Add a minority language book to your bedtime or other routine, so it's easy to add an extra serving! If your bilingual toddler seems to have shifted toward one language over the other lately, perhaps more English at home than usual, or a heritage language that suddenly seems to be deprioritised, you're not imagining it, and it's probably not a "silent period"either. Here's what's actually going on, and what the research says about supporting the language that is being used le

Reading and re-learning together If you've ever been mid-sentence, translating a picture book into your first language for your child, and hit a wall on a simple, tender word, you're not alone, and there's a name for what's happening. And no, it isn't a sign you're forgetting your native language. It's a sign the language you use every day is standing in the doorway, blocking the one you grew up in from coming through. Here's what the research says about why this happens, and

Moments of connection help build language - whatever they may look like for you. It's one of the most cited statistics in early-childhood education: by age three, children in higher-income families have heard, on average, thirty million more words than children in lower-income families. The figure has shaped policy, fundraising, parenting books, and at least one Sunday-supplement article you've probably read. It's also more contested, and more nuanced, than the headlines usua

If you have a bilingual or multilingual child somewhere between eighteen months and three years old, you may have noticed something charming and slightly odd: she sings the same song in different voices. A deep grandfather voice with the cheeks puffed out. A thin, papery grandmother voice. The voice of a character from a book. The voice of an older cousin. Sometimes she announces it "now I sing like grandpa" and sometimes she just does it. And then, more remarkably, she will

Why "mama" appears as the word for mother in nearly every language family — and what your baby's first word is actually telling you. Italian mamma. English mama. German Mama. Spanish mamá. French maman. Mandarin māma. Welsh mam. Even in languages whose script reverses the visual order — Sinhala අම්මා ammā — the same two sounds arrive in the same shape. The pattern is so consistent across the world's languages that it raises a question most people never stop to ask: why? The a

A realistic, research-backed guide to raising a bilingual child in real life — with three strategies that actually work, a note for non-native parents, and a starter reading list.

In 1945, in a small Italian town called Reggio Emilia, a young teacher named Loris Malaguzzi started something that would become one of the most influential approaches to early childhood in the world. The town had just emerged from the war. Parents were rebuilding. Schools were being made by hand, often literally — Malaguzzi famously joined a community of parents salvaging bricks from bombed buildings to build a new nursery school. He stayed for the rest of his life. What eme

Learning a new language can be an exciting adventure, especially when you embark on it with your child. Italian, with its melodic sounds and rich culture, is a fantastic choice for families looking to explore a new language together. In this blog post, we will share practical tips and engaging activities that will make learning Italian a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your child. Eye-level view of colorful Italian children's books on a shelf Why Learn Italian?

In today's increasingly interconnected world, raising a bilingual child is more than just a trend; it’s a valuable asset. Bilingualism can enhance cognitive abilities, improve academic performance, and provide cultural insights that monolingualism simply cannot offer. However, fostering bilingual language development in children can be challenging. This blog post will explore effective strategies to support bilingual language development, ensuring that your child thrives in b

In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to communicate in multiple languages is more valuable than ever. Raising bilingual children is not just a trend; it is a powerful investment in their future. The benefits of bilingualism extend beyond mere language skills, influencing cognitive development, cultural awareness, and even career opportunities. This blog post explores the advantages of raising bilingual children today, providing insights and practical tips for