I came across this quote the other day and it rung me like a bell. The whole poem goes…
How did it get so late so soon?
It’s night before it’s afternoon.
December is here before it’s June.
My goodness how the time has flewn.
How did it get so late so soon?
And these words—“How did it get so late so soon?”—have continued to reverberate in my head. This might sound funny, but I was sitting at breakfast today, reading Roald Dahl’s “The Twits” to my kids, when I suddenly stopped and thought:
“Wait! These are my children! My God, I have children! And look how big they’re getting! It’s all happening so fast! This is crazy!”
“How did I get so old?”
You’ll be pleased to hear that I didn’t have a meltdown right there at the kitchen table. I just went on reading “The Twits” and then quietly ate my toast.
But since time is now on my mind, and Bilingual Monkeys has been officially open for one month as of today, it seems fitting to mark the occasion by sharing some surprising numbers and news from the very first month.
Number of times per week I posted articles: 3
I’m posting articles on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, a pace I hope to maintain.
Number of new gray hairs on my head: 24
That’s two for every article.
Number of people who’ve visited the site so far: 557
That’s the real figure, based on my blog stats. And, yes, that includes my mother.
Number of countries where these visitors are found: 35
These countries cover all seven continents, except Antarctica. (Please share the Bilingual Monkeys link with all your friends in Antarctica.)
Number of subscribers to the Bilingual Monkeys Newsletter: 25
My newsletter is free and I email it to subscribers each Sunday evening. It contains additional content not found on the blog and is intended as a little boost for your efforts during the coming week. Subscribing is simple: just enter your first name and email address below. I’ll take care of the rest.
You can join the party by clicking this link to enter your name and email address…
Number of times people have read about “My Family”: 201
Along with the My Family page, other popular articles have included:
The Ten Commandments (of raising a bilingual child)
What are some basic principles for raising children with good bilingual ability?
What Is Captive Reading and How Will It Help My Bilingual Child?
Captive reading is a highly effective strategy for increasing a child’s exposure to reading material.
How to Get Your Child Hooked on Books
Chapter books which come in a series are a vital part of engaging a child’s interest in reading.
Recommended Resources: Great Cooperative Games
Cooperative games can increase exposure in the minority language in an effective, enjoyable, and harmonious way.
Something More Precious Than Wealth
Nurturing the English side of your child’s bilingual ability is the richest inheritance you can hand down.
Number of times people have read about my “Baby Chicks”: 9
I can’t help but be disappointed that an article with the headline Strange-But-True Tales: Baby Chicks in the Bathtub has been read only nine times. Those baby chicks are lonely, people! Please take a peep peek!
Other worthy articles that are feeling a bit friendless include:
The Busy Parent’s Guide to Cloning Yourself
Increase your bilingual child’s exposure to the minority language, even when you’re not around.
Using Made-Up Memories to Engage Bilingual Kids
Parents and children can engage in English by making up fantastical “memories” from the past.
Today’s Appetizer: Daddy — How to Boost Literacy (and Love) at Lunchtime
Personal notes placed in a child’s lunchbox can help foster literacy and reading ability.
Why Keeping a Journal on Your Kids is So Valuable
Give your kids a “precious peek” into their childhood, years from now, by keeping a regular journal on their young lives.
A Special Way to Impact Your Child Years From Now
Reach into the future by writing a letter describing your child’s unique nature at a young age, to be read when she’s a teen or young adult.
Number of comments on an article I wrote for Japan Today: 96
My article 16 Tips for Raising a Bilingual Child in Japan was published at Japan Today about ten days ago. (The article also appeared at GaijinPot and GetHiroshima.) Controversy was the last thing on my mind when I wrote it—I was just trying to be helpful—but it seemed to kick up a small dust storm of comments.
