Thanks so much for writing such a great post. It’s refreshing to read the Dad’s perspective on the important decisions we make for our children’s upbringing. In this case, language is a HUGE gift you will give her in the most important stage in her life for language acquisition.

I can’t thank you enough for listing our blog SpanglishBaby as a resource. We’re so passionate about the topic and wish to inspire as many parents as possible to find bilingual alternatives for their children.

We know it´s a challenge, but a well-worth one.

I´m happy to have found your blog!

Capoeira is a great activity for people of all ages. I find that it not only provides a good physical outlet, but also provides a lot of mental growth (learning music, language, etc) and confidence. Learning to play in front of other people and perform successfully is an excellent skill to learn in life.

As for the second language, that’s an awesome thing. My dad is Puerto Rican, but never bothered to teach me Spanish when I was young. It was something I really wished I had learned. However I’m learning it now and realize it’s just as easy for adults to learn as it is for children. The key is we have to put time and focus into it. Kids ‘learn’ so quickly because look at how much time they have in the day to learn it. If we invested the same, we may do even better because we know how to learn by now.

Again great post!

Swimming and soccer are seasonal (swimming is just a 1-week course at this point, not a swim club).

I don’t feel like we’re running between events, but it is a concern with Capoeria and music lessons because both are major commitments. We’ll see how things progress.

Nice entry. I do think that your point in the comment about this stuff costing money is important to note. Even if you are unable to take classes or things of that nature, whether by location or lack of funds, there are still plenty of ways to immerse your kids in a climate of culture that are free or close to it. Just takes more work.

And dude, I want a public language immersion school here. Now.

“More than that, to be free of your inhibitions and prejudices so that nothing stands in his or her way. ”

My daughter is definitely less inhibited than I am, so she wants to “go for it” and try all kinds of new things. It’s hard for me to let go of my fear and let her “go for it.”

I know for a fact that my parents didn’t agonize over what school I would go to…..we went to the neighborhood school, period, end of story. And, I turned out fine, well educated, yada yada. BUT, what COULD have been different if I had gone to a different school? Hmmmmm……

It’s difficult, but necessary, to admit that my daughter’s (and son’s) education does not have to mirror mine. Sometimes I can get overwhelmed, already worrying about college when my kids are 5 and 1. So, I guess we’ll just take it one decision at a time.

At any rate, I do enjoy reading your perspective. Thank you.

An aside, my mother sometimes has a hard time reading this blog. So I must say my childhood wasn’t a train wreck. One opportunity I had that many didn’t (including my wife) was several camping trips every summer. They were inspired by my dad, but mom kept pace with me as the youngest of four brothers as everyone else raced ahead during long hikes.

One factor not mentioned… finances. All these nice things cost money, and it’s a challenge. We haven’t got the music classes worked out yet. We’re lucky that both local immersion schools are free public schools (and both stellar, too).