Latino Parents + Self-Care: The Perpetual Search for Stability 

By Lina Colmenares

Home of the brave, land of the free? Is this guaranteed? 

In the case of first-generation Latino parents, the answer is no. Bravery is within them from the moment they are born, but freedom is simply an illusion carefully crafted by sociopolitical influences. But, how do sociopolitical difficulties affect Latinx immigrant parents' relationship with self-care? Within this illusion of freedom, Latino parents embark on an endless search for the American Dream and the forbidden concept of stability. Oftentimes, they will lose themselves in the process by compromising their relationship with self-care. However, this isn't done in vain.  What I found was that the values of familism, respect, and education have a major influence on how Latino parents choose to develop their relationship with self-care. Based on these values and sociopolitical aspects, their focus shifts almost entirely to their children. As such, the Latino parents' quest for stability is often not for themselves, but for their children. Latino parents are conscious of this illusion of freedom. It is difficult not to do so considering the psychological impact of the various sources of media, in which sociopolitical news often take front-center pages with immigration actions that threaten the stability of some Latino families. Overall, the lack of self-care is a common sacrifice for Latino parents, but one that they bravely make to guarantee the freedom and future of their children. 

I chose to represent the struggles and bravery of Latino parents through art. I wanted to not only be able to portray the sociopolitical environment in which the majority of Latino parents live but also their undying courage to continue to put their family above themselves and harness the strength to keep going. In light of my research, I have found that sociopolitical actions and cultural values have a tremendous influence on the lives of Latino parents in terms of self-care, well-being, stability, and family matters. Although I have gathered the knowledge to understand why self-care becomes a second thought for the majority of Latino parents, I have also become aware of how Latino parents deserve their chance to fulfill their self-care needs and dreams too. Determination and courage are values cultivated within Latinx culture. Hard work is almost second nature to Latinx parents. However, their hard work should be accompanied by dignity, real freedom, and justice for all.