“It will confuse him.”
“It will slow her development down.”
“Just start with one language.”
How many times have we heard these unchecked statements from well-meaning practitioners, friends, or loved ones when it comes to children learning multiple languages?
Unfortunately, parents are often bombarded with myths about language development—myths that can lead to life-altering decisions.
Language Is Connection
Language is a beautiful thing!
Of course, I might be biased as a speech-language pathologist, but language allows us to connect with the people we love most.
Sometimes, those loved ones speak a language other than English. When we limit our children’s access to these languages, we’re also limiting their relationships and their ability to fully participate in their culture.
What the Research Says
Research has shown that learning multiple languages does not negatively impact children, and in fact, it can provide social and developmental advantages.
“Studies have shown [bilingualism] can improve cognitive function, help with multitasking, and boost academic achievement.”
— NPR, 2025
Additionally, children with developmental delays or differences are just as capable of learning more than one language. The key thing to remember is that any delay will likely be present across both languages, but this is not a reason to avoid bilingualism.
How to Support Your Bilingual Child
1. Be Consistent
If I can make one recommendation, it’s this: consistency is key!
This might mean being consistent in who is exposing your child to each language, when each language is used, or where your child is exposed to them (for example, one language at home, another at daycare).
2. Use a Variety of Modalities
Remember that we all learned English through consistent and varied exposure from birth. To support bilingual language learning, take a similar approach.
Use nursery rhymes, books, songs, social routines (think peek-a-boo or “How big is [name]?”), and, most importantly, play!
3. Be Patient
Encouraging bilingual development will not “slow your child down,” but it may look different from monolingual development.
A bilingual child’s vocabulary spans both languages.
For example:
If a child says 25 words in English and 25 different words in Spanish, they actually know 50 words total—even if it appears they “only” know 25.
4. It’s Okay to Code-Switch
Code-switching means mixing languages within a conversation or sentence—something many bilingual adults do naturally.
In the past, this was viewed as “incorrect,” but we now know it’s a normal and healthy part of bilingual communication.
If your family naturally code-switches, it’s perfectly fine (and beneficial!) for your child to do the same.
5. Seek Bilingual Support When Possible
If your child is developing bilingually, it’s best practice for them to receive support or therapy from a bilingual speech-language pathologist.
When that isn’t possible, using an interpreter can be an excellent option. It may take some extra advocacy to find appropriate support, but it’s always worth it.
Final Thoughts
Raising a bilingual child doesn’t create confusion—it builds connection, identity, and cognitive flexibility.
Supporting both (or all) of your child’s languages is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give them.
Reference
NPR: “Want to Raise Bilingual Kids? First, Let Go of a Common Myth” (2025)
Meet the author: Ms. Megan, MA., CCC-SLP, ASDCS