In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Erika Milla, a dedicated mami raising bilingual kids and the heart behind the Instagram page, Spanish En Casita. This conversation was packed with heartfelt insights and real-life stories about the mental load and emotional journey that bilingual parenting brings. Let’s dive into some of the highlights!
The Challenges of Bilingual Parenting
Erika’s story begins with her upbringing in California. She shares vivid memories of her Mexican immigrant parents and the nanny who played a vital role in keeping her connected to her roots. Fast forward to today, Erika is now channeling that same dedication into raising her own bilingual kids.
Bilingual parenting is no walk in the park. Erika describes it as balancing two huge responsibilities – regular parenting and ensuring her kids grow up fluent in Spanish. This dual role often seems like an uphill battle, one that many monolingual parents might find hard to understand.
Being Intentional
Erika is all about being intentional in every single detail of her kids’ upbringing. From picking the right books and schools to making daily decisions about their education, she puts a lot of thought into it all. For bilingual parents, the stakes are high – it’s not just about learning another language, it’s about preserving a whole culture. One experience Erika shared was around her daughter’s schooling. Erika initially thought a dual immersion program would be ideal, but soon found it wasn’t what she hoped for. The program was more suited for English-speaking kids trying to learn Spanish, which didn’t quite fit her daughter’s needs. This revelation ultimately led Erika to consider homeschooling as a better option.
Finding Your Tribe
Erika talks about the loneliness of being a trailblazer in her family – the first to really dive into structured bilingual parenting. Her advice? Don’t do it alone! Find a community or support system that understands and respects your bilingual journey. Surround yourself with people who not just tolerate, but celebrate your efforts to raise bilingual kids.
Practical Tips for Juggling Bilingual Parenting
Erika has some great tips for managing the mental load:
- Learn Together: Treat it as a family project rather than just your responsibility. Practice Spanish at home as a family – it’s less pressure on you and more fun for everyone.
- Immerse in Spanish Media: Fill your home with Spanish books, music, and TV shows. Erika’s family only watches movies and listens to music in Spanish to keep the language alive and kicking.
- Stay True to Yourself: Be proud of your cultural and linguistic heritage, even when it feels challenging in different environments. Remember why you’re doing this, mami!
Dealing with Guilt and Imposter Syndrome
Feeling guilty or like an imposter can be tough! Erika opens up about these pressures and emphasizes the importance of letting go of perfection. Instead, she says to focus on the effort and progress you’re making. She also talks about the societal double standards, where non-native English speakers are often praised for their efforts, but kids learning English as a second language might be scrutinized. Erika advises parents to remember that language learning is a journey and not to let these pressures derail their plans.
Erika Milla’s story is a heartfelt reminder of the dedication and resilience needed for bilingual parenting. Her journey emphasizes the importance of being intentional, finding your community, and staying authentic. For parents walking a similar path, Erika’s experiences can be a source of comfort and guidance. You can follow Erika’s journey and get more tips by checking out her Instagram page.
Show Notes
In this episode, we welcome Erika Milla, creator of Spanish En Casita, an online community for parents striving to raise bilingual children. As a dedicated mom raising bilingual kids, Erika shares how she’s preserving Spanish at home.
In our conversation, we dive into the mental and emotional struggles of bilingual parenting and the ups and downs of dual immersion programs. Erika also opens up about homeschooling her kids and gives tips for other parents on similar journeys. In addition, talk about the importance of community, cultural pride, and staying intentional in raising bilingual children.
Follow Erika Milla!
Instagram: instagram.com/spanish.en.casita
About Our Guest
Erika Milla, founder of Spanish En Casita
Erika is a first-generation Latina navigating the beautiful complexities of raising bicultural children. As a registered nurse specializing in labor and delivery, she brings a unique perspective to her role as a dedicated mother.
Based in California with her Peruvian husband and their two young ones, Erika’s journey to bilingual parenting is one of inspiration and resilience. Through her Instagram platform, Spanish En Casita, she creates a supportive community for parents striving to raise bilingual children. Erika has created a supportive online community to share her experiences, resources, and tips. With a focus on making Spanish learning fun and accessible, she empowers parents to embrace their children’s linguistic potential.
