looking after them con fervor. When my first baby was 4 years old, he said “Mami, I like this world. I’m going to save it.” And I sure hope he does, because there are enough risks for all of us.

Looking for more back-to-school inspiration? Be sure to check out our Back to School Guide.

Back-to-School Shopping Para Las Mamás

By
Maddie Kiser
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I’m pretty sure I’ve been a fan of back-to-school shopping since 1991 (aka kindergarten). Cute pencils and notebooks have always been my jam. I mean, did I subconsciously become a teacher because I was that into school supplies? Definitely wasn’t the main reason, but Flare Pens (iykyk) were an added bonus! 

I’m not a teacher anymore and now have a work-from-home job, but my love of school supplies hasn’t diminished, para nada. And even though this time of year is all about the kids, why can’t it be about las mamás too? 

Whether you are a mamá who stays at home, works from home, or works outside of the house, here are some fun “school supply” items from Latinx creators to make el trabajo a little more fun and cute! ¿Cómo se dice “Add to Cart” in Spanish?

A Fun Mousepad (That might also give you un poco de hambre)

A Notebook to Remind You of Your Mamá

Badge Reels for Profes and Enfermeras 

Una Bolsa for Carrying All the Things

A Notebook Set Para Todas Tus Ideas

A Cute Mug for Your Cafecito

A Pen for Writing in All Your Cuadernos

A Weekly Planner Notepad to Help You Be a Little Más Organizada

A Todo List Notepad to Help You Get It All Done

A Pencil Pouch to Give You All the Buenas Vibras

Una Gorra for When You Haven’t Done Your Hair Yet

Since I live in the middle of the Midwest, there unfortunately aren’t any cute Latinx boutiques or shops near me. So when I want to support Latinx creators, online shopping is really my only option. All of the “Back To School” items featured in this post come from one of the following online stores. I would also like to mention that you can find lots of cute/fun Latinx-themed school supplies options on Etsy too!

Very That
Very That is a Chicana-based shop in Texas. Their goal is to “celebrate the rich culture and fierce spirit of the Chicana community!”

Hija de tu Madre
Hija de tu Madre is based in LA. This self-proclaimed Latina Lifestyle Brand has apparel and accessories that celebrate “the complexities of being a product of more than one culture”.

Artelexia
Artelexia is based in California but they source the products they offer from entrepreneurs in Chula Vista all the way to Chicago, and of course, straight from Mexico’s craft capitals. They are proud to be “intentional about the vendors and artisans [they] showcase, always looking to promote small, women- and Latinx-owned businesses.”

Looking for more back to school inspiration? Be sure to check out our Back to School Guide.

The Unspoken Struggles of Breastfeeding: My Journey Through Nourishment and Mental Health

By
Priscila Medina
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Nursing, amamantar, dar el pecho, breastfeeding – our bodies have been doing it for centuries. We provide nourishment to our children and, in some cases, to those who are not our blood as well. I always knew that I wanted to be a mother. And I always knew I wanted to breastfeed. I desperately wanted to feel that almost primal connection with my future child. But I had no idea. 

I had no idea how hard it would be. 

I had no idea that sometimes it just doesn’t happen.

I had no idea that it could affect my mental health.

I had no idea that there was such a learning curve.

It was supposed to be natural and beautiful. 

Like so many other things in motherhood, these things were not spoken about. Every generation has looked at it differently. Every culture is different. “Formula first,” “breast is best,” FED is best. 

My journey started long before I was pregnant. I was the last of my close friends to have a child, and I saw many of the most intimate parts of motherhood firsthand. I was sitting across the sofa with a cup of coffee in my hand, chatting away while a mom opened her robe to feed her toddler. I was staring at my phone while my friend shared her struggle and decision to end her breastfeeding journey because she couldn’t produce enough for her baby, even after trying all the tips and tricks. I listened to another share how they wanted formula from the start and had no desire to attempt to nurse. I was privileged to walk beside these warriors and hear their stories. 

How did I still not know? 

