Parenting and the Pandemic | Life in Japan Episode 94

[@xo980]

今回は👍ひとつじゃ足りないくらい、日本に住んでいる私達にも勇気と希望を与えてくれる動画でした。本当にありがとう。

[@lobster2972]

ネイトさんとルースさん。あなたたち二人の努力がライター家を支えています。子供たちは数々の素晴らしい思い出と親への感謝を胸にこれから生きていくでしょう。それは本当に素晴らしいことです。 私は家族との良い思い出はありません。しかし毎週Life in Japanの動画を見て幸せな気持ちになっています。次の動画も楽しみにしています！ありがとう！

[@pikosu_7]

I left Japan when I was 12 and moved to Europe with my family. I lived there for 5 years until I came back Japan. I imagined how my parents were when living in a foreign country with 3 kids (including me) as I watch this video. It must have been quite challenging since my mom could not speak English at that time. I really thank my parents and I'm sure your kids will too in the future.

[@LIJ]

Thanks for sharing! What was your experience like coming back to Japan after living abroad?

[@pikosu_7]

@@LIJ My sisters and I all struggled to adapt to Japanese school because it was very different from the international school we were going in Europe. Cultural difference was an issue too. That was 20 years ago and internet was not so popular yet back then, so I think things are different now.

[@それなりの浄水]

I watching this channel not only as an English learner, but also as a parenting learner.

[@shantigeiser3038]

I’m watching as a Japanese learner and a parenting learner hoping to live in Japan soon too 🙏🏽

[@karakacan1953]

ライターさん、とルースさんは理想の夫婦だと思います。二人ともよく子供と遊んでます。日本では旦那さんは仕事で子供の面倒見るのは奥さんです。そのためストレスが溜まります。子供が言うことを聞かない時など。日本の家庭にまで気にかけてくれて、ありがとう。

[@マヤ平]

でも､よくKZbin見ていると､奥さんと子供残して登山しているような

[@jerrylosos9162]

Thanks for your update. My child is grown, but it was always an uphill challenge to spend quality time with her. I raised her alone after her Dad died in Vietnam. You are right, it is intentional and requires effort. When my daughter was young we didn't have a TV and she was an early reader. If I wanted to punish her I would take her books away, but that didn't last long. She became a writer, so things do work out. I applaud all of your efforts to remain centered and keep your family and your marital relationship vibrant. It is not easy, but know that viewers like me see that you are doing a wonderful job, even when you think you're not. I enjoy watching each of your kids develop their unique personalities, and one thing shines through. They love and respect one another. That is because of your parenting. Keep up the good work. (Patricia, Jerry's wife)

[@LIJ]

Thank you so much! The journey of a single parent is even more challenging than that of a couple - I'm glad to hear your story. Thanks for your comments.

[@JHN7r]

子供が大きくなった時にこれを見て両親に愛されてたなー、と思えるんだろうね

[@karenvincent5202]

Another channel was discussing the so-called family vloggers that are enmeshed in controversy over the fact that they are basically making money off of their children. Many are also taking covid relief loans as "small businesses" but not for living expenses. They are using them to go to Disney World, etc.! I have told many people that if you want to see family vlogging done the right way watch Life in Japan. You guys KNOW how to parent and your kids are not focused on materialism but rather on the things in life that really matter. Nobody is perfect but if people would just continue to try to do the right thing and to teach their children to do so as well the world would be a better place. You spend more quality time with your kids in a week than some people do in a year. They will remember that and not only your children but your grandchildren will thank you for it.

[@LIJ]

I really appreciate your comment. We certainly aren't perfect, and it can be complicated balancing work, family, life, KZbin, ministry and vacation during this pandemic! But then again, it's been complicated for everybody, so my prayer is that we can offer hope to people then too.

[@sdkfz171172]

「良い家庭はまず良い夫婦関係から」という考えには大賛成です！　日本ではそこが疎かになっている家庭が多いんですよねぇ・・・

[@smilerock9107]

Your kids are so lucky to have parents like you guys!!😊 Children grow up watching their parents!!😌

[@mariobro3351]

I love your family values, it's something that that today gets criticized because of "today's sensitivities" your videos are a nice pallet cleanser for the mind, keep doing great!!

[@LIJ]

Mario bro - love your screen name - and thank you for the comment!

