Growing Up with More Than One Language

Raising a bilingual or multilingual child is a wonderful gift, and here are some tips to help your child to thrive in a multilingual environment. 

Helping Your Child Talk 

• Start Early: Believe it or not, your baby can hear your voice even before they’re born! Start talking to them during pregnancy to get a head start. 

• Everyday Conversations: Your child will pick up language from you, so make it a habit to chat about everything you’re doing, seeing, and thinking throughout the day in your home language. 

• Comfort is Key: Speak to your child in the language you are most comfortable with. This ensures they get the richest and most natural language exposure. 

• Sing and Play: Enjoy singing action songs and nursery rhymes in your home language. It’s a fun way for your child to learn new words and sounds. 

• Story Time: Share picture books in your home language. Talk about the pictures and what’s happening in the story to build their vocabulary and understanding. 

Why Growing Up with More Than One Language is Great 

• It helps your child appreciate and share your culture and traditions, fostering a strong sense of identity. 

• Being bilingual or multilingual allows your child to communicate with a wider circle of family and community members. 

• Multilingualism can positively influence your child’s life, opening up more opportunities and experiences. 

• Learning multiple languages enhances your child’s thinking and learning abilities as they grow. 

Raising a child in a multilingual environment can be a joyous and rewarding journey. Embrace the process and enjoy watching your child grow up with the beautiful gift of multiple languages!