Children adjusting...

[Boorai 0]

I am curious to know how children have adapted to the change from The Philippines to the U.S.

Grace and i have a beautiful 5 years old baby girl. I love this child with all of my soul. I would do anything to protect her.

I have a small fear that teh adjustment to the American culture might be rough on her. Perhaps, I am mistaken in this, but I would rather be as prepared as possible; to help her negotiate the changes.

Foods will definetly be a change. A significant change for her. Yes, her mother can cook and will continue with many of those foods..but something simple..like say...Jollibee; that will be gone. A small change, but a change none the less.

How have the children adapted to the American culture? Do they take to it like water or have any of them had difficulties?

I would love to hear yoru stories and get some feedbacl.

My wife and child have always lived in Metro Manila. In fact, I do believe they will find Dayton, Ohio a bit boring and uninteresting.

[Boorai 0]

and also....how have they adjusted to school in the States.

both academically and culturally. Do, they tend to excel in schools here and do you find they have no cultural problems in school?

[Jose Rizal 1]

and also....how have they adjusted to school in the States.

both academically and culturally. Do, they tend to excel in schools here and do you find they have no cultural problems in school?

Teach her to eat with a knife and fork. You don't want what happened to the Filipino schoolgirl who was reprimanded by her principal because she ate with a spoon and fork. I saw this in the MSN webpage last year and though this incident happened in Canada, it still wouldn't be far off. It's still adjusting to a Western culture.

Snow or the generally the weather will also be a big factor not only for the kids alone but for the adults as well. As they often say, snow is fun only for the first five minutes. After that "hell freezes over."

[njaxfl 0]

I am curious to know how children have adapted to the change from The Philippines to the U.S.

Grace and i have a beautiful 5 years old baby girl. I love this child with all of my soul. I would do anything to protect her.

I have a small fear that teh adjustment to the American culture might be rough on her. Perhaps, I am mistaken in this, but I would rather be as prepared as possible; to help her negotiate the changes.

Foods will definetly be a change. A significant change for her. Yes, her mother can cook and will continue with many of those foods..but something simple..like say...Jollibee; that will be gone. A small change, but a change none the less.

How have the children adapted to the American culture? Do they take to it like water or have any of them had difficulties?

I would love to hear yoru stories and get some feedbacl.

My wife and child have always lived in Metro Manila. In fact, I do believe they will find Dayton, Ohio a bit boring and uninteresting.

I think your girl will be fine,i believe she speaks good english since you guys all live together for a long time in the Philippines.I'm here in the US together with my 2children,son is 4th grade and daughter is 6th grade,and their english is only 60% for now.And this is just our 16th day here in America.It was pretty hard for them at first,espcially their sleeping hrs,my son lost few pounds coz he's not able to sleep and eat well,my daughter seem to be fine now.Now that they go to school and they eat American breakfast and lunches everyday,i always make sure i make them rice dinner everynight to fill up lil tummy,of course my husband has to eat too and my step son...hehe.Children can adopt easily,it'll takes time but it wont be long.And oh,both of them take school buses,i just have to walk with my 2 sons to the school bus stop each morning and wait for them in theafternoon,since they have to cross the street,daughter is fine,she knows her way to school bus stop.We're from Jacksonville Florida,nice weather so far-and can't wait for winter,glad it doesn't snow here.So this is going to be another adjustment..the real cold...

[njaxfl 0]

I am curious to know how children have adapted to the change from The Philippines to the U.S.

Grace and i have a beautiful 5 years old baby girl. I love this child with all of my soul. I would do anything to protect her.

I have a small fear that teh adjustment to the American culture might be rough on her. Perhaps, I am mistaken in this, but I would rather be as prepared as possible; to help her negotiate the changes.

Foods will definetly be a change. A significant change for her. Yes, her mother can cook and will continue with many of those foods..but something simple..like say...Jollibee; that will be gone. A small change, but a change none the less.

How have the children adapted to the American culture? Do they take to it like water or have any of them had difficulties?

I would love to hear yoru stories and get some feedbacl.

My wife and child have always lived in Metro Manila. In fact, I do believe they will find Dayton, Ohio a bit boring and uninteresting.

As what Jose Rizal said,i would have thought you wont say that since your name is our hero's name..hehehe,kidding aside,it shouldn't matter,my kids go to school eat at the cafeteria and my son,can't eat with just fork and knife but he knows how to do it coz we do that sometimes in our house during meals only he's not comfortable.I know that incident in Canada,and for here in America,as long as it's not agains't the law to eat with spoon and fork i dont see nothing wrong with that,everyone has the right to EAT whichever they are comfortable and feel like it.And i'm pretty sure once they grow up and be able to socialize other people,am sure that'll change.And i believe using spoon and fork is much appropriate than eating by hand...as 80% Filipino does.

[Boorai 0]

My wife and child's first language is Enlish. So, that is not an issue. In fact, Grace speaks english better than anyone I have ever met in my life.

I would not want her to lose those culture aspect. Such as use of the spoon. I am sure that with time and infusion into American culture, she will...but it saddens me to think of it. It is part of her culture and I do not want her to lose that.