[@イチキ-m3t]

共感できる素敵なお話でした！😊 「テレビばかり観てた思い出ではなく、一緒に遊んだり料理をした思い出を作る」大切なことですね！！ 我が家はコロナ禍で、経済的な不安もありますが、そんな子育てをしたいと改めて思いました！😊

[@Mari-gf1sn]

If they love playing Catan I recommend you to get “Ticket to ride” and “Incan gold”. The rules are so simple I think all your kids can play with! Ticket to ride is really helpful to remember geography!

[@LIJ]

I like Ticket to Ride, but I've never heard of "Incan Gold." Thanks for the suggestions.

[@金子清-w3u]

去年から今年の世界中でのコロナパンデミックほんとに大変ですよねーママさん、パパさんも大変ですが、遊び盛りの子供さんがほんとに可愛いそう。早くコロナが収まることを祈る 私も我が田舎にも行きたいし、旅行もしたい。

[@MYHelen143]

Thank you for your honesty and sharing what we all have been experiencing

[@alineschneider83]

Uauu, o que mais admiro em vocês aí é que conseguem estar sempre de bom humor diante de tantos desafios e tarefas! Aqui comigo no Brasil já não tenho toda essa alegria, mas estou buscando isso em Deus. Abraços pra toda família, aqui do Brasil pro Japão

[@LIJ]

Isso é tão importante - a verdadeira alegria somente vem de Deus!

[@taisle3734]

Our topic ;) was great talking to you dear Nate! Your advice and blessings definitely is special to us, knowing you are a busy father and youtuber you gave your time to speak with us. I do have something to say to the kids, " seeing you paint and draw reminds me when i was your age, your creative minds is not just art but its your individual achievements and talents that will change the world in a positive way" i unfortunately wasn't able to do it as i did not have a family but seeing you all makes me happy and i had a glimpse of what a loving family feels like. Keep up the good work kids, give your wonderful parents all the love they deserve as they give you and i am looking forward to give you my paintings in person. Big hugs from Asami and me from Australia!

[@LIJ]

Thanks guys!!!

[@sayurik]

I really agree with what Ruth said where the kids are going to remember when you actually played with them and did activities with them when they get older. My sister and I were raised by my aunt with my cousins as my parents worked. During the holidays my aunt made sure to organize activities for us like puzzles, arts and crafts, sushi making etc. we are all grown up and in our 20s now and these are really the fun memories that we remember from our childhood!! 🥰

[@LIJ]

Ruth said "Thanks for sharing that" - it made her smile!

[@comarites]

I know Children are looks so fun every time. I think your efforts are so wonderful. The Japanese people should learn from your family.

[@LIJ]

Thank you so much!

[@IKEMENOsakaman]

Such a positive message! I'll use these methods for my kids too! (...oh wait, I don't have kids yet...)

[@LIJ]

Ha ha! At least you have a head start now.

[@eriishikawa9725]

I’m learning a lot from you about a parenting. I’m about to have two kids. I feel happy to see you guys’ smile. Thank you for sharering your life and living in Japan.

[@LIJ]

Thank you - and congratulations!

[@kiyoyokohamacity]

すばらしい家族と動画！ありがとう！

[@masuko5011]

今週も面白い動画をありがとうございます！ 娘さん達に質問🙋‍♂️学校で好きなことや流行っているものはなんですか？🧐

[@LIJ]

OK！

[@ブン太くん-q5s]

ご家族が皆さん健康で有りますように祈っております😸

[@LIJ]

そして、私たちのすべての視聴者にも！

[@nobukoba8753]

はじめまして。私は横須賀市に住んでいるのぶたかと言います。「nobu」ちゃんと呼んでくださいね。 いつも楽しく見ています。 今度ベッカやアナ、サラ、ショシュアの日本人の友達も紹介してください。 皆様の事、応援しています。

[@ゆうちむ-q7y]

家族や近くの人たちから愛することが平和につながりますね。 いつも日本の文化をリスペクトしてくれてありがとうございます。 Q&A動画じゃなくてもいいのですが、アメリカやブラジルの素晴らしいところもいつか教えて下さい☺

[@LIJ]

アメリカ、ブラジル、日本を比較したビデオが面白いでしょう！

[@jeffstumpf9129]

My boys are men, now. The oldest is 40, and his brother is 37. Raising kids can be hard, but if have a plan, guidance in the faith you will do well. I suggest that you forget about perfection, and place yourselves in God’s plans.

