Hispanic Heritage Month: Questions Parents Can Ask to Build Connection and Understanding
September 15, 2026
When many people think about Hispanic Heritage Month, they think about celebrations.
Food.
Music.
Art.
History.
Community events.
Those traditions matter. They help bring people together and shine a light on the richness and diversity of Hispanic and Latine cultures.
But for parents, Hispanic Heritage Month can also be something else:
A conversation starter.
Because behind every celebration is a deeper story about identity, family, belonging, and the values we hope to pass on to the next generation.
Every Family Has a Heritage Story
For immigrant families, Hispanic Heritage Month may spark reflection on the journey that brought them here.
For U.S.-born Hispanic and Latine families, it may prompt conversations about preserving traditions, honoring family history, and helping children understand their cultural identity in new ways.
For families who are not Hispanic or Latine, the month provides an opportunity to help children learn about perspectives and experiences beyond their own.
No matter your background, the month invites us to consider an important question:
What stories are shaping our children?
Culture Is About More Than Traditions
When children learn about culture only through food, festivals, or holidays, they miss a larger lesson.
Culture also includes:
Family values
Personal experiences
Language
Community
Resilience
Identity
Relationships
How we see ourselves in the world
Helping young people understand culture in this broader way can strengthen their confidence while encouraging empathy and curiosity about others.
Questions That Can Spark Meaningful Dialogue
Parents don't need to have all the answers.
Sometimes the best conversations begin with thoughtful questions.
Questions About Family Stories
What are some stories about our family that you think should never be forgotten?
What traditions feel most meaningful to you?
Are there traditions you would like to continue when you're older?
What family value do you think is most important?
Questions About Identity and Belonging
When do you feel most connected to who you are?
Are there parts of your identity you wish people understood better?
Have you ever felt different or misunderstood?
What helps you feel like you belong?
Questions About Culture and Community
What have you learned about Hispanic and Latine cultures this month?
Did anything surprise you?
What similarities do you see between your experiences and someone else's?
What differences can help us learn and grow?
Questions About Empathy
How can we learn from people whose experiences differ from ours?
Why is it important to hear stories from different communities?
What does respect look like when learning about another culture?
How can we make people feel welcomed and valued?
Moving Beyond Celebration
Hispanic Heritage Month is a valuable opportunity to recognize the contributions and experiences of Hispanic and Latine communities.
But perhaps its greatest value lies in the conversations it inspires.
Conversations about identity.
Conversations about belonging.
Conversations about understanding people whose experiences may be different from our own.
As parents, we have the opportunity to help young people appreciate where they come from while remaining curious about the world around them.
Because ultimately, Hispanic Heritage Month is not just about learning the stories of a particular community.
It's about helping all young people understand that every person carries a unique story, and every story deserves to be heard.
