Raising Bilingual Kids in Asia: The story of our family and my trials & tribulation…

Full disclosure – ChatGPT helped me to write this blog. 

Do we really need to be bilingual now that we have AI and ChatGPT?  The answer is still a resounding YES! 

I know from experience just how hard and challenging it is to raise bilingual kids – especially when you live in a country where English is the dominant language.  It is not easy to balance two languages and two cultures, especially when one is dominant, and the other is minority.  My kids were born in Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.  The eldest went to an international school in Hong Kong, while the younger two went to public school in Hong Kong and now Taiwan.  English their native language – and the dominate language because that’s what we speak at home.  And now all three are in the public school system in Taiwan and they are quite comfortable switching between both languages interchangeably.  I think that I have the Taiwan public school to thank largely for that.    

After running Mandarin camp in Taiwan for the last 2 summers, I’m thrilled to see the overwhelming response and the dedication for parents from all over the world who want to make sure their kids’ can speak, read and write Chinese, I also sense a lot of anxiety around that.

The thing is – there is no one-stop shop, one fix solution for it.  It takes a lot of effort, patience, perseverance, investment and creativity to help your kids develop a foreign language skill.  But I assure you – it is also worthwhile, as being bilingual has SO many cognitive, social, and emotional benefits for your kids.  And as someone who’s fluent in both Mandarin and Chinese, I can tell you that it has opened up so many doors and opportunities for me that otherwise wouldn’t have.   

 So here are some of my tips I have learned over the years to make sure that my kids are fully fluent in both languages.  Some of the advice might be a no-brainer, some maybe not.  For whatever its worth, I hope they can help you navigate your kids’ Mandarin learning journey!

1. Consistency and longevity will pay off

One of the most important factors for Mandarin learning are structured lessons.  Make sure that your kids stick with them.  There are many ways to provide Mandarin lessons for your kids, such as online classes (iTalki is very affordable), tutors, language exchange partners, books, podcasts…etc.   The key is to be consistent and regular. Don’t let your kids skip or drop their Mandarin classes, even if they complain or resist.  Make it a part of their routine and their expectation. The more they practice, the more they will improve.

2. I got the need – for Mandarin

Another important factor for bilingualism is motivation. Your kids need to have a reason and a desire to speak Mandarin, otherwise they will default to English or their stronger language. You can create the need and space to speak Mandarin by finding opportunities for your kids to interact with native speakers, such as relatives, teachers, language exchange buddy…etc. You can also join online or offline community such as a playgroup, a club, a camp, etc., where your kids can meet and socialize with other bilingual kids. You can also set some rules or incentives for your kids to speak Mandarin at home, such as during meals, games, or bedtime stories. 

My son loves tacos and he’s determined to learn Spanish so he can eat his way through Mexico.  Who knows, maybe Din Tai Fung is your answer.  Perhaps those xiaolongbao could do the trick and the gateway for them to stick to Mandarin and order in Chinese.

3. Take up a hobby in Mandarin

A great way to make Mandarin fun and meaningful for your kids is to connect it to their interests and hobbies. For example, if your kids like music, you can introduce them to Mandarin songs, artists (Hello Jay Chou?), or instruments.  If they like sports, you can enroll them in a Mandarin-speaking team or coach if they are available in your neighborhood. If they like art, you can show them Mandarin books, videos, or websites about their favorite topics.   By doing this, you can help your kids associate Mandarin with something they enjoy and value, and not just something they have to learn.

4. Lead by example

One of the best ways to support your kids’ bilingualism is to model it yourself. If you are not fluent in Mandarin, you can learn it along with your kids, or at least show interest and appreciation for the language. You can also use Mandarin as much as you can with your kids, even if you make mistakes or mix languages. Your kids will see that you are trying and that you value Mandarin as a part of your family and your identity. They will also feel more comfortable and confident using Mandarin with you and others.

5. Make it fun!

Last but not least, make Mandarin fun for your kids. Don’t make it a chore.  Don’t focus too much on grades or tests. Don’t compare or criticize your kids’ progress or performance. Instead, make Mandarin a source of joy and discovery. Watch movies, listen to music, play games, read stories, tell jokes, make crafts, cook food, and do anything else that your kids like in Mandarin. Celebrate your kids’ achievements and efforts, no matter how big or small. Praise your kids’ bilingualism and help them see the benefits and advantages of being bilingual.

Learning a language is a lifelong journey and no easy feat. I know the kids might be kicking, screaming and not appreciating everything mom and dad are doing to make sure that they are fluent in Mandarin – but they will thank you one day. I promise.

Well… if all else fails… maybe it’ll take a girlfriend/boyfriend in the future who speaks Mandarin to do the trick. Just know that you’re not alone – we’re all in this together!

Fun Taiwan Winter Camp is now open for registration – Fun Taiwan Winter Camp 2024: An Immersive Mandarin Learning Experience! – Fun Taiwan Kids