[@LIJ]

We are certainly not close to perfection yet! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@momokadawi8955]

Yes ur right Guys , the true value of life ..

[@RebeccaCate98]

I have never played Catan, but from watching your videos I am trying to get my family interested in it so they will play! There is a bad winter storm going on in the US now, and I remember playing Uno, Monopoly, and other fun board games with my family during a previous winter storm. Great memories from that! So happy my parents didn't let us sit around all day too. Questions- Besides Catan, do you all have any other favorite board games you enjoy playing?

[@LIJ]

The fun part about being stuck home is doing special things together - that's for sure!

[@ywzx6275]

Heyy guys! It's so good to see a family at least trying to be healthy in 2021, unfortunately we are not used to see these things anymore. And by healthy I mean physically and mentally, eating good stuff and less junk, spending at least a small amount of time alone, always playing with the kids and supporting them, etc. We cannot have a perfect family in this world but by following Jesus's teachings It seems we can get almost there. Hugs from Southern Brazil (RS) and muitos beijos!

[@LIJ]

Thanks so much!

[@skyspice]

Hi! I like watching your videos, I always feel good after that! Your family is so nice. Also, I'm curious and looking for advice about my future in Japan... My question is: What do you like the most (and less) about raising kids in Japan? Compared to other countries where you lived before for example. Thanks 😉

[@LIJ]

Hi skyspice - this may be one of the first time you've commented here? Thanks for commenting! I've written your question down (because it's a good one) and added it to our list to respond to.

[@ellen7920]

Love your words. Thank you for sharing!

[@LIJ]

Thanks for watching!

[@chiwacom]

待ってました‼ 今は皆が家にいることが多くてストレスも溜まるでしょうが収まったら夫婦でデートしてきてください♪

[@Canarywharfdebz]

I think you are such a lovely family! Its incredibly cold in England right now so we can't get out as much as we would like. We are still in lockdown so the only options are supermarkets and parks! I think it definitely helps to get out as much as possible.

[@LIJ]

I am the type that LOVES to get out, so that has been a hard part for me about Corona.

[@Hufflfluffles]

For Becca and Anna- do you prefer talking in English or Japanese? For everyone-What is your favourite food?

[@LIJ]

Good questions! I've added them to our list.

[@pearlchat1]

@@LIJ I am looking forward to see.

[@patriciatagliabue5037]

AWESOME couple parents and family!!!ITS AMAZING how you guys manage all so well!

[@LIJ]

I hope we can help others manage too!

[@abeyuichi7136]

感動しました。 完璧になる努力をしているですね。 幸せになる努力をしているんですね。 勉強になります。 ありがとう ありがとう

[@user-ry8ql9ls7e]

自分は緊急事態宣言で最小限の行動をしています！逆にこの時代だから人に優しくしたいと思いました❤

[@ティモティ]

子供たちの将来の夢とか聞いてみたいな。 あと好きな日本のサブカルチャーとかも(漫画・アニメ・ドラマなど)

[@LIJ]

ありがとうございました！ 質問を記録しました。

[@Y.S.494]

いつかは帰国や別の国に転勤ということもあるかもしれませんが、日本在住時代のことを1/１００でもいいから子どもたちのどこかに記憶と経験として残っていたらいいなあと。 子どもたちにはたくさんの経験をさせてあげててください。　大半を忘れてしまっていてもわずかに残っているなら、それも子どもたちにとっての財産になります。

[@tsu8120]

your thoughts are wonderful! I want japanes parents to learn!

[@syasu2725]

本当に素敵なご両親。

[@toshikawa3515]

How good and suggestive is your attitude toward kids! Let's do your best! 　　がんばろう！

[@jpnkouhei1767]

Thank you for creating such a great video that the empathy so much💕🎶🎶🎶☺️

[@LIJ]

Thanks for your support!

[@jpnkouhei1767]

@@LIJ I love your words about the importance of family in joshua's birthday video last year.🙏

[@waifujenn]

Question for the kids: what is your favorite Japanese word? And what do you want to be when you grow up? Question for Nate and Ruth: I'm currently feeling lost and not sure what to do. I have a dream and a vision but I feel held back and not really sure the best route to take. Any advice on how to work through something like this and figure out what is causing my mind to think/feel this way?

