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- I let my 8-year-old walk to school alone and taught her to cook at 7. I want her to be independent, like I was growing up. (businessinsider.com)
José R. Mendoza shares how his upbringing in El Salvador shaped his approach to parenting in the United States, emphasizing independence and responsibility for his children.
Raised in El Salvador, Mendoza experienced freedom at a young age. By six, he was running errands alone, and by eight, walking to school unaided. His parents also involved him early in their family business, teaching him practical skills and basic math.
Now living in the U.S. with his wife and two children, aged 8 and 1, Mendoza aims to instill similar independence in his kids, adapting to their new environment. Here’s how he’s fostering self-reliance in his eldest daughter:
Walking to School Alone at Age 8
Although initially hesitant, Mendoza supported his daughter’s wish to walk to school by herself once she turned eight.
They practiced safety routines together-stopping at stop signs, looking both ways-until she was ready. On her birthday, she made the solo walk, with the crossing guard keeping in touch to ensure her safety, providing reassurance to her parents.
Caring for the Family Dog Independently
Since turning seven, his daughter has taken on responsibilities like walking their dog in the yard, feeding her, and playing. While she still needs reminders, Mendoza encourages her to handle these tasks on her own, building her sense of duty.
Entrepreneurship from an Early Age
Inspired by his own early lessons about work and money, Mendoza helped his daughter start a lemonade stand at four and a half. She learned to make lemonade from scratch and interact with customers, earning over $60 in her first venture-a positive experience that has become a family tradition.
Learning to Cook
Starting at age seven, Mendoza has been teaching his daughter to prepare meals, including traditional Salvadoran dishes like pupusas, as well as omelets, pasta, and pancakes. Recently, she made pancakes for the family under his supervision, demonstrating growing confidence and skill.
Looking forward, Mendoza plans to continue nurturing his children’s independence, hoping they will learn to drive in their early teens and develop the skills needed for adulthood-mirroring the values his own parents instilled in him.
Through these thoughtful steps, Mendoza illustrates how cultural roots and parental guidance can combine to raise capable, confident children in today’s world.