new values and characteristics into already existing
family beliefs.
For children born in the United States to Hispan-
ic parents, acculturation may still occur as individuals
live and grow in the United States. Furthermore,
these children are often living bicultural lives, having
the experience of living within two cultures. While
many suggest that this experience can be wrought
with difficulties as Hispanic children try to balance
and incorporate these often disparate cultures, others
believe that it can ultimately be enriching.
Cultural Values
Each Hispanic family and individual is unique,
but there are many cultural values shared by Hispanic
children living in the United States. Beyond the com-
mon language of Spanish, many Hispanic families
also share religious beliefs and practices. These be-
liefs, along with family structure, food and dietary
customs, and certain traditional holidays and celebra-
tions, form the cornerstone of Hispanic communities.
Religion and Spirituality
Hispanic families and individuals engage in vari-
ous practices of spirituality, including formal religion
and different folk religions. Historically, the common
religion of Hispanic people was that of the Roman
Catholic Church, and a large number of Hispanic
children are still baptized as Catholics. Nevertheless,
Hispanic children today represent a variety of de-
nominations, such as Baptist and Methodist, as well
as other religions, such as Judaism. Members of some
Hispanic groups also practice folk religions, such as
Santeria, Espiritismo, and Curanderismo. While the
belief in spirits of deceased persons differs across His-
panic cultures, many children learn about beliefs by
observing family or community practices, and often
see the frequency with which saints, angels, and God
are invoked by adults.
Celebrations
Hispanic families celebrate a variety of cultural
holidays and events, and children often play a large
role in these events. As religion is a foundation for
many Hispanic families, a number of celebrations and
festivities emerge from Catholicism, such as Christ-
mas and Easter. In addition, many Hispanic families
also celebrate bautismos (baptisms), confirmaciones
(confirmations), cumpleaños (birthdays), and quinceañ-
eras (a rite of passage into adulthood for girls at age
fifteen).
Families
Just as there is a great diversity in Hispanic chil-
dren, there is also a variety of Hispanic family types.
Traditionally, Hispanic families are two-parent
households with fathers as economic and legal leaders
of the family. Within the United States, however, His-
panic children are also likely to grow up in a home
with a single parent, usually a mother. U.S. Census es-
timates in 2000 suggested that single mothers led 24
percent of Hispanic households. In general, Hispanic
families are relatively young, partly as a result of the
high fertility rates for Hispanics, as well as migration
rates (individuals who migrate tend to be younger,
thus more likely to have children). The U.S. Census
Bureau estimated that the median age for Hispanic
individuals in 2000 was twenty-seven.
Hispanic families are also likely to be larger than
those of the general population. Indeed, in many His-
panic families, relatives such as aunts, uncles, grand-
parents, and cousins, and also neighbors and friends,
are often considered family and play a role in child
rearing and care. It is through these extended fami-
lies that Hispanic children often learn about family
traditions and values and become part of communi-
ties of other Hispanics. The importance of family,
both extended and immediate, is a value shared by
most Hispanic individuals.Education and Schools
Hispanic children, with the general exception of
Cuban Americans, face major challenges in education
as they have low rates of educational achievement and
high rates of poverty. These difficulties, along with
language barriers, are a key factor in Hispanic fami-
lies having individuals who are less educated and
more likely to be underemployed and unemployed.
According to U.S. Census estimates for 2000, 44 per-
cent of Hispanics age twenty-five and older do not
have a high school diploma.
Debates over the value of bilingual education for
Spanish-speaking students continue to be prominent
in the United States, with proponents arguing that
students learning in English as well as their native
language do better academically. Opponents dis-
agree, stating that children living in the United States
should be taught in English. The issue of bilingual ed-
ucation is still a well-debated topic and will likely re-
main a controversial issue for years to come.
Several factors account for some of the challenges
faced by Hispanic children and adults in the United
States, including discrimination, economic condi-
tions, and language barriers. As the fastest-growing
minority population, however, Hispanics are becom-
ing more prominent in political arenas and are
making great strides toward increasing employment
and educational opportunities. As society addresses
the difficulties faced by continued discrimination and
poverty, Hispanic children will continue to have190 HISPANIC CHILDREN