[@LIJ]

Wow- those are GREAT questions! I've added them to our list. While I hope to be able to answer them, if I'm not able to in the video, I would say that the thing that has helped me so much in life are finding people who can give good advice to me personally (my parents, pastors, etc). If you don't have anyone like that, i would highly recommend finding a good church nearby, or even trying our Paz Church online as you can connect with other people there and build good relationships. The other thing that has been key for me is reading the Bible and applying the principles to my life. These things have been super valuable. It is not a quick fix, but it is the best long-term solution that there is. I hope that helps!

[@waifujenn]

@@LIJ thank you so much for the advice! I will try that ☺️

[@masaishi0415]

いつも楽しく拝見しております とても良い動画でした( ・∇・) 子育ての参考になる素敵な動画 ママさんには感謝ですね

[@しきちゃんちゃん]

子供ちゃん達への質問です☺️ 好きな給食は何ですか？ お母さんの作る料理の中で1番好きなのは何ですか？ お父さんとお母さんのどんなところが好きですか？

[@LIJ]

素晴らしい質問です！ それらをリストに追加しました！

[@noeru008]

やっぱり素敵ななご両親だなあ 今の日本の家庭でこれだけ家族と触れ合って居る家庭があるかなあ？

[@佐久盛栄-f3h]

母は偉大なり‼️

[@CarlsVlogs]

Hi there your doing so well as parents, the children are never bored. As your always doing different things to make them happy. I just hope you guys and the kids can get the vaccinations we all need to get out of this terrible situation.

[@LIJ]

Thank you - it may be awhile before that's available here in Japan!

[@natsuko5303]

いつも動画たのしみにしてます！ こんど、ぜひ、よみうりランドに行ってみてください♪おすすめです。4時からのイルミネーションすごいきれいですよ！ちかいし、やすいし。おこさんたちも、ぜったいたのしめるとおもいます。となりには、シェイキーズもあるし！

[@takemaruchitaka0322]

流石に我慢強い日本人もいい加減コロナ疲れで嫌気がさしてますね、密は避けながら我が家も外出など増え、うまく共存しながらやってます。😀とにかく早く普段通りに戻りたいですね😃

[@ayakalovemj]

ネット動画だけでなく、日本のテレビ番組のアニメやバラエティ、ニュースを見ることはありますか？ 子供たちに質問 好きな授業はなんですか？ 部活には入っていますか？入っていないとしたらスポーツと芸術どちらを選びますか？ 追伸:USJにマリオランドができたのでいつか任天堂が好きなライター家でUSJに行ってる動画が見たいです

[@LIJ]

良い質問です！ 私はそれらを書き留めました。

[@mona-e6z2k]

質問です！好きなアニメは、皆さんありますか?パパさんママさんもあったらお聞かせくださーい😊

[@grande0413s]

こんにちは、素敵な家族ですね！ママちゃん応援してます。

[@-_-2729]

異国の地でお二人は本当に頑張ってます！You two are doing well ^^/

[@niko-qu4pk]

いつも楽しく拝見させて貰ってます❗ 今までの動画で答えていたならすみません💦 なぜ宣教師としての活動の場に日本を選んでくれたんですか？日本に来てくれた事がとても嬉しいので気になりました😊 あと子供達の教育、学業を日本で学ばれてみてどう感じているか、何か他の国との違いがあれば教えてもらいたいです😊

[@LIJ]

どうもありがとうございます！ 素晴らしい質問です。 それらを質問リストに追加します。

[@ひよこ-z9r]

いつも楽しく拝見しています！！ ご家族でディズニーランドなども行ってみてほしいです！凄くいい思い出になると思います！質問ですが、日本に来てびっくりしたことや便利だなと思うことなどはありますか？

[@LIJ]

ご質問ありがとうございます。 質問リストに追加しました。

[@rigirl1802]

コロナ渦❌→コロナ禍⭕️ かわいい😍間違い。 素敵な時間をすごされてますね❤️

[@ryoji.a3955]

日本語訳・字幕を担当しているリョウジです。漢字ミスは私のタイプミスです。お恥ずかしいです^^; ご指摘ありがとうございました！字幕を訂正させて頂きました。

[@michaelleary9233]

Do the first graders like Sarah in Japan still have a shorter day than the older kids? My school here did that and it was a nice transition to "big" school.

[@LIJ]

Short answer: yes they do! But I've also added the question to our list of questions for the kids to answer :)

[@michaelleary9233]

@@LIJ Great! I wish they still did it here, but as Ruth can attest, it's hard on the working moms.

