A Colombian mother has sparked a debate on TikTok after explaining why she doesn't want her child to grow up in the United States. The viral video was posted by Helo Garros (@helogarros), who shared her concerns about her child's social life and her fears about sending him to school in the future.
"He has no social life here, whereas in Colombia he would have more playtime. There's more flexibility for kids to meet and play. I feel like this is something that's being lost," the mother commented. She added that she fears for her child when he eventually goes to school. "There are so many dangers here. I know Colombia has its own risks, but you don't send your kids to school with that same fear," she said.
Helo clarified that she doesn't plan to return to Colombia but felt it was important to share her thoughts. "I'm not saying I'm taking my child back to Colombia because that's not going to happen, but it does make you reconsider a lot. I can honestly say that I regret my child won't be able to play outside in the streets," she explained.
She acknowledged the benefits of living in the U.S., stating, "There are many reasons I want to stay in this country. He was born here, and the United States is a land of opportunities, but nothing is perfect. You can't romanticize the idea that a child born in the United States has it all; there are many things kids miss out on by being born in a country like this," she concluded.
The video has elicited various reactions, with comments such as: "She perfectly speaks from her point of view, weighing the pros and cons of each culture," "I used to think the same, but believe me, the great opportunity I'm giving my child by being here is something he will appreciate for life! Just knowing the language allows him to thrive here and anywhere in the world," "You're absolutely right," "The school situation terrifies me," "I hear you, I was the same two years ago. We went back to Colombia and now my child is very happy," and "I'm a mom, and I agree with you... I want him to take advantage of the many opportunities here, but there are other reasons that worry me."
Concerns About Raising Children in the United States
In light of the debate sparked by Helo Garros, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers regarding the challenges and considerations of raising children in the United States versus other countries.
What are the primary concerns of Helo Garros about raising her child in the United States?
Helo Garros is mainly concerned about her child's lack of social life and the dangers associated with the school environment in the United States.
Why does Helo Garros believe her child would have a better social life in Colombia?
She believes that in Colombia, there is more flexibility for children to meet and play, allowing for a richer social experience.
Does Helo Garros plan to return to Colombia with her child?
No, she does not plan to return to Colombia but wanted to share her reflections on the differences in upbringing between the two countries.