THE BENEFITS OF RAISING BILINGUAL KIDS

Speaking two languages with children is hugely beneficial, teaching them a unique understanding of different cultures. Let's examine how useful this can be for your little one

Raising a child in two cultures can be a real challenge but it’s not without its benefits. One of the best parts is the opportunity for your little one to be bilingual. Many parents in this situation are wary of asking too much of their child by introducing two languages at once. However, this is arguably the best time for kids to learn a second language. They are already absorbing the basics of one language, and the second one stacks neatly on top.

Under three years of age, children’s brains are absorbing lots of new information from the world around them. Also, there is no evidence to suggest that learning a second language will have any negative impact on their first language. At this very young age, children aren’t overly concerned or daunted by complex grammar or linguistic rules. Their keen minds will pick up all of the new sounds and commit them to memory. Up to and including the first few years in school, children are very well suited to hearing new words, remembering them and pronouncing them properly. As adults, it can be much more difficult to pick up a new language than for our little ones!

MORE THAN JUST A SECOND LANGUAGE

Aside from it being a suitable time for your child to learn a new language, doing so in the early years will benefit your little one in lots of different ways. Let’s consider them.

Memory

Simply having to learn and remember twice as many words will ask a lot more of your child’s memory. This will train them to be able to remember much more information, which is an invaluable ability that will support them throughout their education and beyond.