children

“Back to basics” is at the core of everything I believe about teaching my children multiple languages; love is the essence. Here’s a list of seven basic virtues to help us get back to the basics in creating homemade multilingualism – with love! 1. Love My passion for languages begins with my love for my family whether in the USA, France, Mexico or Peru. I keep in touch with them through phone calls, letters, the Internet and visits. My childrenRead More ...

Raising a bilingual child can undoubtedly be a lot of work, but it can also be extremely amusing. Just check out the conversation I had with Vanessa yesterday: — “Bueno conocerte,” she said as she shook my hand playfully. — “¿Qué que?” I asked her as I shook her hand back. — “Bueno conocerte,” she repeated emphatically. — “¿Qué significa eso?” I quizzed her. — “Nice to meet you,” she responded confidently, surprised that I would ask such a thing.Read More ...

Editor’s note: This is Part 3 in a continuing series by Amy Conroy. To read the first two parts, go here. I would like to revisit one of the golden truths I’ve learned, Point C: our children are our best allies, our most gracious and charming ambassadors (when they’re not throwing berrinches or acting like super-ninjas in the local supermarket).  What I mean by this is that my experience right now would not be as rich without my children. TheRead More ...

“You are obsessed,” my husband tells me a couple of nights ago as I’m frantically (and futilely) looking for a Spanish-speaking (or bilingual) clown on the internet for Vanessa’s 5th birthday party this summer. He think it’s crazy I’m doing this because, in his view, who cares what language the clown speaks? “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I respond. But then, I start to really think about it. Am I obsessed? Sure I am. I’ll be dammed ifRead More ...

This is Part 2 in a continuing series by Amy Conroy. To read Part 1 go here: One Family’s Total Immersion Adventure in Mexico. Some truths I’ve learned: A. Vacation Mexico is not the same as Living Mexico. B. Quaint, charming, ‘manana’ Mexico is different from Mexico 2011 with a family. C. Your children are your favorite people and most ingratiating part of you, i.e. your personal ambassador and ticket in. Some truths I’m coming to terms with: A. NoRead More ...