According to the latest Singapore Census of Population, the use of the English language as the predominant language at home increased across all ages and ethnic groups. If this upward trend continues, families from various ethnic groups may need to exert more effort to help their kids learn and speak their native languages as well. Otherwise, their children might use English exclusively as they grow older.
Besides keeping children connected to their cultural roots if they choose to learn their parents’ language, helping children understand, speak, and read in another language offers plenty of benefits. Multiple studies show that bilingual individuals tend to have better attention spans and task-switching capabilities than those who speak a single language. Bilingualism has also been linked with better memory, visual-spatial skills, creativity, and social skills.
All this being said, if you want to raise a bilingual child, you may need to be more intentional in your approach. Remember, bilingual parents don’t automatically bring up bilingual children. As with other parenting areas, you need to invest time and effort to help your child acquire another language. If you’re looking for ways to encourage bilingualism in your child, consider the following tips:
Provide Multilingual Childcare and Early Education
Exposing your child to multiple languages at an early age can facilitate language development. If you rely on infant care because you and your spouse are working, for instance, consider searching for childcare options with early childhood educators who speak the language you want your kids to acquire.
Enrolling them in an international preschool Singapore expatriates trust is a good first step in helping your child to become more used to a cosmopolitan environment. As your child grows, continued international education will further strengthen their multilingual foundation, not least because they will be encouraged to learn and acquire a second or even a third language in school.
Create Enjoyable Opportunities for Learning Another Language
Instead of creating a strict schedule for daily
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