Baby Names
Bilingual parenting?
MichèleGuest ·
Hey! I have a question: I'm going to be a single mom very soon. I'm debating whether to raise her bilingual or not. I'd go for English (because I think it's a useful language) or Spanish (because we go to Spain very regularly)... which language do you guys like best? Tips? Advice? Recommendation? Do it or not? Experience with this? Thanks in advance and kind regards, Michèle.
Replies
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Ella Guest #2
Nice! But isn't that tough as a single mom? Kudos for wanting to do it! You come across as strong—if you want to, then do it! -
anoniem Guest #3
I did this years ago with my son, my husband is French. He speaks French to me, I reply in Dutch. That way, our son got both languages. I don't know how you'd do this as a single mom. But if you can find a way, I'd definitely do it. Our son is now very strong in both languages, I think it's a real plus for raising and developing children! More people should do this. I'd go for Spanish, I think that's a bit more special!
Greetings. -
Lou Guest #4
It does seem tricky, though. You could choose to communicate in another language on, say, one day a week (weekend), or during a specific part of the day (evening). Spanish feels more special to me, but only if you can really speak it well. Otherwise, you might teach her the wrong things, and then it won’t be much use. In that regard, English is easier, but if you’re good at Spanish: that’s really nice! -
Anouk Guest #5
That sounds tough as a single parent.
My partner and I don’t have kids yet, but we’ve already agreed that if we do have children, he’ll speak Frisian to them and I’ll speak Dutch. That way, they’ll grow up with both languages. -
Roxane Guest #6
Sounds great if you can combine this. I'd go for English. I think your child will benefit more from it later.
Maybe hard to combine, but you'll come across as a super strong woman, go for it! -
Mel #7
Our son is being raised bilingual, I myself am also bilingual and would really like him to understand that one half of the family and also know the boss.
I say the pictures in the books in two languages and so on. -
GEMMA #8
My kids were raised bilingual in French and Dutch, and the oldest is now 13 and the youngest is 10. I have two more kids, aged 2 and almost 1 month old (the little one's still too young), but my two oldest are perfectly bilingual.
My sisters also raised their kids in two languages, but their children weren't raised that way, so they can only speak one language. It's a shame if you know another language and don't give your kids the chance. I'd personally do it. Now my oldest wants to learn English and will try to do so.
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