It's never too early to start teaching your child a second language. In fact, research has shown that babies as young as six months old can begin to absorb the sounds and rhythms of a new language.

There are many other benefits to exposing your child to a second language at an early age. Bilingual children tend to score higher on tests of cognitive ability and critical thinking than their monolingual peers, tending to be more flexible thinkers, and reasonably able to solve problems creatively.

So if you're looking for a way to give your child a leg up in life, teaching them a second language is a great place to start.

Why teach your child a second language

One study, published in the journal "Cognition," found that bilingual children as young as six months old were better able to solve problems creatively than their monolingual peers. The study's authors believe that this is because exposure to two languages helps children to develop what they call "mental flexibility."

More research has recently surfaced that points to the benefits of bilingualism on cognitive development. A study published in 2013 in "PLoS ONE" showed a correlation between bilingualism and higher scores among measures of executive function. This includes skills like planning, reasoning, and problem-solving- not only important for studies but daily life as well.

Teaching your child another language introduces them to different cultures and may also enable them to participate in exchange programs or travel when they're older. If you're bilingual, it's also a wonderful opportunity to share your culture with them.

So how do you go about teaching your child a second language?

How to get started teaching your child a second language

You don't need to be a fluent speaker of a second language to start teaching it to your child. There are many resources available to help you get started, including books, apps, and websites. If you’re still in the process of learning the language yourself, it can even be a great way to strengthen your own knowledge as you learn together!

Here are some tips to get you started:

Start early

The earlier you start exposing your child to a second language, the better. Babies as young as six months old can begin to absorb the sounds and rhythms of a new language.

There are some activities you can run with your kid at an early age such as:

Read aloud to your child in the language, whether it’s a bedtime story or a favorite book.
Sing songs or nursery rhymes in the second language.
Introduce basic words and phrases in the language throughout the day, such as when you’re getting ready for meals or going for walks.

There are many benefits to exposing your child to a second language, so it’s never too early to start. By introducing basic words and phrases, you can help your child develop cognitive abilities and critical thinking skills. And singing songs or reading stories in that language can be a fun way for them to learn while bonding with you.

Make it fun

One way to make second language learning fun for your kid is to choose activities they enjoy, such as songs, games, and stories. You can also make it a game by incorporating elements of competition like awarding points for correct answers. Whatever you do, make sure that the environment is relaxed and comfortable so your child can feel confident in trying out their new skills.

If you want your child to have fun while learning, give them ample opportunities to practice. You can achieve this by frequently speaking the language with them at home, giving them books and other materials in the foreign language, or enrolling them in a class or program where they can socialize with other kids who are learning too.

Finally, be patient and encourage your child when they make progress. Learning a second language takes time and effort, but it will be worth it when you see your kid communicating confidently in their new language.

Be consistent

Consistency is key to learning any language, no matter the age. Try to make this new language part of your daily routine. The more exposure they have to the new language, the better they will learn it. But don't worry if you can't be consistent every day. Even a few minutes here and there can make a difference.

A study conducted by Dr. Patricia Kuhl, professor of speech and hearing sciences at the University of Washington, found that children who heard a second language for an hour every day were able to learn it more quickly and accurately than those who heard it for only 30 minutes a day.

Be patient

Don't expect your child to become fluent overnight. Learning a second language takes time and practice. Be patient when speaking to them in another language. Speak slowly and clearly, using simple words and sentences, and repeating key words and phrases often.

Encourage your child to practice regularly, setting aside some time each day for language learning. This could be reading together, watching a foreign language TV show, or listening to music in the target language.

Rewarding your child's efforts is also vital for their development. Praise them when they use new words or phrases correctly and motivate them with fun activities, such as games or puzzles.

Seek out resources

One way to find resources is by asking other parents or teachers for recommendations or searching online for reviews of different products.

When choosing a resource, look for something that will be engaging and easy for you to use. Likewise, consider your child's learning style and choose a resource that matches their needs.

Some great tech resources to help you teach your child a second language include:

The Bilingual Baby app by Little Pim: This app features over 200 videos of animals, objects, and activities in 12 different languages. It's great for kids aged 6 months to 3 years old.
Shoonya Digital: This app helps children learn the first 500 words of a new language through immersive, bite-sized, theme-based activities. It has online Hindi classes for kids, as well as Spanish, English, Telugu, and Marathi.
Babbel: This app offers interactive exercises and games to help kids learn a new language. It's suitable for kids aged 3 and up.
Dinolingo: By this point, you will have heard of Duolingo. Dinolingo is their alternate brand, focussed on language learning for children.

Overall, there are many benefits to exposing your child to a second language at an early age. To make sure your child has a positive experience learning a new language, be consistent in your efforts, patient with their progress, and seek out resources that will engage and motivate them. With a little time and patience, you'll see your kid communicating confidently in their new language in no time!

How Learning A Second Language Can Benefit Your Child In The Long Run