Let’s face it—language learning can sometimes feel like one of those Herculean tasks, especially when your child is growing up in a multilingual setting. As a parent, you might be juggling languages yourself, or maybe you’re watching your child bounce between three or four different ones like it’s no big deal. Either way, it’s a lot to keep track of. But don’t worry, it’s not as overwhelming as it sounds. Whether your family is new to the whole international school scene or you’ve been around for a while, there are some easy ways to help your child thrive in their language acquisition journey.
From personal experience with my own kids attending an international school here in Bali, I’ve learned that encouraging language learning at home doesn’t have to be complicated—and it can even be fun. So, here are five straightforward ways to help your child master new languages in a multilingual setting.
Table of Contents
1. Create a Language-Rich Environment
This might sound obvious, but the more your child is exposed to different languages, the better. Think about it: how much time does your child spend listening to, reading, or speaking in the target language? Schools might have structured curricula that encourage English or other dominant languages, but it’s also important to extend that learning at home.
For instance, in our house, we’ve labeled almost everything in two languages—English and Bahasa Indonesia. Yes, this means that even our fridge and dog food bowl have labels! It’s a small thing, but it helps build familiarity. Beyond labeling, surround your child with books, movies, and even music in the languages they are learning. The idea is to turn your home into a language playground where learning happens naturally. Your child might not even realize they’re absorbing new vocabulary while watching their favorite show or flipping through a comic book.
2. Encourage Social Interaction in Different Languages
We’ve all heard that phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and when it comes to language learning, this is especially true. Kids pick up languages faster when they have real, meaningful conversations in them. So, why not encourage them to hang out with friends who speak different languages? In Bali, there’s a wonderful mix of expats and locals, which creates a huge advantage for children growing up here.
When my son started making friends with kids whose first language wasn’t English, I noticed how quickly he picked up conversational phrases from them. It was like magic! Suddenly, he was using Indonesian slang like a pro, all because he wanted to fit in with his friends. And the best part? He didn’t see it as learning—just having fun.
Invite friends over, organize playdates, or encourage your child to join language-specific clubs or activities. The more social opportunities they have to use their new language skills, the more confident they’ll become.
3. Use Games and Apps to Make Learning Fun
Let’s be honest—kids (and adults!) don’t always want to sit down and study. But here’s the good news: language learning doesn’t have to feel like homework. There are tons of apps and games designed to make learning a new language fun and engaging.
At our house, we’ve tried everything from Duolingo to more hands-on games like Scrabble in different languages. We even invented our own bilingual version of Pictionary. The goal is to make language learning feel less like a chore and more like an adventure. And let’s not forget the endless supply of language-learning apps that cater to all ages and levels, like Memrise or Babbel. Some of these apps even turn the process into a game where you collect points, earn badges, and level up. Kids love it, and before you know it, they’re mastering vocabulary without even realizing it.
4. Incorporate Language Learning into Daily Routines
When you think of teaching a child a new language, formal lessons might come to mind. But, in reality, one of the most effective ways to encourage language acquisition is by weaving it into your daily routine. This can be as simple as discussing breakfast options in a different language or asking them to count the number of steps they take to the car in Spanish or French.
In our family, we have certain “language zones” in the house. For example, when we’re in the kitchen, we speak only in Bahasa Indonesia. When we’re playing games, we switch to English. At bedtime, it’s time for a French lullaby. It sounds a bit quirky, but it really works! The key is to keep it low-pressure. Don’t worry if the conversations are a mix of languages or if your child struggles to find the right words. The important thing is that they’re trying, and in the process, they’re learning.
5. Be Patient and Celebrate Progress
This last tip is probably the most important. Language learning is not a race. It’s a process that takes time, and every child progresses at their own pace. As parents, it’s easy to get caught up in the expectation that our kids should be fluent by a certain age, especially in an international school setting where languages like English, Mandarin, or Spanish dominate. But, trust me, pushing too hard can backfire.
I’ve had to remind myself (and my kids!) that it’s okay to make mistakes. There were moments when my daughter mixed up grammar rules or couldn’t find the right word, and she’d get frustrated. Instead of correcting every error, I’ve learned to focus on the small victories. Maybe she learned ten new words this week, or maybe she used a full sentence in Indonesian without hesitating. Those are the moments to celebrate!
By keeping a positive and encouraging attitude, you’re helping to create an environment where language learning feels rewarding instead of daunting. After all, mastering a new language is a gift that will benefit your child for a lifetime.
