If you speak more than one language at home, you might be wondering how and when is best to introduce it to your child. The ability to speak more than one language helps your child's brain development, self-confidence and wellbeing. It will also enable your child to communicate with relatives, friends and other community members and help them feel secure in their cultural identity.
A child who develops good use of their home language is more likely to develop good English.
Do not worry if you do not speak English, speak to your child in your home language so that they learn the language correctly.
Top tips
Spend time together playing and speaking in the language you feel most comfortable with. Your child will love joining in with family and friends in a language they can understand and speak confidently.
The BBC's Tiny Happy People website has guidance on:
- Why speaking different languages is good for your child
- Advice on how to develop language in a bilingual household
- Balancing talking two different languages at home
- Learning languages through play and games
Find out more
- Bilingual quick tips on the National Literacy Trust website
- Bilingualism guidance on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Children's Health website
- Speaking more than one language - a guide for parents (opens PDF on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust website)
What to do if you have concerns
Visit our webpage on how to get help if you're worried about your child's speech and language development. You can find out about signs and symptoms of issues plus organisations and charities that can help you.