Reply to Struggling with whether to keep DC in weekend language school

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I'm French and I understand from OP's post that this is a much more complex language to learn that German, Spanish or French. Otherwise they wouldn't be posting about the challenge of the language itself, the "regressive" cultural expectations, etc.

I send my kids to weekend French classes. It's non-negotiable because we are first generation immigrants. That's it. I'm sure that if my kids remain in this country, they will perhaps not send their kids to French school on the weekend. I will offer to pay! But that's how it goes for immigrants. Little by little, the original culture and language is easily lost.

If I were you, I'd think long and hard about this:
1. It doesn't sound like if he skips a few years, he'll be able to get back in. So don't plan on that.
2. Do you have significant ties to your community of origin in the US, or in your home country? Is this community important for networking and jobs? If so, maybe your kids should not be cut off from those opportunities by language. 
3. Kids everywhere have always resisted the idea of extra school, particularly in elementary. Then in middle school, when they see their friends struggling with a foreign language at school, they get it - they realize what an advantage they have, and they're much more cooperative going to weekend school. That's usually how it goes. Your kid is maybe too young, but you'll see how he evolves. 
4. Do not impose your own burden on your child. It's sad you did not see the value of learning some of your language. Hope that your child has a more positive attitude about it. Maybe this school has better teachers,maybe you can find more ways for him to practice it, and he will retain more of it.

I would do my utmost to make him stay, personally. His brain is gaining in flexibility and memory, and hopefully one day he will have respect for his own cultural roots.
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“4. Do not impose your own burden on your child.” This is the reason why our children stopped language school. They were doing it for so many people including aunts, uncles and grandparents, but not for themselves.[/quote]

NP.  I mean, yeah, what kid wants to go to school on Saturday (or whenever)?  Unless they have a good friend there, they aren't going to want to go for themselves.  When they are older, they may (or may not) appreciate it.  But parents are the ones who decide these sorts of things for their children.  [/quote]

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