Raising a Spanish-Dominant Child

Raising a child who speaks Spanish as his first language can be tricky while living in a predominantly English-speaking country like the United States. While mainstream school classes, movies and books are in the English language, there are other opportunities to consistently expose your child to Spanish. Raising a Spanish-dominant child may take some extra work and a well-thought-out plan, but it is certainly possible.

  1. A Smarter Child

    • A 2004 study by psychologists Ellen Bialystok and Michelle Martin-Rhee of monolingual and bilingual preschoolers suggests that bilingual children can better solve mental puzzles -- in other words, they can ignore distractions, remain focused and move from subject to subject without losing information. Bilingual children are able to quickly change their mindset and language when speaking to different people. For example, a child might talk to his mother in his heritage language and immediately turn to speak to his brother in English.

    Other Benefits

    • There are more benefits to raising a dominantly Spanish-speaking child besides higher test scores and academic achievement. Bilingual kids are able to communicate with a greater number of people at home and while traveling abroad, and they can creatively solve complex problems. Speaking at least two languages during childhood can serve as a platform for learning additional languages later on in life. Understanding a heritage language gives kids a step up to comprehending history and traditions of their family̵7;s country of origin, creating a strong sense of self.

    How to Keep Spanish Dominant

    • While it is important for a child to speak English to perform well in school, take driving tests and open a bank account, a dominantly Spanish-speaking child will be able to complete each task in both languages. Communicating and understanding a parent̵7;s heritage language can help maintain a strong family bond that can prevent a child from seeking a sense of family and belonging from the wrong crowd. Maintain Spanish at home by encouraging your child to speak only Spanish to you or your spouse and to talk in English out in public. Other methods encourage families to select a time and place to speak only in Spanish, such as an immersion school or family gathering.

    Materials

    • Technology makes it easier to maintain Spanish in the home. Introduce your child to Spanish video games, movies and music for entertainment. Provide dolls, books and other electronic toys that speak in Spanish to subtly teach the primary language of Spanish. If possible, send your children to a Spanish school or to visit relatives in a Spanish-speaking country over summer break for an immersion experience. Demonstrate that Spanish is not just a language for your immediate family by joining play groups, language camps or dance classes offered in Spanish.

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