My family calls me unrealistic for teaching my kid English as a baby

As parents, we all have ambitions for our children—it's natural. But what truly matters is what we want for them and how we get them to want it, too.

A woman reads a book to two children. Illustration photo by Pexels/Tima Miroshnichenko

When my child was just crawling, she was fascinated by colors. So, I surrounded her with vibrant objects, turning her world into a visual playground. As she grew, I read her picture books and told her stories, even before she could talk. My family thought I was being ridiculous, narrating English cartoons as if I expected her to become a genius.

But by the time she started primary school, my child could recognize English words and understand cartoons without any formal language lessons.

Then came elementary school, where she found outdated English textbooks dull and phonics drills tedious. To keep her learning engaging, I introduced a free American English program suited to her grade level, letting her learn at her own pace—without extra language classes.

By middle school, despite her strong English skills, she refused to join advanced programs that focused heavily on grammar and drills. Those classes felt repetitive and uninspiring. I respected her choice and moved her to a regular half-day class, giving her more time to explore other interests after school.

In high school, she was among the first to experience the new, improved curriculum—one that emphasized practical learning over rote memorization. She adapted quickly. Now, with just months before graduation, her 12 years of self-learning will soon be put to the test. I have no doubt she will do well.

Recently, she told me, "I hope universities catch up with the times. It will be unbearable if I have to study the way you did."