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Teaching my kids Spanish is not easy! As a Mexican mom raising kids in a small Oklahoma town, one of my biggest hopes is to pass my culture down to my children, especially my language and my food. But let me tell you… that is WAY easier said than done. 😂
If I want real Mexican food, the kind that instantly brings back memories of my mom, my abuelita, and my tias, I have to cook it myself. And just finding the motivation to cook after a long day? That alone feels like a victory. Jajaja.
And when it comes to teaching my kids Spanish? Whew. We’re talking about a whole different level of challenge.
This summer, though, I’ve decided we are going ALL IN. I’m calling it the “Summer of Spanish” in our house, and I’m sharing the plan in case you’re on your own bilingual parenting journey too.
The Struggle of Raising Bilingual Kids in a Small Town
Let’s be real: keeping culture alive when you live far from your roots takes effort.
We don’t have a big Hispanic community here. The nearest Hispanic grocery store is over an hour away. My kids are surrounded by English all day long. And my husband doesn’t speak Spanish which means it’s completely on me to make Spanish part of their lives.
I’ll be honest, some days I feel like I’m failing. My son recently told me he knows “exactly 23 words” in Spanish. TWENTY. THREE. 🤦🏽♀️ That’s not even 0.001% of the language!
I want them to be bilingual so badly. But in real life? It’s a lot of Spanglish, busy schedules, and hoping they absorb more than just hola and taco.
Why I’m Doing This Anyway
Here’s the thing: I want my kids to grow up feeling proud of where they come from.
I want them to be able to speak to their primos without me translating every word.
I want them to understand the songs, the stories, the jokes; all the little things that make our culture ours.
So this summer? We’re making Spanish a priority. I’m done with the guilt and the “maybe someday” excuses. It’s happening now.
Our Summer of Spanish Plan
I’ve officially declared this our Summer of Spanish and yes, I have an actual plan (and lots of stickers 😂). Here’s what we’re doing:
📚 Spanish Curriculum for Kids
I’m using two amazing resources this summer:
✅ Hola Amigo — their subscription boxes are SO fun and hands-on. My kids love them.
✅ Llamitas Spanish — I’ve heard great things and I’m excited to dive in with this too.
📖 Spanish Books + Printables
I’ve stocked up on Spanish books and printables for our shelves. Reading together in Spanish is one of the easiest ways to sneak in more language learning.
🏷️ Labeling the House
Yes, I have completely given up on my “no stickers on the wall” rule. 😂 EVERYTHING is getting labeled this summer:
- La ventana
- La silla
- La cama
- El refrigerador
If it can hold a sticker, it’s getting one. I’m hoping this will help my kids (and maybe even my husband) start thinking in Spanish a little more naturally.
🎵 Music + TV in Spanish
We’re adding more Spanish music and shows to our daily routines. Even having Spanish in the background helps build exposure.
Our Goal: Over 23 Words (Please!)
My ultimate goal this summer? Get the kids way past 23 words.
More importantly, I want them to feel connected to Spanish and excited to keep learning, not pressured or frustrated.
And if my husband picks up a few words too? That’s a bonus. 😂
Are You Teaching Your Kids Spanish Too?
If you’re on your own bilingual parenting journey or thinking about starting I’d love to connect!
Leave a comment below or send me a message. I’ll be sharing updates throughout the summer (and probably a few funny fails too, let’s be honest).
Let’s raise proud, bilingual kiddos together. 💛
