A short, practical guide for parents.

No theory. Five guides to choosing a level, reading pinyin, and building a habit when no one at home speaks Mandarin.

Ages, word counts and a simple three-page test.

Tones, tricky letters, and how to read a page aloud.

What the two frameworks are for, and which to follow.

A five-minute routine that works without a tutor.

An honest comparison, and a sensible budget.