There is no wrong way to raise a bilingual child.
Bilingualism is a gift you can give your child that will open doors of opportunities. AND IT WILL NOT CAUSE CONFUSION OR DELAYS.
Here are the 5 most common methods:
1️⃣ One Parent, One Language:
In this approach, each parent consistently speaks a different language with their child. This clear separation helps the child associate each language with a specific parent, making it easier for them to distinguish and learn.
2️⃣ Minority Language at Home
Parents create a language-rich environment at home where the minority language is dominant. Reading, playing, and communicating in the minority language ensures your child is immersed in it, reinforcing their language skills.
3️⃣ Time and Place
Parents designate specific times or places for each language. For example, weekdays could be for one language, and weekends for another or home is minority language and everywhere else the majority language.
4️⃣ Mixed Language Families
Family members to use their native language when interacting with the child. (just try to avoid using Spanglish).
5️⃣ Outside Resources
Parents leverage resources beyond the family structure. Monolingual parents may enroll their child in bilingual programs, find language apps, or visit cultural events and communities where the target language is spoken.
I was raised as a Minority Language at Home and raised my daughter as an Outside Resource family.
Let me know in the comments what method you use.
