I will choose traditional Chinese. The same as you, I will be my son’s Chinese teacher in the future. I have to choose something that I familiar with. Another reason is once he understands traditional Chinese, it will be easier for him to understand simplified Chinese. I didn’t understand simplified Chinese, but in these years I read more simplified Chinese books, I understand more. I don’t know if he learns simplified Chinese first, he will understand traditional Chinese in the future. However, in my case, it’s easier for me to guess the simplified words, then I learned the word.
The only thing I’m confused is when I teach him how to say a “ball” in Chinese. I don’t know I say “波波” or “球”. Another example, I say “鑰匙” or “鎖匙”????
By the way, you bought the Chinese books just $2 to $5, which website did you go?
I am a new member who live in Upstate NY. Both of my sons taking Sunday Chinese school (Mandarin - Traditional Chinese characters) for years, we speak Cantonese at home. It is difficult at first but now seems easier for them to switch to different languages.
I posted this link http://www.betterchinese.com/ a few months ago for Chinese learning resources. I also said I would share my comment about the DVD I bought from the website.
And you know what, I just found out that you can now view those videos on that website for free after you registered. ><
You can actually take the lessons online too. I think this is great! My son likes it and thinks it's more fun than going to Chinese school every weekend.
They have both simplified and traditional Chinese versions. Now I'm leaning towards teaching my son simplified as I think it'll be the trend. But I think it doesn't really matter, just pick one system and let your child learn it.