Cultural Considerations / Parenting Style

Many Hispanics have a unique parenting style that to other cultures may seem too permissive. They may:

• Address their children playfully at most times—or formally (with Usted) when they are angry.
  
• Expect the older children to help care for the younger ones.
  
• Expect the children to depend on the parents.
  
• Raise their children to identify with their family, community, and heritage.

How You Can Respond:

In your written communications,

• If you use dialogue between parent and child, write it in a respectful tone.
  
• Emphasize how connecting with the noncustodial parent may help increase the child’s sense of family and connect the child to his or her roots.

In your one-on-one interactions,

• Be aware and respectful of different parenting styles.