Child who speaks NO English

[superfun]

Thanks for the update. I really enjoy knowing how things work out after someone posts a question.

[5 Little Monkeys]

So do I!!

Well sleep didn't last long. He woke up crying very loudly. I went down to him and rubbed his back. He settled right away but as soon as I stopped rubbing his back he would scream cry again. I'm sure he's scared/confused. I brought him out the naproom (I have one child here today who NEEDS his sleep or else the afternoon will be brutal!) He's laying on my couch upstairs with his blanket and hopefully will fall asleep. If not that's okay too. He's very quiet and not disrupting my break haha. He did get up and use the washroom so maybe that was his issue?

[kassiemom]

oh 5LM i am so happy that it is working out well so far! sounds like you are a wonderful provider for him keep us posted!!!

[Secondtimearound]

That would be scary for him to have to use the bathroom and not know how to say it ! I'm glad the day is going so well !!!
I'm trying not to compare my day with 3 three olds who have whined all day today !! Hmmm

[5 Little Monkeys]

Thanks for the kind words Kassiemom It's going to be a struggle I can tell but I think I'm up for it! It was so cute today, my husband looked up Chinese words and how to say them and tried to talk to him today....love!!

He was soooo tired and ended up having a meltdown. He was crying and talking to me in Chinese and asking for "mama". This is when my husband tried to tell him that his mom was working and would be here soon. He did stop crying and pay attention to him so maybe he was understanding his attempt at Chinese!! lol. I ended up taking him back downstairs to the nap room and laying with him on our spare bed. He snuggled in with me and fell asleep for about another 20 minutes or so. I hope I don't have to do this every day but under these circumstances I am okay with doing it until the language barrier is broken down a bit.

Mom and older brother picked up today and he told mom he had fun and played with new toys. Mom seemed happy (he did have a scratch on his eye that she asked about but he told her that it happened when he was crying....so I'm told lol. They had a conversation in Chinese and than she told me what they said) I sent home a letter stating what we did/ate today so that they could take it home and read in detail or have the older son translate for them. She said "say see you in the morning" and he said it in perfect english so I'm hoping/thinking they are working on english at home too

All in all, the day was pretty darn good considering the circumstances!! Thanks for all the help....I will gladly take any suggestions anyone has at any point in time!!

[Rachael]

Trying to think what helped me when living in countries with a different language but it was so damn long ago, my memory isn't that good.

What I will say is I remember kindness. I remember people whose tone and gestures showed kindness even if the language made no sense.

Kindness doesn't have a language but he will understand that.

One thought - since we all know most little ones don't have a concept of time, ask the older brother how you say 'soon' in Chinese. That way, when he asks for his Mama, "soon" is a reassurance she will indeed be coming in a while.

I remember when I moved to Canada with my boys who were 4 and 1 at the time. They were lost and confused for a while, even though I was with them all day and no language issues. It's over whelming - to be away from your extended family, your old day care friends, your old routine, your old house, your old community. It's a massive adjustment.

I think despite the tears, he's doing heroically. What a brave little boy to be thrown in the deep end like this and yet for the most part just rolling with it.

[5 Little Monkeys]

Thanks Rachael! I agree with you on kindness. I would ruffle his hair, give big thumbs up, high fives and smile at him lots throughout the day. He especially liked when I tickled him or made funny noises as he would repeat the noise lol.

That's a good idea about the word "soon"!!! I will have to remember to ask!

I agree, he is so brave! Did soooooo much better than I was expecting!

[5 Little Monkeys]

Amazing moment this morning!

I was putting diapers away and he came to me pointing at the playroom. I came out and my little handful was doing something that is not allowed ( getting at the cable wire that is behind my chair). He had been doing this yesterday and the new child obviously was paying attention and caught on that this isn't allowed. I said " thank you" to him and he smiled and said " you're welcome"....melted my heart lol. I'm so glad I took a chance, I think this will work out well

[superfun]

That's so cute! I love this thread

[kassiemom]

I wish could "like" your post! that's such a cute moment.