Why We Decided to Raise Our Kids Trilingual

Background:

I am from Ukraine and my husband is Nigerian and we live in the United States. Both of our kids were born here. My primary language is Russian, my husband learned it as well and speaks pretty well. 

So it was a no brainer for us that our kids should speak both Russian and English. However, from the beginning we understood the value and decided to add another language for the kids. We chose Mandarin which (fun fact!) neither of us knows. As the world becomes more global and Asian cultures build a stronger influence in the West, we want to give our kids any advantages we can. I don't know what the future holds - but I do know that the value of speaking 3 native languages (that are totally different from each other) is priceless.

Here are 3 Main Reasons Why We Decided to Raise Our Kids Trilingual:

1. Sharper brain function 

Numerous studies show that kids who speak multiple languages develop stronger cognitive abilities. They are better at problem solving, multi-tasking, and processing new information. Plus, they develop stronger listening skills and higher memory retention.

2. Strong social skills

Learning new languages exposes you to new cultures. Children gain new perspectives, develop communication skills, and become more open-minded. Exposure to other cultures expands their imagination and develops creative thinking. Plus, they'll have more opportunities to meet different people and build close-cultural social connections.

3. Keys to the world

People who speak multiple languages will have competitive advantage in the job market. It is specially important now as the world becomes more global and such skills as communication and problem solving become vital. Speaking other language opens up new countries and cultures and breaks barriers allowing us to freely move around the world.