“Raising the Next Generation” aims to feature and connect stories of Taiwanese American parenthood, caretaking, and community-building across generations. We want to hear from our community on the unique challenges they navigate, the resources and tools they can share with each other, and the triumphs they want to celebrate with us all.
I’m excited to share more about my Learning Songs with Colors book series. The first book, The Fishing Song, was published in 2022. The series is now available on the @musicandtales site and with stockists globally, and the third book Build a Plane is available for pre-order.
The bilingual, singable books feature emotive illustrations and lyrics in both English and Mandarin Chinese (with Pinyin). They also include color-coded scores to facilitate learning English, Mandarin, and music all in one place.
Two key inspirations for the series are:
1️⃣ My experience teaching my own kids Mandarin and music, and the lack of suitable materials available.
2️⃣ Working with a young patient undergoing cancer treatment in a hospital’s BMT unit. Music in her native Mandarin rekindled her spirit during a tough medical journey, highlighting the need for appropriate therapeutic resources.
Driven by these experiences, I embarked on a mission to create mindfully designed and research-based resources and began working on the series in late 2021 to empower kids through music.
Fun fact: I spent a decade in Silicon Valley as a product manager working on big data products, all while performing as a pianist at night and on weekends. After having my first child, I experienced firsthand the isolating aspects of motherhood and the delight music brought to my child. This led me to create a concert series for families and delve into the science and psychology behind music, earning another degree, and becoming a board-certified music therapist.
What excites me most about becoming a parent is the opportunity to coach and guide the next generation. I’m thrilled at the prospect of nurturing and supporting a young mind as it grows and discovers the world. The chance to instill values, share wisdom, and witness their development firsthand is incredibly rewarding.
I’m eager to be a source of encouragement and guidance, helping them navigate their own path and pursue their passions. It’s inspiring to think about being there for their milestones, big and small, and playing a role in shaping their future. Ultimately, the idea of contributing to their growth and well-being, and watching them become their own unique selves, is what makes this journey so exciting for me.
Q: What’s something that has been challenging for you in the last year?
Over the past year, I’ve faced a significant challenge in addressing some health issues while also grappling with burnout and unhealthy perfectionism. Navigating these health concerns required a shift in my priorities and a renewed focus on self-care, which was a real learning curve for me.
At the same time, I’ve been working to combat burnout and let go of the pressure of unhealthy perfectionism. It’s been a journey to recognize the unhealthy perfectionism within me that was contributing to the burnout, and that embracing realistic goals and a slower pace is crucial for maintaining well-being. It’s also been a powerful lesson in self-compassion and resilience.
This experience has taught me the importance of listening to my body and mind, and finding a healthier, more sustainable approach to my goals. It’s been a transformative period, helping me to develop better habits and a more balanced perspective on success and self-care.
Q: What does it mean (for you) to be raising Taiwanese American children?
For me, raising Taiwanese American children means providing them with a rich and meaningful connection to both their heritage and their American upbringing. One of my main goals is for them to be bilingual in both English and Mandarin Chinese. I believe that language is not just a tool for communication but a gateway to understanding and embracing cultural nuances.
I also want them to experience Taiwan in a way that goes beyond learning a second language as a mere obligation. It’s important to me that they connect with Taiwan through authentic interactions with locals, engaging with its vibrant food culture, and immersing themselves in its lifestyle and traditions. By doing so, they can develop a genuine appreciation and love for their heritage, rather than simply seeing it as a cultural chord handed down by their mother.
Ultimately, I hope they grow up with a deep sense of pride in their dual identity and a well-rounded understanding of their roots and experiences.
Q: How would you describe your Taiwanese American upbringing?
My Taiwanese upbringing was deeply shaped by high expectations. From a young age, my childhood was marked by a unique musical training experience that started as early as first grade. This rigorous training was aimed at preparing me for auditions into a prestigious gifted music school. By the age of 10, I was already touring around the country with the this school’s orchestra and even playing for the president of Taiwan, which was both exhilarating and demanding.
This early immersion in music was not just about developing skills; it was also a reflection of the strong emphasis on excellence and discipline that is often characteristic of Taiwanese education. The focus on rigorous academic achievement was a significant part of my upbringing.
These experiences, from intensive musical training to high academic expectations, were distinctly Taiwanese elements of my childhood. They shaped my approach to challenges and success, blending cultural values with the opportunities afforded by my American environment.
Q: What resources, if any, have you found helpful for navigating Taiwanese American or Asian American parenthood?
Navigating Taiwanese American parenthood has been enriched by connecting with other Taiwanese American moms and engaging with other multicultural families. These connections offer valuable support. Bilingual books like AhMa Loves You! by Christina Wu has been great for introducing my kids to different love languages expressed across generations and cultures when traveling between the US and Taiwan, with personal faith as part of the picture! Additionally, committing to immersion trips to Taiwan has provided a deeper connection and appreciation for their heritage. Finding others who do the same has also created common goals and lasting bonds. These combined resources have been instrumental in supporting our parenting journey.
Q: What resources would you like to be connected with? What would you find useful and why?
I’d love to connect with more multicultural families, especially those who embrace their “third culture kid” identity, as these connections can offer unique perspectives and shared experiences. Additionally, connecting with other creator moms who are passionate about music and raising multilingual children would be incredibly valuable. I’ve found that one of the best aspects of the social media is engaging with creatives who share a commitment to nurturing bilingualism and cultural richness in their children. Such connections provide inspiration, practical advice, and a supportive community.
Q: What are you looking for in a Taiwanese American parenting or family community?
In a family community, I usually look for a group that grows alongside each other. As people and circumstances change, I value a community that adapts while maintaining a shared commitment to common goals. I appreciate spaces where members support each other and work together towards mutual aspirations, fostering a sense of growth and connection.
You can purchase Isabelle’s bilingual books here: https://musicandtales.org/books
If you would like to be featured in the “Raising the Next Generation” series, please email leona@taiwaneseamerican.org with subject “Next Gen Parenting.”
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