The World Feels Broken. But Here’s What Gives Me Hope (As a Parent)

Do you ever feel like the world has gone... a bit mad?

Like every time you turn on the news or scroll through your feed, there’s just more war, more division, more anger, more fear?

You’re not alone.

Many of us feel the weight of it all.

And for those of us raising children, there’s an added layer: what kind of future are we handing over to our kids?

But what if there is still hope?

And what if that hope begins right here, at home?

The Moment That Sparked This Reflection

This blog post was inspired by a recent visit I made to my old high school in London (feel free to check out a blog post I've written reflecting on this event). I was invited to speak to a group of bright, thoughtful students in their late teens.

They were full of questions about my career as a translator, about studying languages, and about the world beyond their borders.

What really struck me was how open they were. Open to ideas, to difference, to possibility. They hadn’t yet been hardened by cynicism or jaded by the relentless stream of bad news that so many adults have grown numb to. Their energy gave me a kind of joyful optimism I hadn’t felt in a while.

It was a powerful reminder: the future is not yet written.

And these young people – much like our own children – will be the ones writing it.

Our Role as Parents: Raising the Next Generation

Seeing those students, it hit me: in just ten years, my own kids will be at that age, making big life decisions, forging their own paths.

And suddenly, the role we play as parents felt even more important.

Because the values, the perspectives, and the tools we give our children today will shape the world they create tomorrow.

At the same time, I felt a deep sense of hope.

Because I realised that what we’re doing – those of us raising bilingual or multilingual kids – matters more than ever.

Why Multilingualism Matters More Than Ever

When most of us set out on this multilingual parenting journey, we often focus on the practical goals:

“I want my child to be able to speak to their grandparents.”

“I want them to be fluent in both English and Spanish.”

“I want them to have more opportunities in the future.”

All of these are important. But there’s a deeper impact we don’t always talk or even think about.

Because when you raise a multilingual child, you’re not just giving them a communication skill.

You’re giving them the ability to switch perspectives.

You’re raising a child who understands there is more than one way to see the world.

Who can connect with others across cultures. Who can walk into a room full of differences and build bridges.

And in a world that feels increasingly divided, that is a skill we desperately need more of.

You Are Raising a Bridge Builder

The world needs more bridge builders.

People who can connect, not divide. Who see difference not as something to fear, but something to understand.

And that’s what language does. It opens doors. It breaks down barriers. It helps us see each other’s humanity.

I’ve talked before about meeting a neurodivergent polyglot in his 80s who lived through World War II. He told me that speaking multiple languages helped him connect with people across divides – and that this was one of the great joys of his life.

That story has always stayed with me.

Look, I’m not saying that raising a bilingual child will lead to a Nobel Peace Prize!

But every storybook you read together, every song you sing in your language, every time you celebrate the traditions and history of your children's grandparents and forebears – it’s all laying the foundation for a more compassionate, connected world.

Even if your child refuses to speak the language right now. Even if you’re not seeing results yet.

What you’re doing matters.

It’s a gift to your child – and to all of us.

A Heartfelt Thank You (and a Special Invitation)

If you’ve been feeling a bit discouraged on this journey lately, I hope this post reminds you that what you’re doing is powerful and important.

It’s not always easy. But it’s so worth it.

You are not just raising a bilingual or trilingual child. You are raising someone who will grow up knowing how to connect with others. Someone who will one day make the world a little less broken.

And I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being here. Thank you for being part of this community.

This will be my last video and blog post for a little while, as I’m taking a short break over Easter to rest, recharge and soak up some precious family time.

Before I go – one more thing! I’m hosting a FREE virtual meetup on Thursday 24th April at 11am UK time. It’ll be a lovely, relaxed chance for us to connect, chat, and meet other multilingual families. I’ll also be answering some of your questions live!

If you’re subscribed to my newsletter, you’ll have already received the invitation. If not, just hit this link to sign up and I’ll make sure you get one.

Wishing you all a joyful and love-filled Easter — may it be full of special moments with your little ones.

With all my love,

Ka Yee x