Bilingual Parenting in Practice: How My 1.5-Year-Old Understands Two Languages

My daughter Lucy is just 1.5 years old and already understands everything we say to her – in both Slovak and English. Sometimes my husband and I casually mention the “playground” or her “shoes,” and she immediately goes to look for them. Or I ask her in English to hand me something, and she knows exactly what I mean. And all of it happened so naturally. I’m honestly fascinated by how such a little child has absorbed so much vocabulary in two languages.

In this article, I’ll share how we approach bilingual parenting at home, what worked, what was challenging, whether it’s the right fit for everyone – and most importantly, how you can do it too.

What Is Bilingual Parenting? (And Why I Chose a Slightly Different Path) 

Bilingual parenting means a child learns two languages simultaneously from an early age. Most people imagine one parent speaking the native language and the other using a foreign language – and the child naturally picks up both. That’s a popular method known as OPOL (One Parent, One Language), and it’s probably the most widely recommended approach.

But I chose a different path: situational bilingualism. That means one parent uses both languages, but in different situations. And honestly, this gave me so much freedom – to speak to my daughter mostly in English, while still keeping Slovak for the moments it felt most natural.

It took time to figure out when to use which language. I changed the “rules” about ten times until I found a system that felt good and actually worked. And I think that’s the key: there’s no single right way. What works for us might not suit someone else.

Right from the start, I want to encourage you: if you can express yourself comfortably in a foreign language (let’s say around B2 level), and you’re even considering bilingual parenting – go for it. You don’t need a perfect accent. You don’t have to be a native speaker. You just need to be able to speak naturally, even if imperfectly. And not be afraid to seem… well, a bit “unusual.” 😊

How I Actually Started With Bilingual Parenting 

Truthfully? I didn’t start from birth. Even though I had thought about bilingual parenting before, the first few months with a newborn were, well… pure chaos.

You’re adjusting to life with a tiny new human, you’re sleep deprived, nursing, changing diapers, and feeling victorious if you manage to wash your hair (moms, you know what I mean). English? It was the last thing on my mind.

I started a bit later – around month 4 or 5, once I felt a little more settled in our new world. Even then, I didn’t jump in 100%. At first, I just threw in a sentence or two in English here and there, mostly out of curiosity. Then I started doing full routines in English – changing diapers, bath time, floor play.

So here’s the thing: you don’t have to start at birth for it to be effective. You don’t need a “language plan” mapped out in a spreadsheet before giving birth. Even spontaneous beginnings – especially when they come from curiosity or joy – can work beautifully.

How It Works Today: Our Daily Language Rituals 

These days, it all feels completely natural. I speak to Lucka in English most of the time – and she responds without hesitation. Sometimes I feel like she doesn’t even care what language I’m using, as long as she understands what I’m saying. And that’s the beauty of it.

Slovak has its place too. I’ve settled into two typical situations where I use it:

• When we’re around Slovak speakers who don’t understand English, like my parents. We all speak Slovak to avoid excluding anyone. But as soon as we’re alone again, I switch back to English.
• The same applies at the playground: if I want another child to understand (e.g., “Can you give the ball to the girl?”), I speak Slovak. But if I’m only talking to Lucka, I go back to English: “Yes, you gave her the ball! See how happy she was?”

There’s also one nighttime exception: when she wakes up during the night (still a few times a night!) and I nurse her back to sleep. For some reason, Slovak just naturally comes out. English doesn’t feel right in those quiet moments. I don’t overthink it – it’s just our little “mother tongue” ritual. 🙂

And you know what? It works. Lucka isn’t confused at all. She knows that when grandma says “Vezmi si rukavičky?” she should go get her gloves. And when I say “Go get your gloves,” she does exactly the same.

For her, language isn’t something to “learn.” It’s a tool for communication, play, safety, joy. And that, to me, is one of the biggest benefits of raising bilingual children: they see language as a part of everyday life – not something forced or formal. It’s just… natural.

The Hardest Part of Bilingual Parenting 

One of the weirdest things in the beginning? Speaking the foreign language to your child in front of other people. I remember being in the changing room before swimming lessons. We’re getting dressed, other moms and kids are around, it’s quiet… and I’m talking in English.

At first, I even switched to Slovak sometimes. Not because I doubted myself, but because it felt awkward. Lucka wasn’t yet clearly reacting to what I said, and it kind of felt like I was “performing” for others.

But as Lucka grew, she started responding more. She got excited when I said, “We’re going swimming!” She automatically lifted her arms when I said, “Can you put your hands up, please?”

That’s when the awkwardness disappeared. English speaking mom became totally normal for her – and eventually, for me too. Now I sometimes actually have to remind myself to switch to Slovak when I want others to understand.