I live in Ohio, so the weather will indeed become an issue. Grace and Alec will arrive in early April, so it will be warming, but still cold for them. My mother and I will ensure that they have proper clothing for the cold.

School Is a concern for me. Every school that I visit I ask about diversity amongst the population. America is a melting pot and it would not be unusual to see Asian children within an American classroom...but once the speak the difference will be obvious. I am a bit concerned about that...not greatly, but a tad bit. I would be an enraged father if either of my ladies have to suffer racism. I won't tolerate it.

And how have the women taken to the changes; Whether from the province or the city?

[Jose Rizal 1]

I live in Ohio, so the weather will indeed become an issue. Grace and Alec will arrive in early April, so it will be warming, but still cold for them. My mother and I will ensure that they have proper clothing for the cold. And how have the women taken to the changes; Whether from the province or the city?

You should probably know by now that 17C (63F) is already considered freezing here in the Philippines!

[Jose Rizal 1]

I would not want her to lose those culture aspect. Such as use of the spoon. I am sure that with time and infusion into American culture, she will...but it saddens me to think of it. It is part of her culture and I do not want her to lose that.

The solution for that really is good parenting. I am assuming that both of you are good parents.

[njaxfl 0]

My wife and child's first language is Enlish. So, that is not an issue. In fact, Grace speaks english better than anyone I have ever met in my life.

I would not want her to lose those culture aspect. Such as use of the spoon. I am sure that with time and infusion into American culture, she will...but it saddens me to think of it. It is part of her culture and I do not want her to lose that.

I live in Ohio, so the weather will indeed become an issue. Grace and Alec will arrive in early April, so it will be warming, but still cold for them. My mother and I will ensure that they have proper clothing for the cold.

School Is a concern for me. Every school that I visit I ask about diversity amongst the population. America is a melting pot and it would not be unusual to see Asian children within an American classroom...but once the speak the difference will be obvious. I am a bit concerned about that...not greatly, but a tad bit. I would be an enraged father if either of my ladies have to suffer racism. I won't tolerate it.

And how have the women taken to the changes; Whether from the province or the city?

Like you just said,both your wife and your lil girl speaks english,usually that's the main concern of so many Filipinos arriving here in America espeically for children.I and my kids live in a suburbs in the Philippines,speak our own Leyte dialect even in school,i tried so hard to get my kids speak english but seem so hard coz they hangout with other local kids in school and speak the dialect everyday.Yeah,it's very unusual to see Asian kids within Amer school and my daughter always get attention most of the time and complaining some stuff,esp during PE class which they have to change clothes infront of each other at the girls locker.She's totally dissagreeing about doing it-but her dad always reminding her and my son that there are some things here in America that you should consider since you already live here..and rules to follow and as long as your not losing your self respect and respect to your parents and to the olders.I'm sure you're aware of some kids are out of respect to the olders.My husband is diciplinarian so it'll still be how we will raise our children,DICIPLINE AND RESPECT always starts at home!

[livelife 0]

What's important is that the two of you are there for her to guide her;she is still young and will able to adjust easily and would learn to speak with your accent as well.If you will live in CA or Las Vegas,there are Jolibee;if not there are alot of Asian market/grocery stores across US that your wife can find ..from alamang,achara to chippy..anything is there.When i first went to US,my husband right away find an asian store for me to go to and subscribe to a Filipino channel so that i will not be bored in the house watching US channels...I'm sure your daughter would like to have a Filipino channel,check dish network and Direct TV provider. Good luck on your new journey to life .

Edited October 24, 2008 by livelife

[Boorai 0]

What's important is that the two of you are there for her to guide her;she is still young and will able to adjust easily and would learn to speak with your accent as well.If you will live in CA or Las Vegas,there are Jolibee;if not there are alot of Asian market/grocery stores across US that your wife can find ..from alamang,achara to chippy..anything is there.When i first went to US,my husband right away find an asian store for me to go to and subscribe to a Filipino channel so that i will not be bored in the house watching US channels...I'm sure your daughter would like to have a Filipino channel,check dish network and Direct TV provider. Good luck on your new journey to life .

I had no clue that Jollibee was in the States. In Ohio, surely there are none...I have already located two Asian stores and have connected with the Fil-Am Society in this area. I don't want them to feel isolated here.

What's important is that the two of you are there for her to guide her;she is still young and will able to adjust easily and would learn to speak with your accent as well.If you will live in CA or Las Vegas,there are Jolibee;if not there are alot of Asian market/grocery stores across US that your wife can find ..from alamang,achara to chippy..anything is there.When i first went to US,my husband right away find an asian store for me to go to and subscribe to a Filipino channel so that i will not be bored in the house watching US channels...I'm sure your daughter would like to have a Filipino channel,check dish network and Direct TV provider. Good luck on your new journey to life .

I had no clue that Jollibee was in the States. In Ohio, surely there are none...I have already located two Asian stores and have connected with the Fil-Am Society in this area. I don't want them to feel isolated here.

