Cultural Considerations / Family
A common thread in the cultures of various Hispanic communities is the way they feel about family:
- Family is of utmost importance.
- Family is tightly knit, and ties are strong.
- Families are valued over individual or community needs.
- Family members are expected to help other family members who may need help—those with poor health, financial struggles, unemployment, and the like.
- “Family” often includes extended families, whose members may live nearby and provide mutual support. A particularly close friend is called a comadre (“co-mother”) or compadre (“co-father”). These close friends are frequently the sponsors for children’s religious rites—baptisms, Holy Communion, and Confirmation.
- Individuals may hesitate to discuss family problems with outsiders for fear of seeming disloyal.
- In many families, the oldest male holds the greatest power and is expected to provide for and run the family. However, in reality, the oldest female often has great influence.
- While women may work, they are considered responsible for the home—and for raising the children.
- Publicly, women are expected to show respect for their husbands and submit to them.
- Children are taught to be honorable, well-mannered, and respectful of authority and the elderly.
- In many families, speaking Spanish within the family is important.
How You Can Respond:
Your written communications can…
- Emphasize the importance of family.
- Explain how child support can help and strengthen the family.
- Suggest including family members in the decision to seek child support.
In your one-on-one interactions, remember that family members may be helpful in persuading a parent to seek—or pay—child support.