Kids are funny. You think you are teaching them so much and preparing them for the future. But suddenly they turn around and teach you something in turn! In fact, if you pay close enough attention, they will teach you wonderful things every single day! This little lesson from my 6 year old daughter on being bilingual and bicultural is so cute, that I couldn’t wait to share with you guys!

A Right of Passage

Eliana is currently losing all her teeth. Yes…just in time for the holidays and all the wonderful picture “perfect” moments! The girl loves it! She knows she’s growing up. She loves how silly she looks. Additionally, she loves that she can use her lack of teeth as an excuse to be more choosy with food (“oh no mommy, not apples or carrots. Those are way too hard to eat”). However, she wisely sees this as an opportunity to make some money. Lots and lots of money apparently….

When Eliana’s first tooth (in recent memory…she lost a couple two years ago, but that’s ancient history in 6 year old time) fell out, she screamed with joy! She had been wiggling that thing for days, telling everyone that would listen that she was about to lose a tooth. Then, she started making plans for bedtime, because she couldn’t wait for the tooth fairy to come and bring her money. Someone at school told her the going rate was $2 per tooth and she couldn’t wait to get her hands on that $2. 

She used being Bilingual and Bicultural to get the best of me!

As I tucked her in to bed that night, with a little gleam in her eye, she reminded me that she was “half Venezuelan, because you were born in Venezuela mommy.” That right there, got me straight in the heart! “Yes baby. You are most definitely half Venezuelan!” And then…the other shoe dropped. “So, did you know that ‘El Ratoncito Perez’ is who gives Venezuelan children money for their teeth?” So, I’m pretty sure they are both going to visit me, because, you know, I’m both.”

And that folks, is how my kids got 4 dollars for 1 tooth. The following morning, she told her Abuelo that she lost a tooth, and she got $2 more from him! In her world, the going rate for a tooth is now $6. 

Well, Eli really hit the jackpot 2 days later, when this child lost 2 more teeth! In one day! I’m pretty sure she’s loosing teeth on purpose at this point. 

So, my cash is gone, my kid is running a racket, but my heart is pretty full. She understands where she comes from, is firmly planted in her roots, and has no problem navigating being bilingual and bicultural.

Do you have any stories to share about how your children handle their bilingual and bicultural world? We’d ove to hear from you!

About the Author

Keli Garcia Allen is a Spanish teacher and currently works as a Preschool teacher in a bilingual classroom. She is the Head of Content for Learn Safari and is currently working on Spanish Safari,  an app for learning Spanish for kids 3-9 years old. You can follow her and the rest of the team on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.