To be or not to be: bilingual children

I want to share something that I wrote for my ESL class;

Raising Bilingual Children.

Bilingualism is the ability to speak, write, read, and understand two languages. In the whole world, more than half of the people speak two languages or more; it is part of their normal life. The same thing happens in the United States; we, the immigrants, continue using our first language. When children learn another language, they will do better in school; moreover, they will have professional advantages and will be able to communicate with grandparents and other family members. Immigrant parents should be aware.

Supporting our children at school is really important; therefore, if parents and children use the language they know best, they could help more with homework and assignments. Also, it is proved that bilingual children develop a great mental flexibility; they easily resolve abstract problems and mathematics. In addition, some studies show when bilingual children learn academic concepts in their mother language, they understand those better and they can easily transfer those subjects to the English language. As a result, bilingual children achieve academic success with their parent’s contribution and bilingual programs at school.

Actually, a demand exists for bilingual employees. For some jobs, being bilingual is a plus; moreover, it can result in a higher income. Another benefit is that you have the opportunity to work in other countries. Bilingual children will be well prepared for a world that is changing towards globalization; consequently, they will have more chances of success.

Most relevant, bilingual children can relate to relatives who live in other countries. They can talk and understand their extended family; furthermore, they can feel a connection with another part of their culture. Those interactions help them to learn, to comprehend, to accept, and to value their heritage. If bilingual children accomplish this, they will feel proud about what they are and where they come from. All that contributes to positive self-esteem.

For parents, raising a bilingual child is a challenge; however, there are many advantages, such as excellent academic achievement and more professional opportunities. Also, bilingual children will develop high self-respect; in fact, they are proud of their background. Continuing to speak your mother language is a gift to your children; essentially, bilingualism is going to be a key for their success in the future.