The Importance of Family in Mexico
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Farmer’s Market
One example of this value in action is in the small number of long-term care homes in Mexico.
Unlike in Canada, aging parents are not sent to live in old age homes as soon as daily life becomes more difficult; rather, their family steps in to help take care of them.
When a parent is struggling to manage at home, the first step is often to hire home help. This allows the aging parent to remain in their own home and keep as much independence as possible, while also benefiting from extra assistance in daily living.
Once this solution is no longer viable (i.e., the parent requires more help than what can be provided), they typically move in with a family member, usually one of their children.
This may seem like a big responsibility—and it is. But family is just that important.
An elderly person sits in a wheelchar in a stark hallway
The downfalls of long-term care homes were highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many were found to be short-staffed, leaving residents on their own much of the time, with only their television for company.
By contrast, elderly parents in Mexico are surrounded by their kids, grandkids, and other relatives. They can live in a comfortable home, rather than a strange place.
They get to be part of everyday life, do what they can to help in small ways, and feel like they haven’t been forgotten.
In Mexico, parents take care of their kids and one day, the kids take care of them. I think Canadians would do well to learn from their example.
In Mexico, it’s common to see children following their mothers around large farmer’s markets, helping to carry heavy bags full of fruits and vegetables without complaint.
Meanwhile in Canada, it seems asking kids to do anything comes with, “Not now, Mom, I’m busy!” Or “Right after this round!” while they punch at their PlayStation controllers, eyes fixed on bright screens.
In Mexico, a parent doesn’t ask their children for help with a soft, sweet tone and a promise of a reward; it’s simply expected that the children will contribute when needed.
This is because family is one of the primary values in Mexican culture and the importance of the family is instilled in children from a young age.
As children grow into teenagers and, one day, parents themselves, this way of life continues. Regardless of age, responsibility to one’s family remains paramount.
An elderly person with hands clasped
The good news is that Mexican people tend to have larger families, and often the burden can be shared amongst several children.
For example, one child may allow the parent to live with them for several months.
When a break is needed, the next child is there to take up the slack. This allows it to be a team-effort and not one person’s sole duty.
This may be hard to imagine, as this solution is so rarely utilized here. Most people work full-time and have kids of their own.
The thought of taking care of an elderly parent on top of that can seem impossible.
But it’s not that Mexican people have fewer responsibilities—the difference is, they make their family a priority.
An elderly man lifts a smiling baby into the air
Stacey loves learning about cultures, religions, and languages. There are many countries she would love to explore, including Mexico, Australia, Japan, and Ireland. In her free time, she can be found watching old TV shows and seeking English bulldogs to pet in the park.
