By Melanie Slone
Dra. Beatriz Villarreal, the director and founder of Mano a Mano Foundation, has dedicated more than 30 years to providing support and educational services to the Latino community. Now, you can find all her tips in one place—her new book.
You can read all the information she shares, in “a language style based on my experience working with migrant families here in the United States,” she says.
“Building Resilient Families One Step at a Time: Mano a Mano with Dra. Villarreal” is already a bestseller. The Spanish-language text summarizes her advice for Latino families in San Diego County.
Important Topics
The Power of Education: “70% of our children’s education takes place at home and 30% at school,” says Dr. Villarreal. We must teach them good habits, give them a structured schedule, get to know their friends, and support them academically. “We parents have to give them that foundation because we won’t always be there with them.”
Dra. Villarreal encourages parents to instill in their children the importance of going to college. “Of every 5 Latino students who graduate from high school in San Diego County, only one or two will graduate from college,” she says. “It’s important for them to envision themselves succeeding in life.”
Discipline: “I talk about communication, how important it is not to disconnect because unfortunately, technology today keeps us very close, but at the same time, very far apart,” she says. Young people can use their cell phones to watch videos and talk to people they shouldn’t, she warns. There are apps to control technology in the home.
Bullying: Dr. Villarreal explains that today children are more violent, even in preschool. “We are raising children who are completely disconnected from their feelings,” she says, so she helps parents reconnect.
Drugs and Alcohol: Dr. Villarreal stays up to date on the topic. “Inhalants are super trendy these days,” she says, “they kill your brain; they kill your neurons.”
Know your Rights: Dr. Villarreal works with the Mexican Consulate to educate the community about their legal rights. She addresses what to do regarding children, finances, and lawyers, as well as what rights people have, such as the right to remain silent and not sign anything.
She works with Las Tías, women who “have dedicated their lives, their time, their money, and their effort to protecting the community,” she says. “They patrol everywhere.” Las Tías provide food, help with rent and obtaining passports, and more.
Dra. Villarreal speaks with experts on all kinds of topics, from members of Alcoholics Anonymous to former gang members and police officers.
For Dra. Villarreal, it’s essential to stay in touch with the community, whether through Facebook, text messages, or phone calls. “It’s really important they have someone they can trust,” she notes.
Phone: 760-492-8897
