An early start to language learning has been shown to enhance cognitive flexibility, thus helping children become better communicators and creative thinkers. It also offers the potential for broadening a child’s horizons later in life.

As a result, a 2009 study shows that one in five parents-to-be plan to bring up their child as bilingual, while more than nine in 10 parents believe in the importance of teaching children languages in today’s globalized societies. However, parents worldwide face many difficulties when raising children as multilingual.

Modern-day challenges

In multi-language education, there are several hurdles for parents, especially interracial or immigrant families who are unfamiliar with the local language, as well as parents who are hesitant to speak to their child in their mother tongue if isn’t widely spoken locally.

American writer and creator of Bilingual Monkeys, Adam Beck, explains the difficulties of raising bilingual kids in Japan: “If there isn’t sufficient exposure in the minority language, the child’s development will rapidly fall behind the relentless progress of the majority language.” Because Beck’s wife only speaks Japanese, he has to be a hands-on parent with his two kids when it comes to learning English.

Corey Heller, an American mother and founder of Multilingual Magazine shares a similar experience in raising three bilingual kids in Germany. “The problem with raising children in a non-native language in a country where the language is not spoken, is that things can get difficult—very difficult—if you aren’t keeping up with the language yourself.”

Hence, parents play a vital role in their children’s language education, whether they are living in their home country or elsewhere.

Tips for parents and parents-to-be

1) Maximize exposure to the minority language.

Great communication starts at home. From day-to-day conversations to family gatherings, speaking in the minority language can greatly benefit the child. Ana Mumy, a trilingual speech language pathologist, adds that “Children need to hear both quantity and quality language input to have strong language skills. Parents are the primary individuals who can provide the language input needed in the native language.”

Similarly, a study conducted by UNESCO about multi-language education reiterated that, to retain their mother tongue while living overseas, children whose first language is not the medium of instruction in that country must continue having interactions with their family in their first language. At the same time, ongoing formal instruction is necessary for the development of the child’s reading and writing skills in the minority language.

If immigrant parents want their children to master the local language, they need to devote time and effort to learning and practicing the language at home, too.

2) Be creative and make learning fun.

The child’s engagement should be a priority. They should see the learning process as a fun way to spend more quality time with their parents. Set some time every day to read books, tell stories, play games or listen to music in the second language.

Bilingual Monkeys suggests many imaginative ideas and tips, such as captive reading or placing suitable text or stories around the house. Having an effective 30-minute homework routine, such as writing short letters or daily journals, could also make a big difference in your child’s learning progress.

3) Be supportive and don’t give up!

Helping a child learn a second language can be an overwhelming task. Don’t take it personally if your child starts losing interest. Instead, keep encouraging them and give concrete motives for learning. According to UNESCO, parents’ positive attitudes are vital in maintaining the mother tongue for cultural identity. Particularly when living overseas, speaking one’s native or majority language can strengthen the family’s bond.

Multi-language education is a valuable gift parents can give their children. The long-term benefits of learning a language far outweigh the challenges and can often provide children with a lifelong advantage.