Happy 6th Birthday, Dear Daughter | Reflections of Our Multilingual Journey

Originally published on Instagram @chalkacademy on October 24, 2019.

Dear 美研,

With a blink of an eye, you are SIX!

Six years of being sweet, smart, sensitive, silly, and full of spirit.

SIX

6 years ago, I felt so blessed but overwhelmed with the uncertainty that comes with being a new mom, especially as a motherless mother.

At that time, I spoke and sang only English to you without knowing that soon we would learn more.

FIVE

5.5 years ago, I learned that it was okay to ask for help as I transitioned back to work.

We had our first nanny who loves God and guided me through the first year of motherhood. She happened to be fluent in Korean and opened the doors to our journey of raising multilingual children.

FOUR

4️ years ago, I decided to (re)learn Chinese with you.

It took a while to build momentum and rise above resistance.

I realized that I needed let go of the painful associations I had with the language in my own childhood and started a fresh new chapter with you.

THREE

3️ years ago (while nursing and babywearing your new brother!), I taught you how to read Chinese even though I couldn’t remember many Chinese characters myself.

I saw that quality can make a bigger impact than quantity.  That the a few meaningful minutes of playful, child-led learning can be far more effective than hours of traditional, rote-memorization methods.

TWO

2️ years ago, you inspired me to start this blog.

I began to meet many multilingual families like us who wanted to overcome challenges and enjoy learning with their kids at home.

ONE

1️ year ago, I noticed that your brother’s milestones would be totally different than yours.

Regardless of pace, you both flourish when we are consistent and persistent about giving you the chance.

As he learned to talk, I saw you both thriving, playing, laughing, fighting, and loving in a dynamic mix of English, Chinese, and Korean.

Today and everyday

I’m so thankful that you have shown me the amazing potential that all children have.

That my limitations won’t limit you, that grief from the past can replaced with faith, hope, joy, and community in the future.

Happy birthday

Happy 6th birthday to my sweet big girl.

Thank you for challenging and teaching me so much everyday!

I’m so grateful for you!