22. Raising Bilingual Kids | Kaila Diaz Find the Good Mamahood

This episode is near and dear to my heart since the topic is a huge part of our family and one of my major focuses as a mom: fostering bilingualism in our children! My friend Kaila is both an expert in this field and also a fellow mama raising a bilingual child. She shares some incredibly helpful advice, stories and frameworks to guide and inspire you in your journeys.

Although we reference raising bilingual Spanish-English-speaking kids specifically, we also discuss many super helpful strategies and tidbits that apply to any bilingual family. I loved learning lots of ways we can cultivate a love for our target languages in our kids: "Link it to things that are fun: play and people." While it is ultimately their choice to embrace it or not, we can lay a foundation and show them how the language is beautiful, meaningful and worth embracing.

Kaila reminded us there are many family language plans, even more than you typically find online. You can customize a language plan that’s just right for your family “that is attainable and sustainable.” Each family is unique, so don’t compare your bilingual journey to others. Any bilingual exposure you can give your little ones is a gift!



This episode is packed with top-notch content, so here are some time markers to guide you as you listen:

* 1:37 - Kaila's bio

* 11:30 - linking language learning to fun

* 15:15 - the importance of how we present target language (not shaming or forcing them)

* 18:08 - the evolution of my family's Family Language Plan

* 20:50 - strategies for encouraging kids to respond back in target language (not just listening and understanding)

* 33:29 - tips for parents starting a bilingual journey

* 36:56 - what to do if kids become indifferent or resistant to target language

* 38:23 - the danger of shaming and the power of positive feedback

* 41:51 - how to introduce early academic concepts

* 43:05 - the importance of teaching safety terms in majority language

* 46:22 - mention of several of the resources listed below

* 47:31 - encouragement for bilingual parents



Extra Stuff:

Here is Kaila's podcast (a great place to start, especially if you're new to this topic!): Bilingual Parenting Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bilingual-parenting-podcast/id1456193421)

You can find Kaila's company, Bilingüitos, at @bilinguitos on Instagram or the following website link for Spanish language immersion programs, playgroups, and online resources: https://bilinguitos.com/

This is Kaila's freebie! Ten methods of bilingual parenting with benefits & obstacles: ⁠https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TyVDvkNcUB-d92rvzgqafrq0sSRr6IIF/view?usp=drive_link⁠ 

MamaLlamaLinguist has free song playlists and fun printables: https://mamallamalinguist.com/

Here is the free virtual Spanish storytime I mentioned: @msroxanaspanish (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/MsRoxanaSpanish/

Viva Kids Bookstore: https://viva-kids-tiendita.myshopify.com/ 

Here is the book Kaila recommended: The Bilingual Edge (https://www.amazon.com/Bilingual-Edge-Teach-Second-Language/dp/0061246565)