What if you could give your child the gift of speaking more than one language? Multilingualism isn’t just about communication—it’s about creating opportunities for connection, expanding horizons, and fostering a love of learning.

Our multilingual journey has been full of surprises, challenges, and rewards. It hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been worth every step. Let me share how we’ve approached this process and why it matters to us—and perhaps inspire you to explore multilingualism for your own family.

Why Multilingualism Matters to Us

Languages shape how we see the world. They’re not just tools for communication but bridges to culture, identity, and understanding. From the start, I wanted to give my child a multilingual foundation because I believed it would offer him more than just words—it would open doors.

Our journey began with the languages I already knew: Russian and English. Since birth, I alternated between the two, often switching phrases mid-conversation. It might sound chaotic, but it gave him natural exposure to both languages and created a rhythm we still follow.

When he turned 15 months old, I introduced Spanish—not just to teach him a new language, but for us to learn together. Neither of us spoke Spanish fluently at the time, but we used reading programs, songs, and books to build comprehension. Now, while his spoken Spanish isn’t perfect, he reads the language well, which helps him expand his vocabulary every day.

Next came Japanese. I’d studied it 20 years ago, and I wanted to share what I knew. With flashcards, phonics games, and lots of exposure through music and videos, I’ve introduced him to the language’s unique writing system. While we’re far from fluent, it’s become a consistent part of our learning routine.

We’ve even dipped our toes into Arabic, focusing on phonics videos and songs he loves. Though it’s not a primary focus, it’s a fun way to expose him to yet another linguistic structure.

How We Made Multilingualism Work

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that multilingualism doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be consistent and engaging. Here’s how we approached it:

• Building on What We Know: Russian and English were our starting points because I already spoke them. Spanish and Japanese came later, each introduced thoughtfully based on what I felt comfortable teaching and learning alongside him.

• Using Reading to Support Language Learning: Reading has been our gateway to every new language. We used the Glenn Doman method to teach reading in English first, incorporating picture-word flashcards and phonics games. Later, we expanded the same system to Russian, Spanish, and Japanese.

• Prioritizing Comprehension Over Fluency: While fluency is a long-term goal, we’ve focused on building comprehension first. For Spanish, reading has been a tool to grow vocabulary even though speaking is still developing. For Japanese, exposure to written characters has been key, even if we’re not fluent yet.

• Making It Fun: Songs, games, and videos have kept the process enjoyable. Whether it’s a Spanish lullaby or a Japanese phonics app, these playful elements have made multilingualism a natural part of our daily routine.

Debunking Myths About Multilingualism

If you’re hesitant about raising a multilingual child, you’re not alone. I’ve heard the same questions and concerns time and time again:

• “Won’t it confuse the child?”

Switching between languages might seem daunting, but kids are incredibly adaptable. Mixing languages is part of the learning process, not a sign of confusion.

• “Will it delay speech?”

Multilingual kids sometimes take a bit longer to start speaking, but it’s usually a temporary phase. The long-term cognitive and linguistic benefits far outweigh any early delays.

• “Do I need to be fluent in every language I teach?”

Absolutely not! Many of the languages we’ve explored together are ones I’m still learning myself. Resources like flashcards, songs, and educational videos can help fill in the gaps.

• “Is it too late to start?”

Never. While starting early is great, it’s never too late to introduce a new language or pick up where you left off.

Ready to Dive Deeper?

Raising a multilingual child has been one of the most rewarding parts of our early education journey. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

If you’re curious about starting your own multilingual journey—or want to troubleshoot challenges you’ve encountered—I invite you to explore my webinar on multilingualism. In this webinar, I cover:

• How to introduce multiple languages at any age

• Tips for creating a multilingual routine

• Common myths and how to overcome them

• Practical resources to get started

You can find the webinar linked here in my store. It’s a deep dive into everything I’ve learned and a great way to kick-start your own journey.

Whether you’re teaching one language or five, the most important thing is to make it meaningful, engaging, and fun. Let’s embrace the gift of multilingualism and the doors it opens for our children—and ourselves.