The Latina Mom Legacy podcast

722: Why So Many First Gen Latinos Feel Like Their Spanish Isn’t “Good Enough”

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Ever feel your Spanish isn’t “good enough” to raise bilingual kids? You’re not alone! This episode unpacks why so many Latino parents struggle with language confidence, what heritage speakers truly experience, and how to use your everyday Spanish to create meaningful bilingual moments at home.

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Timestamps & What You’ll Discover

01:13 – The “Do I Really Speak Spanish?” Question

02:12 – The Psychology of “Not Enough” Spanish

04:20 – Janny’s Personal Story: Presenting in Mexico

06:07 – What is a “Heritage Speaker”?

08:06 – Navigating Academic Spanish

10:13 – The Challenges of Spanish Classes for Heritage Speakers

11:08 – Double Pressure: “Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá”

12:16 – Why Your Everyday Spanish is Powerful

14:01 – Modeling Imperfection: The Power of Trying

15:22 – Free Resource for Bilingual Parents
Where to find Janny’s Bilingual Baby Quick Start Guide and how to set your child up for language success in the early years.


Quick Bilingual Parenting Takeaways:

  • “Perfect” Spanish is not required; meaningful exposure and connection are what count.

  • Heritage speakers have unique strengths—start where you are and build from your foundation.

  • Your presence, willingness to interact, and imperfect attempts are powerful for kids.

  • Modeling learning and vulnerability strengthens your child’s confidence.

    About Janny Perez

    • Janny Perez is a passionate advocate for raising bilingual children and preserving Latino heritage.
    • She is the voice behind "The Latina Mom Legacy" podcast and the bilingual parenting educator behind Confident Bilingual Parenting .
    • She inspires parents with her own multilingual parenting journey.

    Viral Quotes from Janny Perez

  • “So often we focus on our imperfections and make the experience about us, but when it comes to raising bilingual children, the question isn’t, ‘Is my Spanish perfect?’ The question is, ‘What can my child gain from hearing and experiencing this language?’”  - Janny Perez

    “Children don’t need perfect grammar, they need exposure… that consistent connection with the language, and that bonding is super important.”  -Janny Perez

    Resources Mentioned in The Podcast

     🎁 Free Resource: Bilingual Baby Quick Start Guide: What Actually Matters in the First 3 Years

    The Latina Mom Legacy Newsletter
    Get practical tips, podcast highlights, and freebies at milegasi.com

    Fluent at Home, Silent at Work: Growing Up Bilingual: Why so many Hispanic professionals doubt their Spanish. Psychology Today Article by Cristina Lozano Arguelles, PhD

    More free printables + bilingual parenting tips at milegasi.com

    How You Can Support & Engage

    Connect on Social Media

    Instagram: @milegasi
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    Podcast Instagram: @thelatinamomlegacy
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    Final Thoughts

    Spanish doesn’t have to be perfect to be impactful. Embrace your imperfections, celebrate your daily efforts, and remember, YOU are your child’s best language model. Progress over perfection, and juntos podemos.


    If you’d like more bilingual parenting tips, check out milegasi.thinkific.com for courses and guides.

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