Latino Cultural Values In The United States: Understanding Their Impact On Toddler Social And Emotional Development

Cultural values reinforced by family systems are powerful influences that set the stage for how Latino toddlers in the United States, view the world, interact with others and ultimately develop as individuals. The increased attention on Infant Mental Health combined with the rapidly growing Latino population throughout the United States will require that helping professions understand the influence of culture on the social and emotional development of Latino children under the age of five. This paper provides an overview of Latino cultural values and highlights the various ways those values may influence social and emotional growth in Latino toddlers. © Common Ground, Ana M. Leon, All Rights Reserved