Do you give Easter gifts to your loved ones? We Latvians usually don’t. But, as it turns out, even after a decade of living in Germany the country and its customs can surprise me. As I wrote about German Easter traditions last year: While in my childhood Easter egg hunting meant scouring our garden for actual eggs, […]
My 5 Commandments for Staying Consistent as the Minority Language Parent
“Are you a drop-dead-OPOL-mom?” an acquaintance inquired when I published my last update of Birdy’s language progress. I laughed out loud and then started wondering: am I? In our family, we follow the OPOL – one parent one language – strategy (you can read all about our approach here). In this constellation, I’m the minority language […]
Brilliant Latvian Women You’ve Probably Never Heard About
Do you know any famous Latvians? Are any of them female? Chances are that, unless you come from Latvia or have ties to the country, the answer is no. Let me change that and tell you about five amazing Latvian women who have made their names in the world of arts, sports, and politics. But, […]
Feed the Baby Hummus: a Book Review & Giveaway
If there is one thing that I have learned from parenting outside of the country where I was born and raised myself, it is that cultural differences exist with regards to EVERY SINGLE THING about raising a child. What’s the best sleeping position for your baby? Should you give her a pacifier and if yes […]
Bamm-Bamm Talks: 20 Months
Welcome the first instalment of the new “Bamm-Bamm Talks” series! After following my daughter’s language progress in the series “Birdy Talks“, I’m excited to be starting a new series about her brother. I know, I know, one should not compare the kids. That said, most parents will probably agree that – willingly or unwillingly – […]
Presenting: a Video about Let the Journey Begin
Back in November, soon after finding out that I am among the top nominees of the .eu Web Awards, I was visited by a film crew to make a video about Let the Journey Begin. I spent a fun morning with two lovely Belgian gentlemen, walking around one my favourite areas of Hamburg and talking about […]
Learning Latvian: the Best Resources for Kids
Speaking a small language has its perks but, as most Latvian parents living abroad will agree, finding books and other resources is not among them. Fortunately for us, the Internet can make learning Latvian a little easier and a lot more fun. Read on for a collection of useful webpages, mobile apps, book stores that deliver […]
The Art of Procrastination
Procrastination is my favourite word in the English language. In fact, I often say that this blog is running on tea, chocolate, and the power of procrastination. And I refuse to see procrastination as an irredeemable character flaw. Over the years I have developed my own brand of semi-productive procrastination that sometimes brings surprising results (case […]
Celebrating Name Days in Latvia
Do you celebrate name days? Chances are, your answer is either an enthusiastic ‘yes!’ or a slightly confused ‘err, what?’ In honor of just having celebrated my own name day (mark your calendar for January 27th if you don’t want to miss it next year!), this post is about the fun tradition of marking name […]
5 Reasons Why I Make a Terrible Latvian Mother
Parenting outside the culture where you yourself were born and raised can be a tricky thing. I certainly do some things differently than the German moms around me. At the same time, I have the feeling that I don’t parent like a typical Latvian mother either. From outside naps to early potty training, I fail […]