How Do You Raise a Child in a Multilingual Family? 

Beyond English, Australian homes speak and sing with the melodies of many languages. More than one-fifth (21 per cent) of Australians spoke a language other than English at home (source: Australian Bureau of Statistics). After English, the next most common languages spoken at home were Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese and Vietnamese. 

Families choose to foster multilingualism for various reasons: to preserve cultural heritage, build familial connections or simply open doors to new experiences and opportunities for their children. 

Strategies for Raising Multilingual Little Learners 

Here are some strategies that parents can utilise to help their children flourish in a multilingual environment: 

One Parent, One Language: With this approach, each parent consistently speaks their native language to the child. This provides structured exposure and helps the child differentiate between languages. 

Language in Daily Life: Integrate the minority language into everyday routines like mealtimes, playtime and bedtime stories. This creates a natural and immersive environment for language learning. 

Community Connection: Seek out other multilingual families, community groups and cultural events where children can practice using the minority language in a social setting. 

Playful Learning: Utilise songs, games, apps and movies in the target language to make learning fun and engaging for young children. 

For more information, you can also read this resource from Starting Blocks. 

Footsteps Early Learning Centre: Nurturing Diversity 

Early learning centres like Footsteps Early Learning Centre embrace Australia’s rich multiculturalism and actively support multilingual learners. Their approach includes: 

Celebrating Cultural Events: By participating in cultural holidays and incorporating traditions from various backgrounds, the centre creates an inclusive and respectful environment for all children. 

Dual-Language Resources: Providing books, songs and activities in multiple languages allows children to explore and connect with their own heritage or learn about new cultures. 

Encouraging Multilingual Expression: Staff members are trained to value and encourage children’s attempts to communicate in both English and their home language, fostering a sense of pride and acceptance of all languages. 

Nurturing Multilingualism: A Lifelong Gift 

Raising a multilingual child requires patience, commitment and a positive attitude. Parents play a crucial role in: 

Embracing Mistakes: Language learning is a natural process with bumps along the way. Focus on encouragement and positive reinforcement rather than perfection. 

Celebrating Success: Recognise and praise your child’s efforts and progress in acquiring multiple languages. 

Valuing All Languages: Promote the importance of both English and your child’s heritage language, fostering a strong sense of cultural identity and pride. 

By creating a supportive home environment, utilising effective strategies and partnering with early learning centres that embrace multiculturalism, parents can empower their children to excel in a multilingual world. Raising a multilingual child is a rewarding journey – it’s a gift that unlocks a world of understanding, empathy and endless opportunities.