[@osucaelan7011]

Was it hard for the girls to make friends with the natives especially if their Japanese wasn’t perfect at the time? I love your videos, very inspiring 😄

[@LIJ]

Thank you - I've added it to our list.

[@nayo819]

応援します

[@木村剛-s2o]

A life style without Junk Food is good for Health.

[@サイタマの南]

I will challenge English. The church was used like an old temple, and it seemed funny. Today's temples are hard to feel close to. （「微笑ましい」のニュアンスが "funny" で合っているの？Google先生！）

[@wandakrawiec8675]

❤️❤️❤️

[@user-vx9uk5rj6z]

一緒に出張行ってた会社の後輩が高熱が出てPCR受けたので私も濃厚接触で2回目の出社禁止になりました😫無事、陰性でしたが生活するだけで大変です😅 コロナよ‼️早くくたばってくれ👊

[@user-zu7pl4mv6i]

For Anna & Becca question. Which do you like better live in Japan or America, in futuer become to adult?

[@LIJ]

Good question! I've also added it to our list.

[@user-zu7pl4mv6i]

Thank you! I expected view.

[@celinaduguay6484]

How are you and your family's Japanese learning/studies going? For anyone who watches your channel and is learning (or planning on learning) Japanese, what advice/tips would you give them that has helped you or your children with Japanese? What are your favorite Japanese, American, and Brazilian foods and do you like to cook/bake any of them? What are your favorite places to visit in Japan and which of those places would you recommend to others who are looking to visit Japan in the future. What are some things that you love about living in Japan/a different country? Is Japan your forever home or do you have plans to move back to America? Does Ruth want the kids to learn a little bit of Brazilian Portuguese? And do you have any favorite Japanese holidays (if there are any)?

[@LIJ]

Wow- great questions! I'm adding them to our list.

[@celinaduguay6484]

@@LIJ Yes

[@外間さとみん]

頑張ったね‼️コロナ禍を耐えているねぇ😃‼️‼️‼️

[@今野翔太-e1e]

今日の動画はカジュアルに牧師の講和を聴いている見たいで、ためになりました(笑）。 全員に聴きたい質問は文化の違う日本に長く住んでいて本当に幸せと感じているか？です。 言葉が通じないためのストレスは溜まりませんか？アメリカに帰りたくないですか？です。

[@LIJ]

ご清覧ありがとうございました。 そして素晴らしい質問です！

[@千葉良樹]

母は偉大だ👍 子は宝だ👍 父も偉大だ👍 子供達には みんな大好きだよ とお伝え下さい（笑）

[@よんこまランド]

子供達の将来の夢は何ですか？ 日本語を将来どう役立てたいですか？ 給食でどうしても食べれないメニューはありますか？ 苦手な教科はありますか？　日本の英語の授業はどう思いますか？

[@LIJ]

ご質問ありがとうございます。 質問リストに追加しました。

[@tsuyoshinakashima5401]

Olá! Moro em São Paulo, Brasil. Pode me chamar de Naka. Vocês pretendem ter mais filhos? Vocês tem uma família maravilhosa! Grande abraço a todos aí.

[@LIJ]

Boa pergunta!

[@hareokiyoshi618]

こんにちは。　今の小学生みんなは　どんな給食を食べているのか興味あります。パンダパンとか出るの？🍞 コロナが収束して　もし機会があれば、School Lunch in Japanってタイトルで撮影して欲しいです。🍱 学校内は無理かな😅

[@LIJ]

そのような動画を作りたいのですが、現時点ではできません。 今のところ、学校給食について話している彼らのこのビデオを楽しむことができます：kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5DCiYmQf5KqbpI

[@トシ神奈川]

一つの国で、宣教師としての活動期間って決まっているのか知りたい。ご家族の希望で延長することも可能なんですか？

[@LIJ]

素晴らしい質問です！ 滞在するか行くかは自由に選択できます。

[@トシ神奈川]

リョウジ君のお陰で“Life in Japan”を楽しく観ることができます。彼に「編集や翻訳が大変な労力と聞いてます。翻訳作業の努力を惜しまない君に感謝しているよ」って伝えて下さい。

[@GOMBE3]