Y Aqui estoy.

I am in the hospital room. Skin to skin. A doula by my side to help us get our first latch. How am I supposed to hold her? If I do what I’ve seen on TV, I’d suffocate her. Football hold? A large chest’s best friend. 

Success! 

We are home now, and my mom is bringing me a hot meal when I freak out. My chest hurts. My nipples look weird. What is happening to my body!? She starts laughing. “Mija, that’s your milk coming in.”

Here we are. Nineteen months later and with so many breastfeeding stories to tell. 

It wasn’t all easy. It was mostly difficult.

 I don’t want to give bottles too early to avoid nipple confusion (it turns out that’s a myth), but Hermanita decided to get sick at two weeks old. We had an extended hospital stay where I needed to pump to keep my supply up and bottle feed to try to get her to drink anything. 

I’m upstairs at her grandmother’s house on Noche Buena, sobbing alone while rocking her. She doesn’t want to nurse. She’s fighting me. I’m not ready for this journey to end so early. Why can’t I do this?

I’m sitting at the pediatrician’s office and being told that I should consider adding formula because they weren’t happy with her rate of weight gain. But that’s all they told me. 

A friend hears my stress and asks, “Did they check her for a lip tie? Have you spoken to an IBCLC? Are you wearing the right pump phalanges?”

Uyyyy, calmate! 

Where do I even start? And then, she gave me the best resource I came across.

Baby Cafe is a free national resource connecting you with a board-certified lactation consultant. They did weighted feeds, checked for ties, evaluated our latch, and all the things. But what I left my first appointment with was this lesson. 

Breastfeeding is teamwork. It’s you and baby working together for the end goal. If it’s not working, evaluate why and find the solution, and if it’s not working for one of you, it’s not working for either. 

Latch, holding position, mom’s mental health; all the things come together to create your journey- whatever that may look like. 

But now I’m sitting across from my best friend, my sister. 

“Prisc. Are you truly okay? Why are you so against giving her formula? I’m really worried about you both.” 

You see, I have PPD. My daughter was growing well, just not as quickly as the Drs wanted. I did not have a chunky baby with all the delicious rolls. I tried telling them that she had acid reflux, but no one listened until I showed them a list of all the tips, tricks, and home remedies I tried. 

But this friend answered my crying phone call after every doctor appointment. She was the one I texted when I was stressing over my pumping output when I returned to work. 

She knew she was the only one I’d genuinely listen to. 

I couldn’t tell her then, and to this day, I can’t tell you why I never opened that can of formula still sitting in my cabinet. 

I was stubborn. 

Maybe I should have. Maybe I would’ve saved myself from tears and stress. Maybe I would have that chunky baby. I wholeheartedly never judge another mother for giving their children formula. 

But I judged myself. 

I told myself all these stories and lies about what it would mean to add a scoop of formula to my daughter’s bottle. I can’t even formulate some of them into thought; I just viewed them as negative for myself. 

Pride can get in our way. In motherhood, just as in everything else. 

I don’t regret my choices. I was able to breastfeed until we both were ready to stop at 19 months. But I wish I had been kinder to that mom of a 5-month-old who was torturing herself to pump and nurse and eat well and cut out dairy, all to keep this image of the perfect breastfeeding journey.  

National Watermelon Day Means Time for Agua de Sandía!

By
Maddie Kiser
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Today (August 3rd) is National Watermelon Day!

Did you know that there was a whole day dedicated to la sandía? To put a Latinx twist on this American holiday, my tween and I decided to make Watermelon Agua Fresca. If you’re unfamiliar with aguas frescas, they are like juices but lighter. This refreshing drink is made with fresh fruit, blended with water, and lightly sweetened with sugar. 

Agua de Sandía, as it’s called in Spanish, is super easy to make – you only need a few ingredients, a few tools, and a few minutes.

