Growing up, I thought my childhood was magical. 

But it wasn’t until I reached adulthood that I realized what I’d missed. 

My name is Anahiz Armendariz, and I am a Program Supervisor at CPLC Parenting Arizona.  

My parents came to the US from Mexico, but even the border couldn't divide us from our family that remained in Mexico. 

Every weekend, we’d drive hours through the desert to my nana’s house across the border in Sonora, where I’d play with cousins, practice Spanish, and nurture my roots. 

I was happy to have the best of both worlds. 

But as I grew older, the car felt more cramped. 

The music I loved from La Campesina was suddenly too loud. 

And each time my friends asked what I did over the weekend, I was embarrassed to say we went to Mexico. 

Because that's all we’d do. 

All week, we’d collect coupons and stock up on groceries. And after school, instead of playing with my friends, I'd be at the checkout lane—a coupon in one hand and a pack of chicken in the other. 

Of course, not everything felt like a chore. During back-to-school season, I loved picking out new backpacks for my cousins. 

But over the years, it stopped being fun. 

Our family depended on us, and we were all proud to help. But because of these responsibilities, I missed out on being a child. 

Unfortunately, this is normal for many children in immigrant families. So today, I help parents access the tools and knowledge they need to raise their child in a healthy and happy environment. 

Once a month, I visit families in their home to share resources, review their progress, and facilitate play to improve the parent-child relationship. 

And I also check in with the parent. Because once we become parents, we don’t stop being people with dreams and struggles of our own. 

I remember one mom wanted to become a US citizen, but she thought it was out of the question for her. So, I encouraged her and each time I’d visit her house, we’d take five minutes to practice the questions on the citizenship test until one day, after months of hard work, she felt ready to apply. 

Earning her citizenship helped her gain confidence, which in turn taught her how to better support her children’s dreams. 

Through my own work, I am helping other parents heal and build a home where their child can grow up feeling loved and supported. 

I am preventing other immigrant children from becoming the third parent. 

Because every child deserves a childhood. 

Sincerely,