Mending Roots Articles

Lonely woman standing absent minded at the river
Trauma & Resilience

Uncertainty, Fear and Regulation

In this moment of global uncertainty, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. This post offers a gentle guide to navigating fear and anxiety, rooted in cultural wisdom and trauma-informed care. We’ll explore validating our emotions, accepting uncertainty, and practical ways to regulate our nervous system. I’m sharing a free “Coloring with Uncertainty” book in English and Spanish—because our healing is collective. Together, we can find strength in our cultural resilience and create moments of calm amid the storm.

Read More »
Family Dynamics & Relationships

Mindfulness for Kids (and Parents)

In this post, we explore practical, culturally-affirming ways to bring mindfulness into your family’s daily routine. Discover how belly breathing, compassion practice, and even bubble-blowing can help regulate emotions and build resilience. I’m sharing my favorite bilingual resources, from “Sitting Still Like a Frog” to Sesame Street videos, porque our healing journey should reflect the richness of our cultures. Let’s explore how this ancient wisdom, rooted in many of our ancestral traditions, can help us and our little ones navigate life’s challenges with more ease and joy.

Read More »
Cultural Identity & Mental Health

First Gen Compassion To-Say List

In this post, we’re unpacking the unique challenges of First Gen life—from imposter syndrome to the weight of our parents’ sacrifices. I’m sharing a compassionate “To-Say List” that honors our experiences and cultural strengths. Let’s explore how acceptance and self-compassion can transform our healing, moving beyond relentless to-do lists to embrace a gentler way of being. Together, we’ll learn to nurture ourselves with the same cariño we give to others, porque tu vales, exactly as you are.

Read More »
Trauma & Resilience

Grieving on “Happy Mother’s Day”

Mother’s Day isn’t always about flowers and brunches. For many of us—especially in First Gen and immigrant families—it’s a day of complex emotions and unspoken grief. This post creates space for those mourning mothers lost, yearning for bonds never formed, or navigating the weight of cultural expectations. Whether you’re missing your mother, grieving a child, or healing from maternal wounds, your feelings are valid. We’ll explore culturally affirming ways to honor your grief, set boundaries with love, and practice self-compassion. Because healing isn’t about “getting over it”—it’s about finding meaning amidst the pain and discovering strength in our shared experiences. Let’s walk this journey together, honoring all forms of motherhood and loss.

Read More »
beautiful sad girl at home
Family Dynamics & Relationships

When a Parent or Loved One Goes to Jail

When a parent goes to jail, our little ones are left with big emotions and confusing questions. In this post, we’ll explore age-appropriate ways to explain incarceration, validate feelings, and maintain connection. We’ll discuss the power of children’s books like “The Night Dad Went to Jail” in normalizing emotions and starting difficult conversations. Most importantly, we’ll focus on nurturing self-compassion—for both caregivers and children—as we navigate this challenging terrain together. Because even in our darkest moments, there’s always room for healing and hope.

Read More »
Loving african american mother spending time with her daughter
Trauma & Resilience

New Year Resolutions for the Soul

New Year’s resolutions often leave us feeling not good enough. This year, let’s approach growth with gentleness and cultural wisdom. I’m offering 22 soul-nourishing resolutions that honor your inherent worth while encouraging positive change. From embracing rest to challenging negative thoughts, these practices blend evidence-based therapy with our community’s resilience. Whether you’re learning to accept compliments or trying your Tía’s pupusa recipe for the tenth time, we’ll explore ways to nurture self-compassion and connection. Because true growth isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about embracing your whole self, ancestral strength and all.

Read More »
Loving african american mother spending time with her daughter
Family Dynamics & Relationships

Teaching Kids Empathy

On the heels of two mass shootings this weekend in the U.S., a slew of traumatizing immigration reform acts, and a lifetime of community violence

Read More »