From Dora to Bluey: A Mother’s Journey in Raising Bilingual Gen Alpha Kids
As a 1.5-generation Latine American and Gen Z mother, I’ve experienced the powerful role language plays in shaping identity. Growing up speaking Spanish and learning English through shows like Dora, Barney, and Teletubbies, these programs were my bridge to a new world—a comforting hand that guided me through my earliest adventures in language. Navigating between two cultures profoundly shapes my parenting and my career in marketing. I see firsthand how the media impacts children, both from behind the scenes and through my own Gen Alpha child. Now, I’m dedicated to giving my child that same rich connection to Spanish that I once sought with English.
The “Bluey” Factor and the New “No Sabo” Generation
Today’s kids are growing up in a different landscape, one dominated by shows like “Bluey,” where English isn’t just a language—it’s a universe. It’s easy to see why they’re drawn in: the clever humor, the vibrant storytelling, the characters who feel like friends. But as these shows captivate our kids in English, we, as parents, often face the heartache of hearing our mother tongue slip away. The rise of terms like “No Sabo kids” reflects this struggle—kids who understand bits and pieces of Spanish but never fully learn it, losing out on the richness of their heritage language.
I’ve watched this trend with both concern and a sense of responsibility. How do we, as parents, make Spanish just as engaging, just as magical? How do we ensure our kids feel as comfortable switching between “Hola, abuelita” and “Mum, Bluey is on!” as I did navigating between English and Spanish?
Finding the Balance: Blending Culture and Language in the Digital Age
Raising bilingual children today isn’t just about teaching them to speak two languages; it’s about showing them the beauty of living between two worlds. As a mother, I want my child to appreciate that speaking Spanish isn’t just about words—it’s about connecting with their roots, understanding family stories, and feeling at home in their skin.
This digital age offers us new tools and challenges. While it’s easier for our kids to default to English, we also have incredible resources at our fingertips. There are Spanish-language apps, books, songs, and even YouTube channels that speak directly to this generation’s interests. It’s up to us to make the effort to find those tools and create environments where Spanish feels as alive and engaging as any episode of Bluey.
The Power of Language and Cultural Identity
To our kids, language is more than just a means of communication. It’s a key to understanding who they are and where they come from. For my child, being bilingual means being able to speak to their abuelos in a way that brings warmth and love across generations. It means knowing the rhythms of both English and Spanish, feeling the music in both.
I’ve realized it’s less about being perfect in either language and more about embracing both. Encouraging my child to mix and play with languages, to code-switch and find their voice in this blend, is how we keep both languages alive.
If I could give one piece of advice to mothers raising bilingual children, it would be: Make language a part of your family’s everyday love language. Stay consistent and patient, and trust the process. There will be days when it feels like your child is resisting or when English dominates every conversation. But remember, every word in your native language, every story, every lullaby, is a seed planted. Keep speaking, keep sharing, and celebrate every small victory. Bilingualism isn’t just about knowing two languages—it’s about building a bridge between worlds, and that takes time, love, and persistence.