Question: can i stop my ex wife from teaching my 20 month old son to speak in spanish.? i have been split up for 6 months.my ex wife to be is from peru,she has been here for 3 years and as soon as she got her residents visa she was off.\nok i know i was a fool bbut thats life.\ni see my son wednesday nights and all day sunday.\nthe problem is my ex has never had any engkish friends and she only talks to the baby in spanish.\nwhenever i take him anywhere he doesnt understand anyone.\nim frightened that when he starts school he wont have a clue and because of this he will be mocked and picked on.\nhas anyone got any ideas

Answer: That's a tough situation.  The only things I could suggest would be to ask her to try to help him learn english as well, since it's essential for his future schooling.  Obviously you've tried this approach, but it doesn't hurt to continue.  Secondly, whenever you do have him, spend alot of time talking to him.  Try starting with just pointing things out and naming them constantly.  At his age learning in two languages won't be that difficult, but since you don't have him anywhere near as much as she does you need to be extra vigilant.  Point out everything you see, objects, store names, actions, etc.  You may think you sound stupid, but it'll get through to him.  And also I'd suggest getting him some age-appropriate videos (and VCR or DVD player if she doesn't have one) that he can watch at home.  Watching pre-school/toddler programs in english will definitely help.  My son has picked up so much watching these things and we speak english anyway!  Good luck, and just count your blessings that you have your son, and that with your help he will grow up bilingual!
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