As a speech-language pathologist who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of language disorders in bilingual children, parents often ask, “Should I speak only one language to my child?”

Research repeatedly shows the benefits of exposing your child to more than one language.  Below are a few:

  • Cognitive flexibility – children who have been exposed to more than one language are better able to ignore distractions
  • Better problem solving skills
  • Bilingual adults’ brains age more slowly

Exposing your child to more than one language will not cause a language delay, nor is it confusing for them.  Speaking your native language to your child helps your child learn your culture.  Even children who have been diagnosed with a language disorder or delay benefit from bilingualism.

The bottom line:  keep exposing your child to foreign languages – it does a brain good!

References:

http://www.hanen.org/Helpful-Info/Articles/Bilingualism-in-Young-Children–Separating-Fact-fr.aspx

http://www.hanen.org/Helpful-Info/Articles/Can-children-with-language-impairments-learn-two-l.aspx