The experts’ guide to raising a bilingual child

May 15, 2026 - 07:57

As interest in foreign language learning continues to decline in many English-speaking countries, one mother is navigating the challenges of raising her son to speak his father's native French. Anna Temkin, who is not a native French speaker herself, sought expert advice on how to foster true bilingualism in a household where the second language is not the dominant one.

Experts stress that consistency is the most critical factor. The "one parent, one language" method remains highly recommended, where each parent speaks exclusively in their native tongue. However, for families where only one parent speaks the target language, experts suggest creating dedicated "language islands" such as specific times of day or activities where only that language is used. Reading books aloud and playing music in the minority language are also powerful tools.

Another key piece of advice is to avoid pressuring the child. Bilingualism is a long-term process, and children often go through phases where they prefer one language over the other. Experts warn against correcting every mistake, as this can discourage the child from speaking at all. Instead, parents should model correct usage naturally. The goal is not perfection but confident communication.

Finally, connecting with other speakers of the language is vital. Playgroups, trips to visit family, or even regular video calls with grandparents can provide real-world motivation. Without a community of speakers, the minority language can feel abstract and unnecessary. As Temkin has learned, raising a bilingual child is less about formal lessons and more about weaving the language into the fabric of daily life, with patience and persistence as the only true shortcuts.