From the outside perspective, you’d see us as your common Mexican-American familia, but what doesn’t show is the little but meaningful things that we have managed to embrace and challenge to make a family of our own. The balance between the two cultures with the stigmas and expectations that come with each of them is truly an adventure to navigate. This means our three boys around the house experience things differently from what their dad lived through in his childhood.
They know feelings are okay, and crying is acceptable and necessary. Porque aquí los hombres si lloran and are allowed to go through a range of emotions to make them kind and emotionally intelligent adults.
They have shores around the house because we all live in it and take care of our casita.
They help with cooking because they enjoy it and do it since they are little.
I call them beautiful all the time because for me ellos son lo mas hermoso que la vida me ha dado.
And we don’t stop in our household. I call my nieces strong, smart, and brave every chance I get. They are pretty, but they are so much more than their appearance.
We respect when a little one says no to a kiss or hug, they have a voice and can choose how and when to receive love.
Whether it is a small act of resistance or a new approach to raising our kids, we’re making strides to apply our lessons. Because we know our parents did as best as they could with what they had, it doesn’t mean we have to keep traditions that we know don’t do anyone good.
There are so many other ways to embrace nuestra cultura. And there is a liberation that comes from opening up to new and improved traditions that respect every individual. Find yours mija.
