AdventureDad

We've reached a new interesting phase in the tri-lingual upbringing of our son Daniel.  As you might know, we've been raising him to speak three languages from the very beginning. The issue of raising kids in a few languages at once is nothing new but it's becoming much more common because of the global workplace.  If you're used to mixing languages on a daily basis it's no big deal, you can find a few thoughts on our progress here, here, and here. If you only speak one language you're likely to feel very confused and intimidated by the whole adventure of languages. 

So far Daniel has been going to an all Swedish day-care here in Sweden.  Since he's reaching three years old in early 2007 it's time to move him up to the next age level, 3-5 years old, and there are a few options to choose from.  We've chosen to have Daniel at an English-Swedish bi-lingual class in the same building we're currently at.  It's a great solution for us since we already know the people and really love the work they've done with our son.  

In the past, the school has sometimes screwed up the transition for kids moving up to the next level.  It has occasionally been a bit unorganized and chaotic depending on what class you were in but we've had only good experiences in our 18 months at the school. Since Daniel only has to change floors it makes things so much easier.  And some of the kids that were previously in his all Swedish class are now in the bi-lingual class which makes him feel relaxed and fairly comfortable. Staying in the same school means the move has been gradual but much faster than expected.  For the past week he's been downstairs in the new class with his teacher for a few hours a day.  Just to say hello to his friends and feel at ease with the new environment.  We've been a little hesitant about our expectations since Daniel doesn't speak much English so far.   But it seems like everything is going smoothly.

After visiting his new class daily for a week he's now moved  permanently and so far so good.  The change language wise is not that dramatic but it's definitely a tougher environment.  Playing with 2-year old kids is very different from 5-year olds.  I'm sure it will take a while until Daniel finds his place in the new group.  Me and the wife has had some emotional discussions about his move and Sandra has tearfully admitted that she's scared/happy/hesitant about him moving on.  We know it's the right thing to do but us parents are completely ridiculous.  When our kids are infants, we can't wait for them to grow up.  As they grow up, we get worried and want them to stay small and cute forever.  

Sandra called me a few days ago after leaving Daniel at school.  She drooped him off very quickly since she was about to cry.  The teachers of his old class were telling her what a pleasure it had been to have Daniel in  their class and it made my wife weep.  They have been very good to us and we've been good to them.  It's been a pleasure and an honor to have Daniel in his previous class, but now it's time to take a little baby step forward. The fact that the school has been happy with Daniel and us was of course highlighted  a couple of weeks ago when they gave ME flowers while I was spending one of my days at school with my son.  It was soemthing i accepted very hesitantly with tears in my eyes. 

I must admit finding it difficult to see my son grow up.  I want to be there and protect him from all the dangers and assholes he encounters.  But I know it's the wrong thing to do.  I let him find his own way even though it's difficult for me.  That may sound pathetic but it's how I feel.  It's a big world out there that our kids need to get ready for.  The best thing is to let them make many mistakes and let their instincts guide them the right way while we stand back but still offer support whenever  necessary. 

Have a nice pre-Christmas week! 

Categories: Daniel, School, Tri-Lingual
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