How to Help Your Child Fall in Love with Learning Chinese - A Parent’s Guide

A Letter to all dear Parents：

Dear Parents:

Have you ever worried about missing your child’s so-called “Best Age” for learning? The truth is—learning has no deadline. As the Chinese saying goes, “Live and learn.” But we like to think of it this way: learning is not a race, it’s a lifelong journey of self-discovery and finding what sparks joy.

You may have found yourself wondering: Why can my child run around happily for two hours, but refuses to sit still for five minutes to write a Chinese character? Why do they stare at the textbook for 20 minutes but not remember a single word?

Most of the time, it’s not about intelligence or laziness—it’s because children naturally resist what feels forced. And that resistance often comes from a lack of emotional resilience and self-regulation. In simple terms, kids don’t yet know how to make themselves do something they don’t enjoy. Writing Chinese feels like a chore, while playing games feels like fun; therefore, they naturally choose the latter.

So, how do we help them build emotional resilience and self-control?

A Stanford study points out that around age 5, children begin developing self-regulation, but it only grows in moments of positive emotion. That means the best thing we can do is make learning a joyful experience. When learning becomes a positive, empowering exploration of self, that’s the greatest gift a parent can give.

I often say: Textbooks are like raw ingredients—they have potential, but they’re bland on their own. Teachers are like chefs. It’s our job to add the right spices (teaching methods) to match each ingredient (student and material), turning something dull into something delightful—and even addictive! That’s how we spark the love of learning that continues outside the classroom.

At Mayland Academy, we pride ourselves on curating the perfect mix of “spices” for every child. Our teachers bring passion, creativity, and fun to every class. We don’t just teach Chinese—we make it come alive. Kids don’t feel like they’re learning Chinese; they feel like they’re playing with it. Through laughter, connection, and tailored support, we help every child fall in love with the language—and with learning itself.

With heart,

Anika

Founder of Mayland Academy