It sounds like Smallsteps is well into her language development and close to the "point of no return" if there is such a place. I mean when the brain is hardened and doesn't absorb language as a sponge anymore. I'm still not convinced this has to happen, but as kids get older I noticed language learning isn't as fun as it used to be.

In the case of my firstborn son, the outside was all "Korean" and inside the house was "English". At that time my wife spoke only English at home. As the second child was born my wife was too tired to speak English. From the baby's viewpoint it was not Korean but "mom's language" and not English but "Dad's language".

To this day my second son will blab to his mom in Korean and then turn to me and continue in English without thinking about it. His older brother though will choose one language and stick with it even if his mom or I don't know all the vocabulary. They are now working on other language skills like writing and rhetoric.

As a teacher of second languages I see students who are free like a child absorb the most and come out speaking fluently. That means they are in an environment without fear of making mistakes. I don't know how much Fins use English, but I do wish Smallsteps could use both languages fluently.

For what it is worth, "Many Blessings in the New Year" to you and your bro and family. I was good to open Hive in 2025 and read your ponderings and your brothers. There may yet be some hope for a society that honestly reflects.