[ez2007 1]

Children adjust easily to the environment compared with us adults. At first, they would miss the Philippines. Later, they were the ones prodding me to get used to the surroundings especially the weather. They do well in school often excelling.

I agree with Jose Rizal. Good parenting is the key.

[jom 4]

At five yeras old, most children live at the moment so I am sure she will be just fine. She will probably miss familiar faces but as long as her Mom and you are there her adjustment period will be easy.

My two nieces arrived here on a K2 visa, they were 14 and 16 respectively. It was hard for them to adjust school because the system is quite different. Back in the Philippines we graduate high school at age 16 but here its 18 and because they have already school records, it has to be evaluated and compared to the subjects here. They wanted to go back but eventually they adjusted less than a year and are happier now. The eldest have several admirers and have crushes, lol. So far they are doing good and looking forward to playing in the snow again.

Goodluck, I am sure your family will be just fine.

[DARUMA07 25]

Mathew, our son was 3 when they got here last year. He is now 4 and has adjusted very well. He will be going to kindergarten next year. His english has improved alot and speaks it very well. Thank God for the Cartoon Network. Kids seem to learn to speak english from watching cartoons.

Your 5 year old will do fine. Kids are very resilient. Good luck to you!

[chuckb 0]

At five yeras old, most children live at the moment so I am sure she will be just fine. She will probably miss familiar faces but as long as her Mom and you are there her adjustment period will be easy.

My two nieces arrived here on a K2 visa, they were 14 and 16 respectively. It was hard for them to adjust school because the system is quite different. Back in the Philippines we graduate high school at age 16 but here its 18 and because they have already school records, it has to be evaluated and compared to the subjects here. They wanted to go back but eventually they adjusted less than a year and are happier now. The eldest have several admirers and have crushes, lol. So far they are doing good and looking forward to playing in the snow again.

Goodluck, I am sure your family will be just fine.

I'm quite sure she will do well, that would be a good age to adapt to the US. We have three that came here at ages 8,9, & 10, three years ago.

The oldest spoke English reasonably well, and read English enough to understand the basics. Her schooling was private, and somewhat better than the schooling the younger two got. She is excelling in our schools, her English vocabulary is somewhat limited (as expected). She hits me up for words that I have to break out the dictionary the explain them, so I don't think vocabulary is a problem. She gets mostly all A's, on the Honor roll, and all that.

The younger two understood a little English, but reading it wasn't happening. After three years, they are still having some difficulties with reading comprehension, but their spoken English as good or better than any other 5th grader. Reading is key to doing well in almost all subjects, so they both suffer because of it.

My point is that putting kids into second grade when they don't speak or read English is difficult. They soak up the spoken language like a sponge, but the written language is usually a problem. They missed the basics and playing catchup is not easy. They get even further behind while they are learning the spoken language. Hence, they miss even more of the the basics. I am quite proud of them for trying so hard, and having a good attitude even when they know they are behind.

The schools here have an English as a Second Language (ESL) program due to the Latino population here. It helps, but naturally it is not oriented towards Tagalog! The ESL program does lend them extra assistance with reading and pronounciation. They do get extra one on one teaching which is a help. The ESL teachers mentioned that many ESL students take several years to become fluent in speaking English, at least we're ahead of the game there!

The biggest problem I saw with ESL is that at times it seemed they were learning more Spanish than English! That's not all bad though, the oldest is doing better in Spanish classes than many of the native speakers in class.

That said as background, I would guess that a five year old will be speaking English and ready to learn to read by the time they are teaching the basics here. I think it is about the best time you could ask for to bring them here, other than even younger. It's not a walk in the park, but with time, patience, and understanding, they will learn and succeed.

Depends on what you want. I want our kids to remember their culture, I want them to be Filipino Americans, and proud of it! The younger you bring them here, the harder it is for them to remember. Our kids are older, and I think it makes it more difficult for them, but they haven't given up and that is key to their success.

Good Luck, it will be an experience of a lifetime! The ways of Americans are not always the ways of Pinoys. Our kids miss their friends and family in the Philippines, but they have adjusted very well. They get Filipino food at home sometimes, but love Pizza and Chicken Nuggets! As well as more healthy American foods! Nope, No Jolibee here, just Asian Markets in Denver (70 Miles away). They ride the School bus just like other kids and are very popular with this other kids.

There are more Filipinos (mostly adults) here in Colorado than I would ever have imagined before bringing them here. They get that interaction too so they won't forget their heritage. The Middle child didn't want to speak Tagalog anymore until we took him to the Philippines last summer. Now he answers in Tagalog rather than English when Tagalog is being spoken. It's all good. They have Internet and use it to talk to friends and relatives in the Philippines. In many ways, they have the best of both worlds.

BTW, they like the winter here a whole lot more than I do! Kids adjust better than adults, but then again, I thought that it was just too darned hot in the Philippines until I spent several months there. It isn't so bad being warm! It's chilly here today...

I think that I have said enough, it's just that the subject is near and dear to me! I'm sure you will be fine.