Since my son’s native language is Japanese, I have been half-afraid that he wouldn’t be able to speak Mandarin, thus leading to communication barriers.

He is also the kind who talks non-stop during dinner, so my default answer to all his questions is 因为它们是一家人 (because they are family) because I just want to shovel food into my mouth rather than chit-chat with him.

Today, he made his zebra kiss the back of his camel and asked me why. Cue my default answer.

He surprised me by remarking, “好朋友 (good friends).” I have never used this phrase with him before. Great job, PCF Sparkletots. You must have managed to inculcate the importance of friendship in him. You managed to make 好朋友 stick in his mind!

I replied, “相亲相爱! (loving each other)”

Okay, I have hopes that he will acquire all these wonderful wisdom-inducing Chinese idioms from me.

#proudtospeakchinese