How nature can help bilingual families.

I know that many immigrant parents have difficulties using their language of origin with their kids. Sometimes, a three-year-old denies to speak your mother tongue. Is it possible to make my child fall in love with my native language?

If you are a parent, you probably know that there’s no cake recipe when it comes to raising kids. One strategy that works with one child, may not work with their brother or sister, from the same mother and father.

Check my other posts on raising bilingual children part 1 here and part 2 here.

The good news is, my strategy has worked with every member in our family. I have quite an international one. Brazilian cousins who raise their kids in the U.S.A, Italy, Poland, Norway, Uruguay, Egypt, Canada, Netherlands.

Though they are different, the base is the same: be consistent and make it cozy. That’s the advice I got from the pioneer cousin, Cristina, from the U.S. “No matter how many times the kid replies in the other language, you only address him/her in your language or origin”. I took her advice from when I was pregnant and in my house. It works super well. My kid is equally strong in Portuguese and Norwegian. But it is not always that easy.

Why my four Ps’ method may work for you.

What if my kid denies to speak my language? You have to make it cozy. Nobody likes to be forced to learn something. First of all, don’t panic. It may hurt your feelings, but think that it’s a challenge, not a problem. My knowledge of pedagogy says that it all depends on your attitude. If you are positive, patient, persuasive and persistent, you can reverse the game and win this battle. After all, it’s a win-win situation if your kid learns about your language and culture. It’s actually your child’s heritage and right.

Positive: If you are stressed, your children will be stressed. Keeping your expectations low will help you relax.

Patient. It may not work wonderfully on the first time. Maybe you need to compromise a little, but keep going. Step by step.

Persuasive. People are more willing to learn something pleasant. You know what your kid is interested in. So embody it.

Persistent. It’s by repetition that a new habit is created and implemented. Studies show that after practicing a new activity for 21 days, it becomes a habit.

Is it too late if my kid is six years old and can barely count to ten in my language? No, it’s not. Children’s brains are developing. They are certainly above to learn a new language. What makes a difference is if they are interested.

That’s where nature comes in the picture. In Norway, we do have this amazing contact-with-nature culture. Norwegians say that when we go out for a walk, we never get sour. Fresh air is magical also for the children.

While you go for a walk, use your language of origin to name the objects, animals, colors you see. Make it fun. Name the things your child is most interested in. Make him/her repeat. It’s crucial important that the children listen to their own voice speaking that language. It will build a cozy memory and acceptance arena.

Pay attention to yourself. Many parents forget and start speaking the new language instead of the native one. If you lose it, get back on track. After all, it’s a new habit for you too.

Make these walks frequent. Once a week if you can. Bring sweets, fruit, cookies, whatever is your child’s favorite.

Make a nature bingo. Depending on the child’s age, either draw or write (in your language): stones, leaves, plastic cup, butterflies, flowers, insects… Anything that can be found in the nature. If the children find all items, they get a prize (to choose what’s for dinner, etc, depending on their age and preferences). Remember to be consistent. This is the mother-tongue walk. Next time you can sing a song. Music is also of great help when learning a new language.

Today is Earth Day, April 22nd. Planet Earth is the only option for us. It’s our home. Let’s take good care of it.

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