Last week I wrote about the tools that make it easier to teach your kids Spanish. Today I want to share with you some of the characteristics you need to posses to raise bilingual kids successfully. I'm sure they will come in handy as you embark on this awesome journey!
Read more ¿Qué más?: 5 Fun ways to immerse your kids in Spanish this summer
1. Determination. First and foremost you need to be committed. Make the decision to speak to your kids in Spanish and stick to it. One of the biggest mistakes parents raising bilingual kids make is giving up when they don't see immediate results or when they feel like their kids will never speak to them in Spanish. Bilingualism doesn't happen overnight, so please stay committed and I promise you'll eventually see the results.
2. Patience. As I already said, your kids won't become bilingual from one day to the next. This is a long-term commitment, so be patient and you will soon see (and hear) the fruits of all your (and their) labor.
3. Consistency. One of the most important ways to make sure all your work is not in vain is to be consistent. You should choose a method to raise your kids bilingual and stick to it. In other words, if you've decided that you're only going to speak to your kids in Spanish, then try to stick to that rule as much as possible. Don't go back and forth between English and Spanish or they won't know what to expect.
4. Flexibility. While it's important to remain consistent, it's even more important to be flexible. I know this may sound confusing, but life changes all the time and so you need to be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly. Just be open to the possibility that you may have to change your method depending on what's going on in your kids' lives.
5. Faith. Believe that what you're doing is the right thing for your children. Don't let others–who most likely know nothing about bilingualism–dissuade you. Have faith that eventually your kids will thank you for giving them one of the most amazing gifts any child can receive.
6. Love. Not only for your kids and for the way you've chosen to raise them, but also for the language you're teaching them and the culture and traditions that go with it. Your kids will pick up on that and it will help them understand why it's so important for you that they speak your (and your ancestor's) native language.
