A major concern for me was how the kid would adapt to the life in US, so different from hers in the village, a language altogether different, people a lot more different and the solitary life out here..
Language
The seemingly most toughest barrier of all... In India, in urban areas, this is surely not a problem but for me a mom raising a kid in rural India with focus on speaking English it is all the more an uphill task. Be it transitioning across the globe or otherwise, one should speak to the kind in all the languages possible... it is proven that the kids can soak in the information much well and can learn about 3 to 5 languages at a time, so emphasizing on mother tongue, one should certainly use others too and not repeat the mistake that I did.
Watching TV, everyone suggested this to me.
Talking to friends, teachers at school.. this way they learn the more and the quickest.
If you are particular about your kid talking in your mother tongue, then make sure that he/she speaks in the language and replies in the language. They will have plenty of places to speak and learn English but your language is best spoken by you, so set that rule straight. watch for the signs like if the kid is understanding what you speak but answering in English, make a conscious effort to get them to talk.
A few friends by experience have told us this and we notice that too, so it is strictly in Telugu at home for the kid and for us as well.. we teach her in English, explain in English at times but it is Telugu that we would like her to speak.
Daycare/Preschool
If you are in the states in the middle of year like me, it is going to be a bit tough... private day cares might still be having positions but affordable ones, in a lesser budget, like the church schools, it depends. So figure out the distance, time, the ride/car-pool, payment and all and the best thing is to get the kid to the school, not just to learn or anything but to get used to the way things are, understand the concept of sharing, taking turns, learning pleasant manners and most importantly for the kid to be happy.
New Potty Habits
One more thing that was of concern to me is that the kid was new to the concept of wiping herself clean, washing her hands everything on her own, which is expected to be since she was already 3 and turning 4 shortly. Being from India, it was always water for the bum, cleaning hands and feet afterwards but like everything else, the kids adapt faster to everything and touchwood, get going much faster than we adults.
Play Pattern With Other Kids
Being from the village, pampered to the core by everyone around her, the kid had a tough time sharing the toys, adjusting to the new kids with a different language (Tinglish) and she used to get cranky but once in school, things are a lot more easier. I have learnt hard way that being aggressive in teaching them to be well mannered turns out counter-productive if we over do it, just go with the flow, make them understand with patience, introduce time-outs, cry-it-out-alone sessions, maybe but only to moderation.
I am still learning a lot of things from her, will put in more as and when time permits.
Language
The seemingly most toughest barrier of all... In India, in urban areas, this is surely not a problem but for me a mom raising a kid in rural India with focus on speaking English it is all the more an uphill task. Be it transitioning across the globe or otherwise, one should speak to the kind in all the languages possible... it is proven that the kids can soak in the information much well and can learn about 3 to 5 languages at a time, so emphasizing on mother tongue, one should certainly use others too and not repeat the mistake that I did.
Watching TV, everyone suggested this to me.
Talking to friends, teachers at school.. this way they learn the more and the quickest.
If you are particular about your kid talking in your mother tongue, then make sure that he/she speaks in the language and replies in the language. They will have plenty of places to speak and learn English but your language is best spoken by you, so set that rule straight. watch for the signs like if the kid is understanding what you speak but answering in English, make a conscious effort to get them to talk.
A few friends by experience have told us this and we notice that too, so it is strictly in Telugu at home for the kid and for us as well.. we teach her in English, explain in English at times but it is Telugu that we would like her to speak.
Daycare/Preschool
If you are in the states in the middle of year like me, it is going to be a bit tough... private day cares might still be having positions but affordable ones, in a lesser budget, like the church schools, it depends. So figure out the distance, time, the ride/car-pool, payment and all and the best thing is to get the kid to the school, not just to learn or anything but to get used to the way things are, understand the concept of sharing, taking turns, learning pleasant manners and most importantly for the kid to be happy.
New Potty Habits
One more thing that was of concern to me is that the kid was new to the concept of wiping herself clean, washing her hands everything on her own, which is expected to be since she was already 3 and turning 4 shortly. Being from India, it was always water for the bum, cleaning hands and feet afterwards but like everything else, the kids adapt faster to everything and touchwood, get going much faster than we adults.
Play Pattern With Other Kids
Being from the village, pampered to the core by everyone around her, the kid had a tough time sharing the toys, adjusting to the new kids with a different language (Tinglish) and she used to get cranky but once in school, things are a lot more easier. I have learnt hard way that being aggressive in teaching them to be well mannered turns out counter-productive if we over do it, just go with the flow, make them understand with patience, introduce time-outs, cry-it-out-alone sessions, maybe but only to moderation.
I am still learning a lot of things from her, will put in more as and when time permits.
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