We’re now in Portugal, where I’m from – though at this point I’ve spent as much time living in the UK as I have in Portugal. As mentioned in this post, I was looking forward to this long summer holiday and had great hopes and expectations for this trip. In that post, I also encouraged any parents raising …
One sleep to the summer holiday in Portugal
Only one sleep until our summer holiday in Portugal. I’m so excited! I’m not going to lie, the last few months have been challenging on many levels and the language learning …
5 reasons why I love figs
This week my husband surprised me with a fig tree. Our girls already have an apple tree each to look after and him turning up with a fig tree for me was possibly the most romantic thing he’s done in the last two years. I didn’t realise that I like figs so much, that even he …
I’m no flag waver but…it’s the World Cup!
It’s Football World Cup season and whether you like football or not, it’s a good opportunity to connect with your culture and to get your kids involved. International competitions like this bring national identity and pride out of people. I usually don’t watch football but international competitions bring the aficionada in me. Just yesterday I found myself …
The Royal Wedding and our own way of raising happy bilingual children
I was never into princesses and getting married but somehow my 3 and 4-year-old daughters are. The eldest is not just ‘into’ it, she’s obsessed with wedding dresses, rings and getting married with anyone and everyone. This was happening even before the excitement around the Royal Wedding between Harry and Meghan reached fever pitch. I thought I would share …
Why playgroups and playdates are worth it
Creating the need to speak the target language and providing exposure to various sources are central to language development in bilingual children. It’s not so hard to find Spanish, Polish and French playgroups or language classes in large cities like London. But what about other languages? Joining, or starting a minority language playgroup, or even just a social meet …
9 steps to setting up a popular language playgroup
This is a very generic guide to setting up a popular language playgroup, to give you an idea of what’s involved. If you’re based in the UK, and wish to proceed in setting up a playgroup, I recommend that you contact the Pre-School Learning Alliance for guidance and legal requirements. If you’re based outside the UK, contact the body that regulates …
17 things to do with the kids during half term
“Not another school holiday!” most parents are thinking just as many schools in the UK start a two weeks Easter Holiday. Whether you’re a full time working parent or a stay at home parent, you may well be dreading it. “How am I going to entertain the kids over two weeks!!??”. Don’t fret, here are a few suggestions. *This post …
The day I decided to tattoo my hand… to remind me to speak my mother tongue
I never had a problem with tattoos. Some are truly beautiful and meaningful. It’s just too permanent for me. I feel like I’m in constant evolution and didn’t want to be tied down to one single embellishment on my skin forever. Until one day, frustrated with my ability to remember to speak the target language, and being acutely aware of …