I'm worried.

I'm worried. In fact, very worried. About my 4 youngest children.

They seem to be suffering from language regression. I just don't understand.

I tried to do all the right things.

I talked to them constantly (in English---even when we were living in Asia) from the time of their birthings. I read them books from the time they could sit up in my lap.

I only let them watch educational T.V. like "Nova" and "Mr. Rogers." I stayed away from anything that might confuse their delicate, developing minds---"No Dora, the Explorer" at my house---I mean they could have gotten mixed up with the bilingualness of it all.

And what do I have to show for my labors??? I'm beginning to realize English, in fact, must NOT be their first, and most understood, language.

What are the signs and symptoms? I give them simple, straightforward commands such as "Go to bed." or "Go to bed, NOW!" I will even say it really slowly to help with the comprehension: "DO...THE....DISHES....NOW....NOT....IN...THE...NEXT...CENTURY!!!"

All to no avail. I get these vacant stares and puzzled looks on their faces. No movement towards the requested task whatsoever. And each year of life the regression seems to get worse.

They must just not understand.

I fear for their futures. What if in a few years they comprehend NOTHING I say in English??? I still have hope for short words and phrases such as "golf," "no school," and "Dunkin Donuts."

Nonetheless, I'm worried.... Do you think intensive speech therapy would help? Maybe I can send them to a foreign MTC to re-learn English in eight weeks.