Helping Your Kids Speak Multiple Languages from Birth, Naturally
By Les Huysmans
This article shares practical suggestions for helping your children speak multiple languages from birth. It draws on insights from leading academics and language experts, as well as my own experience raising multilingual children under three different native tongues.
The research is clear: being bilingual or multilingual supports cognitive development, improves both verbal fluency and literacy skills, and even boosts future job prospects. However, while most people agree that early multilingualism is beneficial, there are common pitfalls to avoid. Here are a few key ideas to help your children succeed naturally and joyfully.
Don’t track every detail of your child’s progress
Language learning isn’t a competition. Of course you want your child to succeed, but constantly comparing them to others adds unnecessary stress. If your child struggles with something like numbers or sentence structure, don’t worry—encourage them, support them, and let them grow at their own pace. Be present, and enjoy the journey alongside them.
Do speak a second language yourself, if you can
One of the best ways to support your child’s language learning is by speaking the language yourself. This helps with pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, and makes it clear that the language is useful and relevant. If you want your child to speak Mandarin by age four, speak Mandarin around the house. Children pick up what they see and hear consistently.
Don’t obsess over grammar and vocabulary
It’s tempting to focus on the technical side of language, but language is primarily about communication. Children will learn what they need in time. Rather than correcting every mistake, model correct language in your responses. Keep conversations fun and centred around things your child is interested in, and you'll be amazed at how their vocabulary expands.
Being a solo multilingual parent is hard
Ideally, your child should hear the target language from more than one source. If you’re the only speaker at home, that’s a tough job. Look for other adults, children, or community members who can offer support. Whether it's a teacher, a coach, or a neighbour, every bit of extra exposure helps. Going it alone is possible—but be ready for it to take real effort.
Do expose your child to different language sounds
This could be through classes, native speakers, books, or songs. Even if you don't have access to native speakers, there are creative ways to play with sounds. Try games like changing one letter in a word until it sounds completely different, or exploring animal names in other languages. Make it playful, and your child will learn more than you expect.
Do create an immersive environment
Try to use the target language at home and with friends. Read books in that language. Watch shows or YouTube videos together. If possible, connect with communities that speak the language. Support their interests in that culture—whether it's food, music, or festivals—and weave the language into those experiences.
Do attend multilingual events
Look for events where the language is spoken naturally—markets, cultural festivals, language clubs. Not only is this good exposure, but it also shows your child that the language has a real place in the world. In my area, we’re lucky to have food festivals and community events where multiple languages are spoken. Food and communication—a win-win!
Do adjust your expectations
Compare your child to their own progress, not someone else’s. A child who is just starting to speak won’t be reciting full sentences in three languages next week. Focus on what they’re learning now, and let the rest follow naturally. Every child develops differently, and multilingual children often speak later—but catch up quickly.
Final thoughts
You can help your child become multilingual from birth, as long as you focus on exposure, consistency, and joy rather than perfection. Speak the language if you can, surround them with it in real contexts, connect with your community, and let them explore language like they would swimming, music, or cycling—with curiosity and confidence.
If this sparked anything — questions, rants, good old curiosity — come say hi via the About Les page.