Raising a Bilingual Child
Hi there, I’m Eliana, your friendly local Tulsa bilingual speech-language pathologist here in Tulsa.
One of the most common questions I hear as a bilingual speech-language pathologist in Tulsa is:
“Will speaking two languages confuse my child?”
Let’s bust that myth wide open—and talk about the real story behind raising bilingual kids.
Myth #1: “Two languages will confuse my child.”
Not true! The human brain is incredible, and babies are wired to learn multiple languages from birth. In fact, research shows that bilingual children have strong cognitive skills, especially in memory, attention, and problem-solving.
Yes, bilingual kids might mix languages or have a smaller vocabulary in each individual language for a while, but this is normal and temporary. It’s called “code-switching,” and it actually shows your child’s brain is doing something really smart.
Myth #2: “If my child has a speech delay, we should drop one language.”
Again, false! If a child has a speech or language delay, they’re delayed in both languages—not because of bilingualism, but because of the underlying difficulty. Removing one language doesn’t fix the delay; it just limits the child’s exposure and connection to culture, family, and identity.
At Monarch, we support both languages through evidence-based strategies tailored for Spanish-English language development.
The Benefits of Bilingualism
Here’s why being bilingual is such a gift:
Stronger connection to family, especially across generations
Increased cognitive flexibility
Better long-term academic outcomes
Greater career and social opportunities later in life
Deep sense of cultural pride and identity
Plus, Tulsa is a wonderfully diverse city—bilingualism is an asset in our community!
Tips for Raising a Bilingual Child (Without Stress)
Be consistent with exposure. Whether it's one parent-one language, or both languages all the time, what matters is regular input.
Read books in both languages. Libraries in Tulsa often have great bilingual book sections!
Sing songs, play games, and talk about your day in each language.
Don’t stress about mixing. It’s part of the learning journey.
Get bilingual support if needed. If your child has a delay, it’s important to work with a provider who understands both the language and the culture.
At Monarch, we provide bilingual speech therapy in Tulsa for children who are learning both English and Spanish—and we celebrate every word, in every language.