Ingredients

  • Watermelon
  • Water 
  • Sugar (or your preferred sweetener)

Optional Ingredients

  • Lime (some people add lime juice to their Watermelon Agua Fresca, others just use it for garnish)
  • Mint (for garnish)

Kitchen Tools/Appliances

  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Blender
  • Fine, mesh strainer (optional, depending on if you like pulp or not)
  • Large drink pitcher

Instructions

  1. Cube watermelon, discarding rind
  2. Blend cubed watermelon, water, and sugar until your desired texture (you might need to do this in 2-3 batches depending on amount of watermelon)
  3. Take a sip and taste, add more sugar if needed
  4. If you like pulp, pour contents of blender into drink pitcher and then refrigerate until very cold
  5. If you prefer your agua fresca without pulp, use the fine mesh strainer over the drink pitcher as you pour in the blender’s contents; then refrigerate until very cold
  6. If you want to add lime juice into your agua fresca to enhance the flavor, you should do that after putting the blended drink into the pitcher but before putting everything in the fridge to chill

10 Fun Watermelon Facts

  • A watermelon is 92% water
  • Origins of watermelon have been traced back to the deserts of southern Africa
  • Early explorers used watermelons as canteens
  • Watermelons are a member of the gourd family – they’re related to squash, cucumbers and pumpkins
  • Watermelon has a connection to Ancient Egypt – traces of watermelon and its seeds were discovered in the tomb of King Tut
  • Over 300 varieties of watermelon are available in the U.S
  • Watermelons are often grown in the shape of cubes in Japan
  • Watermelons are considered both a fruit and a vegetable
  • Around 85% of watermelons sold today are seedless (the process does NOT involve genetic modification)
  • Watermelon rinds are usually discarded, but they are actually edible

Tips for choosing a watermelon (from watermelon.org): 

Back-to-School Affirmations

By
Ashley Arinez
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Back to School Affirmations | Image: Students sitting at desk listening to teacher

The beginning of the school year can bring a mix of emotions, so using positive affirmations can help any student take on this next school year.

If I try hard enough, I can probably recall every first day of school I’ve ever had. I was liked by a lot of my classmates and had a large group of friends. Yet, I was always nervous. As the new school year approaches, it’s natural for kids to feel what I always felt – a mix of excitement and anxiety. Starting a new grade, meeting new teachers, and reconnecting with classmates can be overwhelming. Look at how overwhelming it can be for parents who have been there and done that. One way to help our children navigate these emotions is through positive affirmations. These simple, yet impactful statements can boost their confidence, reduce anxiety, and set a positive tone for the year ahead. Here’s how you can incorporate positive affirmations into your back-to-school routine.

Why Back-to-School Affirmations Matter

By repeating these affirmations regularly, children can build self-esteem, improve their mood, and develop a more optimistic outlook on life. This is especially important during transitional times like the start of a new school year.

How to Use Positive Affirmations

  1. Morning Routine: Start the day with a positive affirmation. Encourage your child to say it out loud while looking in the mirror. Do you have a big kid (preteen or teen) who may not want to say it aloud? Remind them of their potential by telling them the positive affirmation, “Remember to tell yourself that today,” to encourage them to try it too.
  2. Lunchbox Notes: This is my favorite way to share affirmations with my daughters (even though it does become a chore halfway through the year). Slip a note with a positive affirmation into your child’s lunchbox for a midday boost.
  3. Dinner or Bedtime Ritual: End the day on a positive note by reflecting on the affirmations during dinner or before bed. If you’re not able to see your big kids a lot at the end of the day, shoot them a text and remind them of their value.
  4. Visual Reminders: Post affirmations around the house—in their room, on the bathroom mirror, or even on the refrigerator.

Our Favorite Back-to-School Affirmations

  1. I Am Capable: I can handle whatever comes my way today.
  2. I Am Smart: I am always learning and growing.
  3. I Am Brave: I may be scared, but I can take on new challenges with courage.
  4. I Am Kind: I treat others with kindness and respect.
  5. I Am Unique: I bring something special to my class.
  6. I Am Loved: I am loved and supported by my family and friends.
  7. I Am Focused: I am ready to learn and do my best.
  8. I Am Confident: I believe in myself and my abilities.
  9. Me gusta aprender cosas nuevas: I like to learn new things.
  10. Puedo hacer cualquier cosa: I can do anything.
  11. Está bien cometer errores: It’s okay to make mistakes.

