How Bilingual Homes Affect Children’s Speech Development (Part II)

HUMA KHALID  |  MS Speech Language Pathology

After understanding how bilingual children reach speech and language milestones, it’s important to look at some normal variations in development that often worry parents—but are actually a natural part of growing up with two languages.

Normal Variations (Not Disorders)

Even on track, bilingual children can show some quirks that might look like “delays” but aren’t disorders. For example, code-mixing as mentioned is typical. It might seem confusing, but remember: when kids say things like “I want jugo, por favor,” they’re just grabbing words they know. This mixing is a healthy sign that they can juggle two language systems. You don’t need to correct it – instead, respond naturally in the language you’re using.

You might also notice your child has a much bigger vocabulary in one language. That’s okay. Often one language (like the one used at home) is stronger early on, while the “outside” language grows later. Experts call the combined understanding the child has in both languages their conceptual vocabulary. When counted that way, bilingual kids usually match monolingual peers. So even if Johnny has only 30 English words but 40 Spanish words at age 2 (total 70 concepts), he’s not behind; he’s learning 70 words like a monolingual 2-year-old might in one language.

Sometimes parents hear that bilingual toddlers are “slower” because each language progresses a bit separately. It’s true that a bilingual child might reach, say, “two-word sentences” a few weeks later in each individual language than a monolingual child would in one. But this slight gap typically disappears as time goes on. Overall, studies show bilingual children are no more likely than monolinguals to have true language disorders or permanent delays. In fact, just about the same percentage of bilingual kids will need speech support as monolinguals – the difference is in whether we can tell the variation from a real problem.

If you do have ongoing concerns (for example, if your 3-year-old isn’t speaking much in either language, or isn’t understood by close family), it’s fine to check with a pediatrician or speech-language pathologist. But make sure it’s someone knowledgeable about bilingual children. Misdiagnosis can happen if providers only listen in one language – bilingual kids can sound “late” if only one language is tested. A good bilingual SLP will evaluate both languages and compare to bilingual norms. In most cases, however, bilingualism itself is not the cause of the delay.

Supporting Your Child’s Bilingual Skills

Knowing these facts can help you feel confident and focus on what really matters: helping your child learn. The most powerful things you can do are actually simple: talk, read, and play in each language every day. Yes, that means narrating your day with your toddler: describe that sandwich you’re making (“I spread peanut butter on the bread. Now we add jelly.” / “Yo pongo mantequilla de maní en el pan. Ahora agrego mermelada.”) or point out letters and colors while getting dressed. Making conversation part of everyday routines gives your child a ton of rich input.

Reading is magic, too. Snuggle up with books in both languages. Bedtime story sessions are not only cozy; they teach words and sentence patterns. Visit the library for bilingual kids’ books or audiobooks in your home language. Even if you’re not a confident reader, you can talk about the pictures or have a parent read while you explain the same story in your other language. The key is consistency – little and often is great. Singing songs, playing word games, and telling family stories (in each language) all build skills over time.

You don’t have to enforce strict “one person, one language” unless you want to. Some families do and it works well; others mix languages freely at home. The most important thing is that each language is heard often by your child, and you respond warmly no matter which language they use. For example, it’s fine if Mom says everything in English and Dad in Spanish; your child will learn to separate them. Or if you switch mid-sentence because you only know a certain phrase in one language, that’s okay too – it models code-switching, a real skill.

Encourage your child, celebrate each new word, and be patient. Remember that bilingual children do develop language abilities on a very similar timetable to monolingual children, even if sometimes it feels a bit slower (it usually evens out quickly). Try not to scold them for mixing or “getting the words wrong” – these are just growing pains.

If there ever is a concern about a true speech delay (for instance, little understood speech well beyond age 3 in both languages, or lack of two-word combinations by age 3), a qualified pediatric SLP can help. They often suggest continuing both languages and focusing on plenty of practice in fun ways (lots of books, play, and conversation) rather than dropping a language. And remember, when experts in bilingual development weigh in, they consistently say: children are ready to learn multiple languages without harm. In fact, bilingualism is often a gift: it strengthens family bonds, cultural identity and even offers cognitive benefits down the road.

Above all, trust your instincts and enjoy the journey. Your child hearing you speak your native tongue is a precious link to family and culture. By talking and laughing together in all your languages, you’re giving your child a wonderful head start. Keep it fun, keep it rich with words and stories, and smile when you hear them switch between “doggy” and “perro” – they’re learning to fly with two wings, and what a beautiful flight it will be!