日本の小学校でも英語教育が2020年から正式科目になっている（義務化されている）と聞いています。Annna/Beccaちゃん達が英語の授業をどう思っているか、その感想なども聞いてみたいな、という気もします。 たとえば、 また、幼稚園に戻ったような気がして自分たちは退屈だとか？　 先生がやりにくそうだとか？ 代わりにＡ／Ｂちゃんが先生をやれよぉ～！・・・と同級生から冷やかされたりとか？？？　　 幸いにしてＡ／Ｂちゃんと同級生に慣れた友人たちは、他のクラスの子よりも成績が良くないといけませんよね。native の話し相手がクラスにいるんだから。

[@LIJ]

素晴らしい質問です！

[@林ピャオ]

Hi Life in Japan san. yes it is rainy today. but this rainy weather may stop until this evening time completly . yes it is good. so tomorrow, my country' color sky may come back again . it is Blue color. today, we have to patience to be in this rainy situaton until evening . yes, I know sometimes we need to be in the rain. it is needed that many plants have to grow up very well . but this rainy is enough only one day, i think. in Japan in this season. Fortunately, today is my off day. yes, I am being in my time now. this rainy and cold and sometimes hot weather , it are our country's spring seasons. and after this many times changing weather sitiation, many cherry flowers will bloom a little by litte , won't it ? so about your trying to live well in this Bukkan virus situaton , I can study from your life style in under this Covt 19 . thank you. see you next your nice video see you.

[@LIJ]

I was missing your comments! It's nice to see you had a nice day off. I'm sorry it was so rainy, but you're correct. We do need the rain, just like we need the sun. How is your work going? Have you been busy?

[@林ピャオ]

I am busy now bu it is only this month next time I may go to Pazz coffee to get relax more .

[@ambery3283]

Hi, this is one of warnings about big earthquake. You know, there were big earthquakes as yesterday's one 2days before more huge earthquake. For examples, 2days before 3.11, one day before HANSHIN AWAJI earthquake in 1996, there were " pre " earthquake. So, please very be carefully for next one around a week. Nobody knows when the next earthquakes occur, but we must to prepere for next one after big earthquake like yesterday's. Dose it make sense? I'm not good at Eng. Stay safe !

[@LIJ]

Thank you - yes it does make sense, we will be careful.

[@jaysangel8090]

Our daughter would like to know what type of piano you have in your entryway? Thank you

[@LIJ]

It's a KORG C1 Air Digital Piano

[@jaysangel8090]

Thank you Nate for replying. I pray that your family's day is a blessing. Papa loves you all.

[@ceceliakobayashi530]

What were some of your biggest cultural shocks that you've experienced in Japan??

[@LIJ]

Good question - I'll add it to our list.

[@金子清-w3u]

追伸 パンデミックの中子供さん達学校から帰れば勉強、ゲームと家の中だけでわ飽きちゃうよね 今一番家族で出掛けて観たい所は有りますか。？

[@LIJ]

聞いてみます！

[@grazynawojcik1814]

What are your children’s favourite hobbies and after school activities?

[@LIJ]

I've added your question to our list.

[@Kappa-Lub]

どこも同じ｡

[@kickatat]

how do you keep an eye on their friends in a foreign country meaning you live in japan with american/ english lenses for how you view the world has their been occurances in their friendships where its a hard call if the person really did something viewed as wrong because of a cultural setting? example my family we are american and we live in czech republic our son doesnt speak a lot of czech but assumes sometimes kids are bullying him because they are trying to help him understand project but he doesnt and will lash out and is seen as a bit of a bad kid... his teacher knows he is an angel but has a hard time navigating these friendships while he is learning the language.

[@LIJ]

It's tough for kids when they're learning a new language and are misunderstood. (It's tough for anyone!) We teach our kids that there is a proper way to express themselves when misunderstood and an improper way (lashing out, yelling, etc). Also when it comes to helping them make good friends, we create opportunities for other kids to want to be their friends. For example, we had a party for the girls birthday, and one of the girls in the class was always being mean to them. But since she really wanted to come to the party, the girls told her "My mom won't let you come unless you start being nice." And since then she has been nice to the girls and they have a good relationships. Not sure if that answers your question, but I hope it helps.

