As new parents, we always want the very best for our child. We play with them, do all sorts of stunts to get them to laugh, and we celebrate every little milestone. And then it’s on to the next milestone or development. But teaching your child more than language is a gift that will keep on giving. Beyond the cognitive benefits for your child, being able to speak more than one language opens up many more avenues for expression and connection with community and family.

As lovely as it sounds, it can be daunting to teach your child one language, let alone two! But keeping in mind the known benefits that research has shown in terms of understanding and cognitive skills gained from being bilingual, there are a few approaches to achieve this goal for your family.

One Parent, One Language (OPOL) is one of the most popular ways to offer consistent and natural exposure to multiple languages in order to raise bilingual children. In this model, one parent would, for example, always speak Spanish to the children, while the other parent always uses English. This helps the children compartmentalize and learn both languages simultaneously.

Mr. Perez and I are using a similar model. We both speak both English and Spanish. He speaks only Spanish to the babies, since it is his first language, and I use primarily English, my first language. But we are not very strict about it. Okay, I am not very strict about sticking to English. It’s me, hi, I’m the problem haha. Some things are easier for me to express to the baby in Spanish because I learnt them in Spanish. And it is tricky and hard to keep up, but so rewarding when the baby says “agua” in the cutest little voice! She is yet to say “mama”, but I’ll take it!

If both parents speak the same language, you can designate specific times or places for each language. For example, all playtime in Spanish, and all mealtime in English. Or certain days for one language, and other days for the other language. You just need to be consistent. Babies thrive on routine and this will let their little growing brains figure out and process both languages effectively.

Mi cunada (sister in law) and her husband strictly use Spanish at home with their children. And since English is the majority language where we all live, their children naturally learned English at school and with their friends. They are growing up to be fluent in both. This approach works well and can be easy if both parents are fluent in the minority language. (ie the language not spoken in the schools and communities around where you live)

Beyond these more structured approaches, try to keep it fun and light! Sing songs, read books, and play games in both languages. Baby books with pictures and words can help you fill the time with age-appropriate vocabulary for your child, and you may even learn a few words as well, if the minority language is your second language, as Spanish is for me.

Some easy and popular baby books are available in English and Spanish on Amazon. These make great birthday presents or additions to your baby registry.

• Goodnight Moon/Buenas noches, Luna: Bilingual English-Spanish
• Pio Peep! Traditional Spanish Nursery Rhymes: Bilingual English-Spanish
• La oruga muy hambrienta/The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Bilingual Board Book

There are also a ton of Youtube resources, for whatever amount of screen time you allow your baby. You can also just have the music playing in the background where baby cannot see the screen and get the benefits from hearing the languages you want to teach your baby.

• 1 Hour of Canticos Best Songs | Pollitos Dicen Pio, Un Elefante, Pin Pon 🌈Canciones Infantiles MIX
• 30 Bilingual Nursery Rhymes to Learn and Sing | 1 hour | Learn Spanish with Cartoons
• Tips for Raising Bilingual Kids | Superholly

You might encounter some challenges along the way. A few words mixed here and there, or spoken to the “wrong” parent. This is normal, and part of the process as your child is learning to use both languages. Gently correct them to the correct word and keep it moving, just like the little slip up it is. No need to be too strict or harsh, especially when the child is little.

Ultimately, raising a bilingual baby is more than just words and grammar. It opens their mind to a new culture, new perspective and a bigger world. You are giving them the keys to connect with more people and explore a richer experience. It is a gift that will continue to fill their lives and hearts, well beyond their childhood.

I so look forward to hearing my baby speak Spanish with her abuelitos (grandparents) and watching that connection grow over the years. Absolutely worth it! 💛