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

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.Show Promos You Don't Want to Miss:DOWNLOAD THE BILINGUAL BABY QUICKSTART GUIDEAPPLY TO JOIN THE MI LEGASI BILINGUAL PARENTING COACHING PROGRAMTimestamps & What You’ll Discover01:13 – The “Do I Really Speak Spanish?” Question02:12 – The Psychology of “Not Enough” Spanish04:20 – Janny’s Personal Story: Presenting in Mexico06:07 – What is a “Heritage Speaker”?08:06 – Navigating Academic Spanish10:13 – The Challenges of Spanish Classes for Heritage Speakers11:08 – Double Pressure: “Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá”12:16 – Why Your Everyday Spanish is Powerful14:01 – Modeling Imperfection: The Power of Trying15:22 – Free Resource for Bilingual ParentsWhere 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 PerezJanny 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 PerezResources Mentioned in The Podcast 🎁 Free Resource: Bilingual Baby Quick Start Guide: What Actually Matters in the First 3 YearsThe Latina Mom Legacy NewsletterGet practical tips, podcast highlights, and freebies at milegasi.comFluent at Home, Silent at Work: Growing Up Bilingual: Why so many Hispanic professionals doubt their Spanish. Psychology Today Article by Cristina Lozano Arguelles, PhDMore free printables + bilingual parenting tips at milegasi.comHow You Can Support & EngageApply to Be a Guest – Share your bilingual parenting story!Leave a Review – Apple Podcast or Spotify. Your feedback helps more families discover the show.Join the Newsletter – La Lista at Milegasi.com. Get exclusive tips, printables, and updates!Interested in Sponsoring the Show? Reach an engaged bilingual parenting community. Contact us → Sponsorship infoConnect on Social MediaInstagram: @milegasiThreads: @milegasiPodcast Instagram: @thelatinamomlegacyPinterest: @milegasiFinal ThoughtsSpanish 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.