More Than Just Words

Did you know that there’s a bit of science behind saying words aloud. The Saying-is-Believing Effect is a psychological phenomenon that refers to the process by which people come to believe their own messages, especially after conveying them to others. So the next time your child says that they “don’t work” remind them of the science and remind them of their worth. Encourage them to embrace their individuality and face the new school year with a positive mindset. Here’s to a successful and joyful school year ahead!

Looking for more back to school inspiration? Be sure to check out our Back to School Guide.

First Day of School Sign Printable [FREE]

By
Latina Mom Collective
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First Day of School Sign

The first day of school is just around the corner (or maybe it’s here)! If you need a FREE and súper cute first day sign to print, we’ve got you covered! With two designs, you’ll have the perfect sign for your preschooler or senior on their first day of school.

First Day of School Sign

First Day of School Pencil FlagDownload
First Day of School Paper FlagDownload

Looking for more back to school inspiration? Be sure to check out our Back to School Guide.

Turning 40: Celebrating a Journey of Learning and Growth

By
Nancy Sanchez
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1
Celebrating 40 | Turning 40 | Table scape with cake and candles

As Nancy reflects on turning 40, she shares how she’s embracing this next chapter.

Turning 40 is an age that I have feared for as long as I can remember. In my mind, 40 was the age when I was supposed to have it all together—career, home, motherhood, marriage. It seemed like a milestone where everything should be perfectly aligned, a time when I should have all the answers. However, now that I’ve reached this age, I realize that life is far from a neatly tied package, and that’s perfectly okay.

As a Latina mom with six wonderful children aged 13, 11, 8, 6, 4, and 1.5, I find myself knee-deep in my maternidad. Each day is a new adventure, filled with its own set of challenges and joys. Motherhood is a journey that is constantly evolving, and even with six kids, I haven’t mastered it. In fact, I don’t think we’re ever truly meant to master it, and that’s where the beauty lies.

Por eso soy una madre feliz en mi caos. [That is why I am a mom happy in my chaos.]

In our culture, there is often an unspoken expectation that by a certain age, we should have achieved a level of perfection in various aspects of our lives. We feel pressure to be the perfect mother, wife, and professional, all while maintaining a spotless home. But life has taught me that perfection is an illusion. It’s okay to admit that we’re still figuring things out and that life doesn’t always go according to plan. Also, times have changed, and life is moving at a faster pace than what my abuelita had back in Guatemala over 60 years ago.

At 40, I’m learning to embrace the chaos and imperfections that come with motherhood and life in general.

I’m on a path of self-discovery, working to break generational traumas, and finding a new career path that excites me. I’m also learning to love my body—curvas, celulitis, y todo! My life looks nothing like what my abuelita’s did at 40, and that is okay. My children are happy, and I am evolving alongside the world.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that it’s important to be gentle with ourselves. We are often our own harshest critics, holding ourselves to unrealistic standards. But the truth is, it’s okay to stumble and make mistakes. Each misstep is an opportunity to learn and grow.

As I navigate this decade, I’m embracing the fact that life is a journey of continuous growth and discovery. I may not have it all figured out, but I am okay with that. I’m learning to celebrate the small victories, cherish the moments of joy, and appreciate the beauty in imperfection.

For all the Latina moms out there who might feel the same pressure, remember that you are not alone.

It’s okay to not have everything figured out. Embrace the journey, learn from each experience, and know that you are doing an amazing job. Here’s to 40—embracing being una señora de cuatro décadas and the beautiful, messy, unpredictable journey ahead!

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About Latina Mom Collective

Latina Mom Collective was born out of a need to build a community for the next generation of Latina Moms, the newly crowned Senoras.