How to Talk to Your Kids About Immigration: A Guide for Latino Families in the U.S.
How to Talk to Your Kids About Immigration: A Guide for Latino Families in the U.S.
Immigration is more than a legal issue—it’s a family issue. For many Latino families in the U.S., it brings uncertainty, fear, and unanswered questions, especially for children. As a therapist specializing in anxiety, I’ve seen how deeply immigration stress affects kids. The good news is: when parents talk honestly and gently, children feel safer.
In this blog, you’ll learn how to have those conversations in a healthy, age-appropriate, and empowering way.
Why It Matters
Children often know more than we think. They may overhear conversations, notice stress at home, or sense when something feels “off.” When these concerns go unspoken, children fill in the blanks—and what they imagine is usually scarier than the truth.
Research shows that children living in households with immigration-related stress are at greater risk for anxiety, depression, and trouble concentrating in school (Yoshikawa et al., 2017). Talking with them can reduce anxiety, help them feel secure, and support emotional development.
1. Choose the Right Moment
Find a calm, quiet time to talk—maybe before bed or during a car ride. Avoid starting the conversation when emotions are high or when you’re distracted.
2. Use Simple, Honest Language
Speak in a way your child can understand based on their age.
Ages 4-7: Use reassuring phrases like: “Mom and Dad are doing everything we can to keep our family safe.”
Ages 8-12: Be more specific: “Some families are having problems with immigration, and it can feel scary. We’re taking steps to make sure we’re okay.”
Teens: Involve them in age-appropriate discussions. Ask what they’ve heard, validate their feelings, and share your plans without overburdening them.
3. Reassure and Empower
Let them know:
“You’re not alone.”
“We are a strong family.”
“Even when things feel hard, we can face them together.”
Give them small ways to feel empowered. That might mean praying together, making a safety plan, or writing in a journal.
4. Watch for Signs of Anxiety
Look for:
Trouble sleeping
Frequent headaches or stomachaches
Irritability or withdrawal
Changes in eating or school performance
If you notice these signs, your child may need additional support from a mental health professional.
5. Build a Circle of Support
Connect with community organizations, faith groups, and bilingual counselors. Having safe adults to talk to helps children feel more grounded.
6. Encourage Expression
Invite your child to draw, journal, or tell stories about their feelings. Creativity is a powerful way to process big emotions.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to have all the answers. What matters most is that your child knows they are seen, heard, and loved. These conversations, though difficult, are opportunities to build connection and resilience.
At Vida Collective, we offer bilingual counseling services that are culturally sensitive and faith-based in the state of Arkansas. If your family is navigating immigration-related stress, we’re here to support you—one conversation at a time.
Need help starting the conversation?
Ready to begin?
Click here to schedule your session directly or call us to learn more (501) 300 -7456.
How Anxiety Shows Up in Latino Children: What Every Parent Should Know
Anxiety doesn’t always look like fear—especially in Latino children. Learn how to recognize the emotional and physical signs and how to support your child effectively.
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in children, but it often goes unnoticed—especially in Latino communities. Many of us were raised to “tough it out,” not talk about emotions, or assume our children are just being “nerviosos.” But anxiety is real, and it deserves attention.
As a bilingual therapist, I want to help you recognize how anxiety shows up in children, especially in culturally specific ways. When we recognize the signs, we can offer real help.
1. Anxiety Doesn’t Always Look Like Fear
Children don’t always say “I’m anxious.” Instead, they might:
Get stomachaches or headaches with no clear cause
Avoid school or activities they used to enjoy
Cry easily or act out at home
Have trouble sleeping or eating
Become overly clingy or need constant reassurance
In Latino families, this might get labeled as “caprichoso” or “malcriado,” when it’s actually a sign of distress.
2. Cultural Factors Can Mask Anxiety
In many Latino households, children are taught to be respectful, obedient, and strong. These values are beautiful, but sometimes children feel pressure to hide their emotions to avoid burdening their parents.
Studies show that Latino children often underreport emotional problems out of fear of worrying their families or appearing disrespectful (García Coll & Magnuson, 2005). That means parents need to look deeper and invite open conversation.
3. The Role of Family and Faith
Strong family bonds and spirituality can be powerful sources of support. You can use those strengths to help your child feel safe by:
Talking openly about emotions during meals or bedtime
Reassuring them that it's okay to feel nervous, sad, or afraid
Praying together or using faith-based language to provide comfort and stability
4. When to Seek Help
If anxiety begins to impact your child’s daily life—like refusing to go to school, withdrawing socially, or having panic attacks—it’s time to seek support from a mental health professional.
Bilingual therapy that understands your values and culture can make a big difference. Therapy doesn't mean your child is "broken"—it means you care enough to get them tools to thrive.
Final Thoughts
Anxiety is treatable. When you recognize the signs and respond with love and understanding, you give your child the gift of emotional safety.
Schedule an appointment today with one of our bilingual counselors at Vida Collective, or call us to learn more about how we can support your child’s emotional wellness.