Encourage Latinx Teens to Embrace American Culture In Addition to Their Own

Many Latinx youths explore how they fit within the larger American culture during their teenage years. Though some parents worry their child may lose connection to their roots, psychologist Dr. Gabriela Livas Stein says this period of exploration typically results in youth adding to their well-established Latinx values and identity. To help in this exploration, Stein recommends talking with your teens about the customs and values in American culture you’d want them to embrace. Next, she suggests creating environments where kids can “try on” these new experiences and values to safely discover who they are and what they want for their future.