So I've recently been under pressure from quite a few people to teach Skye how to speak French. I don't argue the value in learning a second language, but I also don't think it's as useful as you think. Are you. the reader bilingual? If the answer is yes, how useful do you actually find it? I personally don't find that speaking French gives me any advantage in life apart from the fact that it gives me a better insight into how language works, and how the language we use shapes our thoughts and ways of thinking. If you only know one language I imaging that these concepts don't even occur to you. Ultimately though, it's a good think to learn even if the value is small.
I'm reluctant to do it though. I don't want to speak French to Skye for several reasons:
- I don't want to go back to the stage of development where communicating with Skye is difficult
- As I live on my own, it's very hard to maintain a one sided conversation, especially in an unfamiliar language
- I look forwards all week to interacting with Skye and I don't want to spoil my enjoyment
- I have so much I want to teach her and so little time, like reading, or sign language for instance. I see my primary role as a Dad to be one of a teacher.
- I don't feel I have the energy to do this on my own and maintain it.

Originally published at SkyeRose.co.uk.