How to Gently Encourage Bilingual Kids to Speak Both Languages
Many parents who are raising bilingual children eventually face a frustrating moment: their child suddenly refuses to speak the second language. Whether it’s Spanish, French, or Italian, the child seems to prefer the dominant language (usually the one spoken at school or in the community). If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong.
Here are some real-life strategies that have worked for other families. These playful, positive, and pressure-free ideas can help your child reconnect with the second language—without turning it into a battle.
1. Try Reverse Psychology
Anna, mom of 5-year-old Javier, found that saying, “Spanish is only for grown-ups,” made her strong-willed son want to speak it more. Framing the second language as a special, adult-only club made him eager to join in.
2. Stay Consistent Without Pressure
Lucinda, stepmom of Matilda, kept using Portuguese even when Matilda replied in English. She didn’t push or scold—just calmly continued the conversation in Portuguese. Over time, Matilda started responding in the language again.
3. Make It a Game
Fabio, father of two boys, invented the “English policeman” game. Each day, one family member had to catch anyone speaking English. The “penalty” was putting ten cents into a jar. At the end of the month, the family used the money to go out for pizza—making Italian both fun and rewarding.
4. Pretend You Don’t Understand
Maria pretended she didn’t understand English when her daughter was young. Her daughter had to use French to get what she wanted. Now that her daughter is older, Maria gently reminds her to “say it in French” just like parents ask kids to say “please” or “thank you.”
5. Use a “Beep” Rule
Cristina and her husband created a “beeping” policy: anyone caught speaking English in their Spanish-only home gets “beeped!” The kids love catching their parents slipping into English, and the rule keeps Spanish fun and playful in the household.
Support Tools Like Dinolingo Can Help
If you’re looking for more ways to encourage your child to speak their second language, Dinolingo offers interactive lessons, games, songs, and stories in over 50 languages. It’s designed to keep children ages 2–14 engaged and motivated through playful learning. The program works on web, iOS, and Android, and offers offline access, a reward system, and a parent dashboard so you can follow your child’s progress.
Final Thoughts
Children might resist the second language for many reasons—peer pressure, ease, or just a temporary phase. The key is not to panic or give up. With creativity, consistency, and a little humor, you can help your child rediscover the joy of speaking two languages. Remember, every bilingual family has ups and downs, but each moment is part of a beautiful, lifelong journey.