I know that raising bilingual kids is fun, because I did it – with raging success! I was that child that grew up bilingual! My fondest childhood memories are from activities we did to keep the legacy of our two cultures alive. The two countries are Denmark and the United States, my native tongues are Danish and English. I can’t really say that one is “more native” than the other because my parents blended the cultures so well.
If you are currently raising your children bilingual or simply plan to introduce a second language, check out these fun activities. Blending cultures is a family commitment. It is hard work and it takes dedication from all parties – but rest assured it is possible – and you are giving your family a gift that lasts a lifetime.
- Get a library of books in both languages. We were a family of readers and my parents encouraged us to read books in English, even if we didn’t understand every word.
Continue reading this article over at Your Modern Family where I am guest blogging today! I have lots of great tips for raising a bilingual family – and having fun while doing so!
You may also love this article I wrote on how to blend two cultures while keeping your mother-in-law (and other relatives) happy! Tips to Create Family Traditions, Peacefully!
This is really something I should work on more, especially because being bilingual is so helpful (both personally and professionally). My kids should know much more Spanish than they do, and Spanish is an easy language to find with literature and other things.
Thanks for the push in this direction! Glad to “meet” you from MB Circle of Friends!
Kim
Thanks for stopping by! I think the secret to start teaching your kids another language is that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing – a few words here or there will give them a flavor for language too.
These are really helpful tips! I wish I had started earlier with foreign language learning in our home. You have given me some inspiration to get started now, though.
Anne – it’s never too late, it doesn’t have to be an “all or nothing” – that’s at least what I tell myself! 🙂
Thanks for the links, we plan on having our daughter learn a second language as soon as possible.
HI! 🙂 i was raised in a multicultural family and by the time I was 4 I spoke polish, portuguese and italian. I have become a mom 3 weeks ago and I am planning to raise my little boy in a bilingual way. I will speak polish and my husband portuguese. We live in Portugal and my mother tongue is polish. I just don’t know how to deal with a situation where we are together and I am speaking with our child a language my husband doesn’t know. Will it get awkward? Will I have to translate everything I say? With me as a kid it was easier because my father, with whom I spoke portuguese, was away almost all the time, but my husband is a very present father. Can you give me some ideas? Thank you!!!
Wow – it sure is impressive with all those languages. As you know, kids are smart. They quickly learn which parent speaks which language – without you having to point it out. I am sure, with time, it will be a natural relationship you will have with your son – and when your husband is present you just won’t speak Polish. Have fun with it!