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.