A Cuban father residing in the United States has sparked a wave of reactions on social media after sharing a video in which he shows how he raises his children away from Cuba.
The man, whose identity was not revealed in the video, claims that in raising his children, he advocates for interaction with nature and prioritizes keeping them away from electronic devices, encouraging outdoor play.
The recording was published by the Instagram profile La Familia Cubana Clips (@clips_lfc) and quickly went viral within the Cuban community.
In the video, a man is seen walking with his two sons in an outdoor area, likely a park or quiet street in their neighborhood. They are barefoot, riding bikes, running, and enjoying unforgettable moments as a family.
My children are raised like in Cuba, without tablets or phones. There is nothing healthier than playing outdoors with their father. Technology does a lot of harm to children here, explains the Cuban proudly as he shows the way he educates the little ones.
The phrase that has resonated the most among users is the one that titles the video: “A mataperrear,” a typical expression in Cuba that refers to playing in the street, getting dirty, being creative, and enjoying an active childhood free from screens.
"Children here in the United States don't know what 'mataperrear' is, and how happy those over there are doing it," wrote a user.
A Cuban father is praised for teaching how to "mataperrear" in the U.S.
"It's a model to follow because easy times create weak men, weak men create difficult times, and it is difficult times that create strong men," commented one of the internet users.
Others joined in who, like him, seek to replicate the values of Cuban childhood abroad: “I am 25 weeks pregnant and I told my husband that our child will not have a tablet or a phone. We are Cuban and we want to raise him the way we were raised.”
The comments on the video reflect nostalgia, pride, and a strong cultural identity. "You can't compare a phone with the real vibe of the experience," wrote another user.
"Here, almost all the children are autistic because they have been with tablets since they were born. With me, it's outdoors, getting muddy and building up their immune systems," added a father who identified with the initiative.
The video also sparked a conversation about the challenges of applying this type of parenting in urban settings or with demanding work schedules.
"Many parents rely on technology due to a lack of time or space," acknowledged a user, although he added, "But every Cuban yearns to raise their children the way we were raised."
Others also criticized the attitude of the Cuban father: "Don't give them food either, so they grow up like in Cuba." Some recalled calmer games: "Don't forget the top and the kite, buddy."
In the midst of a hyperconnected era characterized by digital dependence, this Cuban father has sparked a debate about the need to reconnect with what is essential: family, social interaction in public spaces, and free play.
He claims it’s not about nostalgia, but rather conviction. “This is how they should be raised,” say many Cubans, and not a few agree that: “That man is already rich, and I’m not talking about money.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Screen-Free Raising and Cuban Culture in the Diaspora
What does "mataperrear" mean in the Cuban context?
The term "mataperrear" refers to actively and freely playing in the streets, getting dirty, inventing, and enjoying a childhood without the use of electronic devices. It represents a way of life that emphasizes interaction with the environment and free play, traits characteristic of many traditional Cuban childhoods.
What are the benefits of raising children away from screens?
Creating children who are distant from screens, like the Cuban father in the viral video, can encourage greater interaction with nature, boost creativity, improve physical health, and strengthen family bonds. Playing outdoors helps children develop social, motor, and emotional skills, while excessive technology use can be detrimental to their overall development.
Why has this type of upbringing resonated so much among Cubans in the diaspora?
Screen-free upbringing evokes a strong cultural identity and a sense of nostalgia among Cubans in the diaspora, who remember a simpler childhood connected to the community. Many emigrants seek to replicate these traditional values in a modern context as a way to preserve their cultural roots and pass them on to new generations.
How has the initiative of the Cuban father been received on social media?
The initiative of the Cuban father has been widely applauded on social media. Many users see it as a model to follow, emphasizing that tough times require strong values to raise resilient and robust children. The post has also sparked discussions about the challenges of applying this parenting approach in urban contexts or with demanding work schedules.
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