We all love Encanto. The music is top-tier, and the "Surface Pressure" song is basically every parent's internal monologue at 8:00 PM on a Tuesday. But for a long time, Latino representation in kids' media was stuck in two gears: historical trauma or magical realism.

If a character was Latino, they were either fleeing something, struggling with poverty, or living in a village where the flowers talked. While those stories have their place, they don't always reflect the reality of kids today who are growing up in the suburbs, obsessed with Roblox, and trying to figure out why their Abuela is mad that they can't remember the word for "stapler" in Spanish.

When we talk about "Latino Joy," we’re talking about media where the culture is the setting, not the problem. It’s about seeing kids who look like ours just living their lives.

If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or YouTube Shorts, you’ve probably heard your kids mention "No Sabo" kids.

For the uninitiated: "No sabo" is a grammatically incorrect way to say "I don't know" (it should be no sé). It’s become a massive online meme used to poke fun at—and sometimes shame—Latino kids who aren't fluent in Spanish.

For our kids, this is a real digital wellness issue. They see these videos and feel "not Latino enough" because their Spanish is rusty, or they feel "too Latino" because of how they’re portrayed in older media. Finding shows and games that bridge this gap—showing characters who mix English and Spanish (Spanglish) naturally—is huge for their self-esteem. It tells them that their version of their culture is valid.

Learn more about how social media affects cultural identity

Ages 6-11 This is probably the most "real" depiction of a big Mexican-American family living in a city. It’s funny, it’s chaotic, and it doesn't feel like a social studies lesson. Ronnie Anne is a great lead because she’s tough and skateboards, breaking the "docile Latina" stereotype.

Ages 8+ Miles Morales is arguably the most important Latino character in media right now. What makes this "authentic" isn't just the Puerto Rican flag in his room; it’s the way his mom switches to Spanish when she’s worried or how the household feels lived-in. It treats his heritage as a fact of life, not a plot point.

Ages 9+ If your kid is into Zelda or epic fantasy, this is a must-watch. It’s a visually stunning limited series based on Mesoamerican mythology. It’s high-octane action, but it respects the indigenous roots of Latino culture in a way that feels fresh and respectful.

Ages 10+ This show was cancelled way too soon (classic streaming move), but it’s still available to watch and it’s gold. It follows a Dominican family moving to Miami in the 80s. It’s hilarious and handles the "immigrant experience" with a light, comedic touch that kids actually enjoy.

Ages 10+ This is a "Metroidvania" style game (platforming and exploring) that is a love letter to Mexican culture and Lucha Libre. It’s vibrant, funny, and has a great soundtrack. It’s a fantastic way to engage kids with cultural themes through a medium they already love.

Check out our guide on the best Nintendo Switch games for families

Not all representation is good representation. Sometimes, creators try so hard to be "inclusive" that they end up leaning on tired tropes. Here’s what to look out for when you’re browsing Netflix or Disney+:

Ages 7-12 This one had a lot of controversy online before it even premiered. Some people felt it leaned too hard into stereotypes (the "yellow" tint of the animation, the chaotic household). However, once it actually aired, many kids loved it. It’s a good example of a show that you might want to watch with your kid to see how they feel about the portrayal.

We talk a lot about "screen time," but the quality of what they’re watching matters just as much as the quantity.

When kids see themselves reflected accurately, they spend less time seeking validation in the darker corners of the internet. They’re less likely to fall for the "No Sabo" shaming on Instagram if they see cool characters on TV who also struggle with their heritage.

It’s about building a "digital mirror." If all they see are characters who don't look or speak like them, they start to view their own life as "other." Authentic media brings their world into the mainstream.

Ask our chatbot for tips on talking to kids about media stereotypes

You don't need to turn every movie night into a lecture, but a few well-placed questions can help your kids think critically about what they’re consuming.

If your kid is a "No Sabo" kid (or just a kid learning Spanish), apps like Duolingo can be fun, but media is often a better teacher. Watching Bluey in Spanish (the dub is actually great!) or playing games with Spanish subtitles can make the language feel like a tool for fun, not a chore for school.

Authentic Latino representation has come a long way from the days of Dora the Explorer. We’re in an era where we can be picky. We don't have to settle for "good enough."

Seek out the "Latino Joy." Look for the shows where the kids are messy, nerdy, heroic, and loud—not because they're Latino, but because they’re kids.

Ask our chatbot for a personalized list of Latino-led books for your child's age