Parents dont speak english...?

Question

my parents dont speak english and i have to be the one to go with them to the doctor, to translate, call people for them, read mail, and i hate that. I'm only 14 and i feel like i never had a childhood. I always have to go with them to places afterschool even though i have TONS of hw cause i take Ap classes. This has been going on for a few years now. And the thing is, if they take my older sister, (by 2 years) or make her call, she doesnt handle stuff like i do, she screws everything up. I dont want to sound mean but its true. Everytime i tell myself to not go, i feel bad cause there is no one else to translate for them. They both work long hours so they dont have time to take classes. Can someone help me deal with this please?? the stress is killing me!

Answer 1

2 things.
1. how did you learn english? Can you help them learn too?

2. They need to find a doctor that speaks their language. ARe they insured? On my insurance website it lists what languages the doctors speak...

Answer 2

Don't feel so over whelmed! this is a problem that goes on very often. Parent's seem to forget that there kids also have their own life as in your school work etc..But at the same time they need to understand they can't always expect you to be there to help them out. Your older sister needs to get her act together and realize that they are not only your parents but hers too and she needs to take more responsibility. Am 17 right now and Ive always had to do this for my mother but slowly they'll start learning a few things here and there and before you know it will be on their own...

Answer 3

Oh my god!!! You sound like me at the age of 14 I went through this with my parents when I was growing up! I had 2 sisters myself and I was the one they picked for everything. Listen to this word of advice, don't get too overwhelmed, handle it with ease, if possible take your homework with you to these appointments, you have to help them out. Let me tell you what this has done for me I have grown to be a very successful business owner, I fend for my own battles and my vocabulary is extraordinary! I am a very pushy person it taught me to be strong minded, strong willed, and very smart in my business dealings! 18 years later my parents speak english and I have been liberated. Hint Hint..........always ask the receptionist or whoever they will be dealing with if here is someone that speaks Spanish, most places have bilingual help!! Trust me honey in the long run you will be grateful! About your sister sorry to say she'll be seeking advice on how to handle her issues in the future. Remember, you are one ste ahead of her!! Good luck and hang thight!

Answer 4

First, I honestly commend you for helping your parents get along. I am assuming you are here in the US. So here are some things that can help you get some of your own time back:

Let's suppose your parents speak Spanish.

Bank: Speak with the manager and ask for a spanish speaking teller/account manager to help your parents with their banking needs.

Doctor: Speak with the doctor and ask for a spanish speaking nurse.

Telephone calls - there are many businesses that now offer Spanish directions/etc. This won't cut all calls down but at least some of them.

Town/City business - Again, call ahead and make an appointment for a translator.

Now if your parents balk at going to the bank without their trusty translator (you) explain that you want to honor them by letting them be independent adults - that they no longer have to rely totally on a child for their adult business. Go with them until they are accustomed to asking for a translator - in English.

Teach them this phrase (and what it means) "I need a translator, please. I don't speak English well."

OK darling - yes, it's difficult for you to be your parents' translator but consider this:

Your parents must depend on their child to help them. In cultures where parents are supposed to be the leaders, imagine how humiliating it is for them to have to rely on a child.

Your sister's issues are her own. She will find her own lot in life.

Finally, your folks came to this country to make a better life foryou and your sister. Yes, it's hard. Yes, it's foreign. Yes, you have a tremendous responsibility placed on your shoulders. BUT - and this is a big one - YOU ARE MAGNIFICENT for being there for your folks. No matter what - you are a real hero.

Answer 5

Feel honored that you speak 2 languages and are getting translation practice. This will help you land a job.
You can help your parents by translating to (language) and English. You have 4 years and then at 18 you can do what you want. Don't let them guilt you into being their translator forever.

Answer 6

I agree with those above me. Call CPS or the police. Also, if you can take pic's of when the kids are actually doing those things you mention. Also, if that's your fence, they have no right to lean a ladder against it. Go over and remove the ladder. You may need to put a lock on the gate so they can't steal your dog (do they eat dog where they're from???!!) That sucks you're having to deal with this. Esp when they don't speak english.

Answer 7

Welcome to the world of being bilingual. I went through the same thing you did. You just have to deal with it. My parents through out the years picked up english. Maybe your parents can ask if there is someone at the place they call that speak their language? It really depends on how common the lanuage is. I feel for you because I still have to translate for my parents yet I deal with it because they are my parents. Keep strong and in the end it will all work out.~~

Answer 8

Well, it may be a hassle but you are doing good for your family and for your future. Taking on such large responsibility at a young age may be stressful, but you will have so much experience and knowledge for your future. To relieve the stress though, try getting in touch with people in your community who speak the language. See if there are any groups organized where your parents can go and mingle with other adults who speak the language and give them guidance on living here. Lastly, persuade your parents to learn English...get them a set of tapes, CDs, etc...and lok around for classes that suit their schedule/budget.

Answer 9

There is a lot of english teaching software out there that they can use to learn. I am not trying to be ugly, but if they are going to live in a country where English is the primary language, then they need to learn how to speak it. You did. It is not your responsibility to translate for them. You won't always be there. You are going to go to college in a few years, so they need to learn how to take care of themselves. I would make it a rule (since you are basically caring for them) that if you are going to continue to be a translator for them, that they have to learn English. I would only use English when you talk to them. Make them use English to talk back to you. You will figure out how to work it out. The best thing would probably be to teach them a couple of phrases a day. But seriously...look for some software. Try this free site for starters.

http://www.tolearnenglish.com/

Answer 10

I totally understand you because I have been in that situation all my life and I know exactly how you feel. All I can say is that in the long run that helps you to grow a lot. You are very young and by doing all these grown up things for them you are learning for when you have to do them for yourself. It helps you to become mature and more responsible. I think that they are your parents and they do a lot of things for you so that is the least you can do for them. I understand the stress that comes with but in the long run it pays off. Trust me!! Well I hope this helps. Good Luck!!!