Tips on raising bilingual children

Denise - posted on 02/06/2013

When I was trying to teach Spanish to my first child, I put cards on everything I could with Spanish names on them. Like puerta for door and ventana for window. I also read to my children in Spanish and use flashcards to help them learn the main sight words. I cannot speak Spanish exclusively in my house because my husband does not speak it, so I now speak to my two year old twice. I say it in English and Spanish. She is two and can count to ten in both languages and can understand my Spanish and English. She also knows Spanish colors and animals and body parts. You can do the same in English to your Spanish speaking kids. Try reading to them, listening to English music like for toddlers and nursery rhymes because they use simple words, and shows that work on phonics are great like Super Why, Sesame Street, and Word Girl. The best advice I can give you is not to stress about it too much. I was unable to push two languages for my children for many years. But all of them are learning it in some way in school and then I reinforce it at home. Wish you well.

Danielle - posted on 01/14/2013

Bilingual daycare! About three years ago I moved to Leesburg VA having to work I didn't know if my son would be ok with a babysitter staying at our home. Luckily I was recommended by a co worker to a bilingual home daycare. They were very friendly and experienced so I gave them a try well it was the best experience for my son to socialize and not lose our native tongue and find out more about our hispanic culture. They did games, celebrated el día de muertos not just Halloween sang happy birthday and feliz cumpleaños. It's been an amazing ride for Latinas I recommend you seek out this type Of care in your área, Also I highly recomend it to all since your child Will be more open to another culture and learn an extra language! I know my son's home daycare has an opening so if you are in the area Of loudoun county, Leesburg or Ashburn VA let me know or get in touch with them. I'm open to any questions and Love helping out working Mom's that are going through the same doubts I went through. Their email is andrea8varela@gmail.com