Father Ramblings #013: Second Language for Kids
Dear Steemians,
I recently read an article on parenting from Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis and it really got me thinking. Before I get into the subject, here is a quick synopsis of the article.
- No Christmas gifts
- Learn to say want
- Always be nice
- No hired help
- Ashton also changes the diapers
- They use a smart sleeper to put the kids to sleep
- Keep the kids out of the spotlight
- Mila & Ashton are rich (but the kids are poor)
Importance of Communication
Anyway, back to today's topic, which actually has nothing to do with the article. The article just got me thinking of my own parenting techniques. As I got into college and prepared myself for adult, independent life, I came to realize the importance of communication, which I frequently refer to in my startup articles. It's also one of the traits where I know I am lacking and I am constantly trying to find new ways to improve upon my communication skills, whether I am talking with my family, my friends, my peers, or the community.
As such, I find it quite important to relay what I find important onto my kids, hoping that it will help them in their lives. Because they are living in Korea, they would automatically learn to speak Korean, but I would love for them to learn English, but the big question is, when is the best time for kids to start to learn a second language?
Second Language
I'm sure there is no right or wrong answer here, as many of my friends are bilingual/trilingual, and none of them have had the same upbringing. As for myself, my whole thesis on the second language debate is that I don't want to bring upon a second language until the foundations for the first language are set in stone. That doesn't mean to say that they need to know all of the Korean language or all the fundamental grammar of Korean, but I don't want them confusing Korean and English when they are gradually and naturally learning the languages. I guess one advantage that we have over other Korean parents is that my first language was English, so hopefully, instilling English will be easier.
On the flip side, I have constantly heard reports that it's best teaching the kids new languages as early as possible, that it won't really be confusing the child, and the child will naturally be able to differentiate between multiple languages. I've also seen many children actually speaking two languages pretty well, even when they are like 4 years old. It's actually fascinating to see how young children develop their brain!
While there won't truly be a right and wrong answer, I do firmly believe one key aspect of education: whether you choose to teach one language at a time, or multiple languages at the same time, you do have to structure the educational teachings to your child in a structured way and speckle it with a ton of persistance. One funny story before I end the rambling, I constantly get joked on by other parents because my kid doesn't know any English at all, even when his father speaks native English.
For the other parents out there thinking about similar problems, what are your thoughts on the whole "when to start to teach your child a second language" debate?
Hope you have a wonderful end to a wonderful work week!
Chris
External Image Sources:
http://www.russellvillecenter.net/o/cv/page/esl-english-as-a-second-language
https://canadianfamily.ca/kids/baby/3-tips-for-raising-bilingual-kids/
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