Raising bilingual or multilingual children is an enriching journey that requires patience, consistency, and intentional effort. Here are some helpful hints and tips for parents navigating this in The Netherlands.
The earlier children are exposed to multiple languages, the easier it is for them to absorb and reproduce sounds. However, don’t worry if your child is already in school. With consistent effort at home and school, learning a second language is always achievable at any age!
➡️ Tip: Use your native language(s) at home and let English or Dutch (or other languages) naturally develop through school interactions. Balance is key.
Language learning flourishes when children are immersed in it daily. Make your home a space where your chosen languages come alive—read stories, sing songs, have conversations, and watch age-appropriate media and talk.
➡️ Tip: Use media like books, movies, and cartoons in your home language to create positive language exposure.
Children need sufficient input in each language to become confident speakers. If English is dominant at school, ensure they hear and use their home language(s) regularly to maintain fluency.
➡️ Tip: Dedicate specific times for each language—for example, “English mornings” and “Dutch/FR/DE/ES/UKR afternoons.” Use routines to naturally incorporate both languages and regularly connect on video call with the cousins or grandparents.
It’s natural for children to favour one language over another at different stages. Some may speak English or Dutch fluently but hesitate in their home language(s), while others may mix languages in sentences. This is completely normal in multilingual development.
➡️ Tip: Celebrate progress, big or small. A child using two or three languages is an incredible achievement!
Language grows through communication. Seek out playgroups, after-school clubs, or community events where your child can interact in their home language(s) as well as English or Dutch.
➡️ Tip: Connect with expat or cultural groups who share your family’s language—these networks can be invaluable.
Language and culture go hand in hand. Teaching your child about your family’s cultural roots helps them understand the significance of your language and feel connected to their identity.
➡️ Tip: Celebrate cultural traditions, cook traditional meals, and share family stories in your home language. This makes learning meaningful and fun.
It’s common for bilingual children to “code-switch”—mixing words from different languages in one sentence. This is not a sign of confusion but a natural part of learning multiple languages.
➡️ Tip: Gently model correct language use instead of “correcting” them. Over time, they’ll separate the languages naturally.
If your child attends a Dutch school, keep open communication with their teachers. Inform them about your home languages so they can better support your child’s language journey.
➡️ Tip: Don’t hesitate to supplement school education with language-specific tutoring, especially in English if your family plans to stay mobile internationally.
The Dutch education system is very good, but Dutch as a primary language is not as globally versatile. If your family moves frequently or plans to relocate, international schooling might better support your child’s long-term success by providing strong foundations in English (while offering Dutch as an additional language).
➡️ Tip: Think long-term—will your child need to integrate into an English-speaking environment in the future? International schooling ensures they are equipped for global opportunities.
Children mirror their parents’ attitudes. If you value language diversity and embrace the challenge of raising multilingual kids, your child will too. Encourage curiosity, reward effort, and celebrate every milestone.
➡️ Tip: Avoid pressure—language learning is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep it light, engaging, and supportive.
