It sounds like Smallsteps is well into her language development and close to the "point of no return" if there is such a place. I mean when the brain is hardened and doesn't absorb language as a sponge anymore. I'm still not convinced this has to happen, but as kids get older I noticed language learning isn't as fun as it used to be.
In the case of my firstborn son, the outside was all "Korean" and inside the house was "English". At that time my wife spoke only English at home. As the second child was born my wife was too tired to speak English. From the baby's viewpoint it was not Korean but "mom's language" and not English but "Dad's language".
To this day my second son will blab to his mom in Korean and then turn to me and continue in English without thinking about it. His older brother though will choose one language and stick with it even if his mom or I don't know all the vocabulary. They are now working on other language skills like writing and rhetoric.
As a teacher of second languages I see students who are free like a child absorb the most and come out speaking fluently. That means they are in an environment without fear of making mistakes. I don't know how much Fins use English, but I do wish Smallsteps could use both languages fluently.
For what it is worth, "Many Blessings in the New Year" to you and your bro and family. I was good to open Hive in 2025 and read your ponderings and your brothers. There may yet be some hope for a society that honestly reflects.
She doesn't have fun with learning English, as it is just her mother tongue. She has started English classes at school, but it doesn't challenge her at all yet. She is also learning French and was doing German, but her new school doesn't offer German. She likes learning languages still, which is good - and she has a gift for it.
This is how we taught Smallsteps. There was "what daddy says and what mummy says" - her first translation was when she was about 1.5 years old and my wife said something to her, and Smallsteps turned to me and explained what mummy said :D
And this is what my daughter does. It doesn't matter too much for her, but her Finnish vocabulary is stronger.
A lot. This is why it isn't "too much" of an issue, but to be truly mother tongue, she has to keep using it and expanding it. Finns speak English well compared to most of Europe, and Scandinavia in general is very good.
Are you in Korea yourself?
Same to you mate. Hopefully 2026 is a better one overall for the world. I have my reservations though. :)
Thank you,
It seems like Smallsteps will be fine and has a great advantage in Finland. I moved from Chicago to Korea almost 30 years ago. We are still here but my oldest son is planning to go to college in Chicago in August.
I can't see the future any more than anyone else, but according to the Asian zodiac this is the year of the Red Horse. It is interpreted as a year of double energy. That's one way of looking at it.