How to navigate parenthood in a multilingual home

Todor Panev and his three children, ages 7, 5 and 2, read a book in his native Macedonian. | Courtesy of Todor Panev

Sep 6, 2026

When Todor Panev brought his eldest son Niko to speak in front of a group of junior and senior high school students, the 6-year-old was a bit shy. And who could blame him?

Not only was he there to chat with students several years his senior, he’d also be doing it in a language that he normally uses only with his dad: Macedonian.

But, in front of 15 to 20 members of the Macedonian club at Takanawa Junior and Senior High School in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, it didn’t take him long to find his rhythm.

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