[@stepaso1147]

子どもたちに質問！ 料理上手なママだけどその中でも、どの料理が1番好き？

[@LIJ]

良い質問！ 子供たちに聞いてみます！

[@bukshotaz]

Hello, new parents of twins two baby girls 1month old so far and my wife and I love your videos. We want to know how you delt with Becca and Anna during the terrible twos it is something that my wife and I are worring about. God bless have a wonderful weekend

[@LIJ]

Congratulations! You have a big job on your hands, for sure!! It's been a few years, but if I recall correctly, the hardest part was when they were tiny babies. It gets easier as they get older if you set proper boundaries for them and can train them up in those ways. We also had a lot of help from the grandparents as we lived close to them at that time. Ruth will also comment in a bit - her comments should be very helpful!

[@bukshotaz]

Thanks, it's been pretty stressful so far but it's very rewarding. These are our first babies so we go a little bit overboard on the stressing every sound they make we worry lol. I am really curious about if you raised them by rewarding positive behavior. "Like if you clean your room we can go to the park." But this video was really eye opening because my wife and I always talked about this topic while we watch your videos and you made a video on it. :)

[@ruthreutter8355]

Honestly, I don’t think they had a “terrible two” phase. I think having 2 kids at the same time helped in that aspect as neither one got our complete full attention. They always had to share. We do reward positive behavior. They have chores that they have to do but if they do something beyond that on their own they get something special. But even chores can be a challenge so we play lots of games that help with that. Like we put on a 5 minute up beat song and all clean during it then take a 10 minute break (things like that). It makes working fun but gets stuff done. But they also get in trouble for negative behavior (no dessert, no time on a video game, etc). I hope that helped a little.

[@bukshotaz]

@@ruthreutter8355 thanks Ruth it means a lot to me you broth took the time to respond. Keep up awesome work the videos are great and next time I am in japan I'll have to check out the Cafe. :)

[@geebee4777]

I have seen your kids sharing time with relatives' kids, or kids from the Church, but I haven't seen your kids sharing time with kids from the school. Is it too hard for foreign kids in Japan to make friends at school?

[@ruthreutter8355]

We can only show videos of other kids if their parents allow it so we are limited in that aspect. However, their best friends are Japanese and they hang out all the time!

[@fungirlwinx]

Q and A - How are you doing getting ready for Beca and Anna to go to Middle School. What things do they need now that they didn't in Elementary School. Are Beca and Anna excited to move schools. They are due to move up soon right?

[@LIJ]

Thanks for the question - we've added it to our list!

[@tamachan.kl.my.]

Do your kids love japanese foods than any foods?

[@LIJ]

Good question! I've added it to our list.

[@youypp9428]

Your super hearos

[@金子清-w3u]

追 、追伸 それと日本食で一番好きな食べ物は何か一人づつ聞きたいなー よろしく。

[@ビッグアップル-h1f]

嫌でなければ家族での地震への体験談なども聞いてみたいです

[@LIJ]

すばらしい質問です。Q＆Aでそれについて話すことができます。

[@TAIKI1942katayose]

「不完全」な事に「チャレンジ」 しているから「完璧」なのでは？(笑)

[@MYHelen143]

Can you the twin who speaks more Japanese what has encouraged her to learn a new language quickly. And can you ask the kids do they feel they gave been embraced by their school community.

[@karenvincent5202]

Becca seems to be the best at Japanese. Still, all four kids are doing great with it.

[@LIJ]

Good questions! Both girls speak Japanese equally well I feel, but Becca likes the role of translator, so she does it more. I will add these questions to our list.

[@monaural.o6617]

I have some questions for you!! ・Where would you like to go if you can go to the trip?(in Japan) Questions for the children ・What is your favorite snack in Japan? ・What do you want to be in the future? I’m looking forward to the video that answers the questions 🙌

[@LIJ]

Thank you - I'll add these to our list of questions.

[@愛美岩崎-f9o]

ルースママの料理で特に好きなものはなんですか？

[@LIJ]

良い質問！

[@jane-pu9sw]

Do you like school lunches?

[@LIJ]

Good question! I've added it to our list.

[@近藤信-i9u]

興味深いお話でした。 地震は大丈夫でしたか？

[@LIJ]

私たちは大丈夫です、ありがとう！

[@thewaverlyplace100]

Hey guys I've been watching for a long time and I'm curious what kind of visa you have to stay in japan and move there? Is it something to do with the church? How did you guys set up a church in Japan? Thanks!

[@LIJ]

Yes, we have a religious visa where Japan has welcomed us to start a church. Because our Paz Church organization has a good standing here in Japan, we have been able to enjoy working here (that's the short answer!)

[@マヤ平]

コロナに関係ないなく、育ち盛りだから😄