So the key for us was reaching the point where I was truly talking with my child, not just at her.

Common Fears (And Why You Shouldn’t Worry) 

Honestly? If a child starts learning a language in preschool or school, they probably won’t have a native-speaking teacher anyway. So why shouldn’t they hear the language from their mom or dad every day in a natural environment? Even if you have an accent, even if you don’t pronounce everything perfectly – it’s still better than no exposure at all.

You don’t need perfect pronunciation or flawless grammar. But what you do need is comfortable fluency. If you can speak naturally, without stress, at least at a B2 level, you can pass that language on in a way that brings joy. And if you don’t know a word? You can always look it up.

That said, I wouldn’t recommend bilingual parenting if speaking the language causes you stress or anxiety. Because kids don’t just pick up the language – they pick up the emotions you associate with it.

How I Support English Beyond Conversations 

Speaking the foreign language with your child is a great foundation – but the more input sources they get, the better. Here’s what it looks like for us:

Songs

English nursery rhymes are our daily soundtrack. 😅 We usually play the “Top 50 Nursery Rhymes” playlist on Spotify – a mix of classics and modern versions. Lucka already knows what’s coming from the first note. (And yes, I know it by heart.)

Books

We mostly read picture books, but that’s totally fine. The point isn’t the text – it’s describing, pointing, naming colors, animals, actions. I ask questions and encourage Lucka to show me what I’m talking about, which helps her recall the words. Sometimes she only needs to hear a word 2-3 times before she recognizes it on her own.

Cartoons

We don’t let Lucka watch TV yet, but starting around age two, we plan to introduce English cartoons. Not as background noise, but as another structured input source – in limited amounts.

English-speaking nannies

This was probably the most intentional investment I made in Lucka’s English. I found two nannies who spend time with her and speak only English to her. That way, she hears English from someone other than just me. Both have pretty strong accents, but honestly – as I said earlier, that doesn’t bother me at all. I’m sure Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol will sharpen her English just fine down the road.

How ChatGPT Helps Me With Bilingual Parenting 

I’m not a walking dictionary. And honestly – sometimes I have no idea how to say something in English. But that’s when I realized: I don’t have to. I just need to know where to find it.

One of my favorite stroller-time games is “Where is the…?” I ask Lucka to show me a tree, a rock, the grass… and she points. But then I see something like a traffic post, and I don’t know the word. No problem. I snap a photo, upload it to ChatGPT, and know the answer within seconds.

Same thing at the playground – I didn’t know what to call a climbing frame. One photo to ChatGPT and I learn it can be “jungle gym,” “climbing frame,” or “playground structure.”

Or we’re at the sandbox and I want to remember all the toy names – in English. So I send a voice note to ChatGPT: “Give me 20 words you’d find at a sandbox.” And just like that, I get “shovel,” “sand mold,” “dump truck.”

ChatGPT can be an amazing support tool for teaching a language to kids – especially if you want to approach bilingual parenting with ease. You don’t need perfect vocabulary or to remember phrases you haven’t used in 10 years. You just need your phone and the internet. Ah, the wonders of modern parenting.

Do I Plan to Teach Lucka a Third Language? 

Yes, I’ve thought about it. But I don’t want to rush things. I want to give her some time so the languages don’t start blending – especially since both foreign languages would be coming from me.

I’m also waiting to see if she shows interest. My plan is simple (and a bit playful): I’ll introduce a stuffed toy that “comes to live with us” and speaks only in German or Spanish (I haven’t decided which yet), and we’ll speak that language when it’s around. Later we might add songs, stories… we’ll see how it goes.

Bilingual Parenting Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect 

If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d be speaking English to my child on the playground and it would feel completely normal, I would’ve laughed. Now I know: you don’t need to have everything planned. You don’t need a perfect accent, a curriculum, or special bilingual toys.

All you need is the desire to do something extra, the ability to express yourself in another language naturally, and the courage to start small. One sentence. One routine. One song. Language isn’t a project. It’s a way to be together. To play, laugh, connect. And the more lightly and playfully you approach it, the more you and your child will enjoy the journey.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of raising your child bilingually but feel like you should brush up on your language first, I’ve got great news for you. I’ve put together an e-book with 13 practical tips on how ChatGPT can help you improve – whether it’s building your vocabulary, practicing speaking, or understanding grammar. Inside, you’ll find my favourite prompts, practical advice, and clear strategies to help you get the most out of ChatGPT. Whether you’re at an intermediate or more advanced level, this e-book will give you a clear roadmap to improve your language with the help of AI – and make it easier and more fun to step into the world of bilingual parenting.