u/Nevana30

I immigrated to a country where I met my partner and father of my children. I came on my own, all my family and closest friends are living in my country of origin. So I am the only one at home who speaks my native language.

When I was pregnant of my first child I was planning to teach them and speak to them only in my native language. Whilst I was in maternity leave and on my own with my child it was easy to speak to them in my native language, but when my partner was home I would switch to his language.

Then went back to work and was with my child only after work when my partner was also home. I found it difficult to speak to my child in a different language from the one I would speak to my partner.

So basically, haven’t been successful so far at teaching my child a second language. People ask me how well does my child speaks my native language, am I like “they know some words”. Someone told me, “I can’t believe you’re not teaching your child your native language “. If I’m being honest I find it impractical to teach my own language as they are being completely socialised in the language of the country we live in. I just feel like “I should” be putting more effort or “one day they could need to know a second language and they don’t because their mom couldn’t be bothered”. I don’t know, just feels another expectation on me when working full time and having more than one child.

What are your thoughts? Did you manage to teach your child a second language? What strategies did you use? How well did they speak that language?

Hey, just trying to fish for some recommendations of a true crime series that would get me hooked. Last one I listened to was called “the stalker” from Otherworld podcasts. I enjoyed listening to it whilst eating my breakfast. Thanks a lot!