Tue, February 11, 2025

Why Raise a Bilingual Child?

A Personal Story from Vanessa Handal-Ghenania, Founder of Petits Poussins Bilingual Daycares and Preschools in New York City

As someone who grew up moving between several countries, I was fortunate to experience the world through the lens of different languages and cultures from a very young age. My childhood unfolded in various places—the Netherlands during my elementary years, Haiti for my secondary education. Throughout those formative years, I was immersed in a multilingual environment where French and English were spoken at home and in school, and I interacted with friends and family in Dutch, Creole, French, or English. Switching between these languages in daily conversation felt completely natural. Language wasn’t just a tool for communication; it was an avenue through which I discovered diverse ways of thinking and seeing the world.

My experiences instilled in me a deep curiosity for other cultures, and I developed a thirst for learning new languages and connecting with people from all walks of life. As I moved to the U.S. over 25 years ago for college, I quickly realized that my upbringing in such a multilingual environment was not as common as I had assumed. Many of my friends had not traveled as extensively, and the vast majority spoke only one language. I found myself wondering why this was the case, but at the time, the opportunity to explore this question never fully presented itself.

This sense of curiosity, alongside my own upbringing, led me to pursue a career path with a broader international scope. I graduated from college with a degree in international business, but my passion for reaching and connecting with people worldwide quickly shifted my focus. I wanted to go beyond business and guide others toward the invaluable experience of becoming bilingual. The idea of raising bilingual children also shaped my thinking, and eventually, I chose to pursue a degree in bilingual education at Teachers College, Columbia University. There, I became one of the first certified teachers with a bilingual extension in French. This decision to delve deeper into bilingual education would prove to be life-changing, both personally and professionally.

The Science and Benefits of Learning a Second Language Early in Life

My time at Columbia reaffirmed my belief in the profound impact of bilingualism, especially during early childhood. Not only did I learn more about the science behind language acquisition, but I was also inspired to become an educator who would support young children in learning a second language. Early exposure to a second language has an incredible effect on brain development. Research in cognitive science and education reveals several key benefits:

1. Cognitive Flexibility: Children who learn multiple languages become adept at switching between tasks and thought processes. This skill, known as cognitive flexibility, plays a crucial role in executive functions, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and managing distractions. It allows children to navigate different linguistic systems and adjust to new contexts with ease.
   
2. Improved Working Memory: Bilingual children generally exhibit stronger working memory, which is essential for holding and manipulating information. Constantly switching between languages and managing different linguistic structures enhances their ability to process and retain information more efficiently.
   
3. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Bilingual children are often more creative and adaptable. The experience of navigating multiple languages and cultural frameworks allows them to approach problems from different angles. They become adept at finding solutions, considering various perspectives, and thinking outside the box.
   
4. Multitasking Abilities: Learning a second language encourages the brain to juggle multiple systems simultaneously. This capacity for managing complex tasks translates into improved multitasking skills in other areas of life, helping children handle diverse challenges with greater ease.
   
5. Improved Attention Control: Bilingual individuals are more skilled at filtering out distractions and focusing on tasks. The brain of a bilingual child is constantly working to distinguish between languages, which in turn enhances their ability to concentrate on the task at hand.
   
6. Metalinguistic Awareness: Learning a second language fosters a greater understanding of how language works in general. Bilingual children tend to develop a stronger grasp of grammar, sentence structure, and linguistic concepts, which contributes to their overall literacy skills, including reading and writing.
   
7. Cultural Awareness and Empathy: One of the most profound benefits of bilingualism is its ability to expose children to different cultures, fostering empathy and understanding. Language is deeply tied to culture, and by learning a second language, children become more attuned to diverse traditions, values, and worldviews.

Early exposure to a second language creates stronger neural connections in the brain, laying a foundation for lifelong cognitive and social benefits. The ability to think flexibly, solve problems creatively, and communicate with people from different backgrounds is invaluable in our increasingly globalized world.

The Challenges and Rewards of Raising a Bilingual Child

As a mother of four children, I can attest that raising children is already a full-time job with its own set of challenges. So, you might ask, why take on the extra responsibility of raising a bilingual child? My answer is simple: “Your children will thank you for it later!”

Raising bilingual children is certainly not easy, but I can assure you that it is entirely possible, and the long-term rewards make the effort worthwhile. The key is to establish a consistent and supportive environment where both languages are regularly spoken and practiced.

If you come from a bilingual household, it’s essential to speak both languages at home. Ideally, you should speak in your native language, and if your spouse speaks a different language, they should do the same. It might feel awkward or even tiresome at first if you don’t understand your spouse’s language, but the benefits are clear. Over time, you will start to pick up the language, and your child will bond with both parents more deeply, as it’s natural for them to hear and speak their parents’ first language.

If you come from a monolingual household, it’s just as important to expose your child to another language early on. One option is to place your child in a bilingual daycare or preschool. At my own Petits Poussins Daycare, we embrace the philosophy that even if a child doesn’t speak a particular language fluently, the exposure itself is invaluable. Early exposure to language—whether French or another language—lays the foundation for the child’s future willingness and ability to learn a second language.

Even if you don’t intend for your child to become fluent in the second language, simply having regular exposure at a young age has profound cognitive benefits. The ability to differentiate sounds, accents, and words from an early age helps children develop a heightened sense of language and communication. This skill set, which will be invaluable throughout their life, is a priceless gift for any child.

The Cultural and Emotional Benefits of Bilingualism

For me, raising bilingual children is not just about language; it’s about connecting them to their cultural heritage while simultaneously opening them up to others. Language is more than just a means of communication; it is a bridge to the past, to family traditions, and to the values that shape who we are. By raising children who are bilingual, I am giving them a window into our family’s history, culture, and customs.

In today’s increasingly globalized world, bilingualism offers a competitive edge. Bilingual children often excel academically and develop stronger cognitive skills that can benefit them throughout their education and careers. They tend to be better at problem-solving, creativity, and adapting to new environments. Beyond the academic and career advantages, bilingual children are also more socially adept. They are often more empathetic and open-minded, as they are exposed to diverse worldviews and cultural nuances.

From my personal experience, I have found that children who speak multiple languages are more curious about the world around them. They are eager to learn about other people, their backgrounds, and the values that shape their lives. This sense of curiosity helps children develop stronger social skills and a deeper understanding of the complexities of the world.

Raising bilingual children offers numerous benefits that far outweigh the short-term challenges. These benefits extend beyond the cognitive and academic realm to include enhanced social skills, cultural awareness, and a greater sense of empathy. By investing in bilingualism, parents are equipping their children with the tools they need to thrive in an interconnected and dynamic world.

Conclusion

Ultimately, raising bilingual children is one of the most rewarding decisions a parent can make. While it may come with its challenges, the cognitive, cultural, and professional advantages are immeasurable. Language acquisition in early childhood is not just about learning words; it’s about building bridges—between cultures, communities, and opportunities. As a mother, an educator, and a passionate advocate for bilingualism, I can confidently say that the effort to raise bilingual children will pay off in ways that last a lifetime. By prioritizing language development, we are not only helping our children succeed academically but also preparing them to navigate a world that is increasingly interconnected and diverse.

Vanessa Handal-Ghenania is the Founder of Petits Poussins Bilingual Daycares and Preschools in New York City.