If you’ve ever thought, I’d love for my child to learn Spanish, but I don’t speak a word of it!—you’re not alone. Many parents worry that not knowing the language themselves means they can’t effectively support their child’s learning. The good news? You absolutely can! Language learning isn’t just about what happens in a lesson; it’s about creating an environment where Spanish is a fun and natural part of your child’s day. Here’s how you can help – even if the only Spanish word you know is hola!
1. Make Spanish Part of Everyday Life
You don’t need to be fluent to sprinkle a little Spanish into daily routines. Start by using simple words and phrases at home—things like buenos días (good morning), gracias (thank you), or vamos (let’s go). Label household items with sticky notes in Spanish, so your child naturally absorbs new words. Even setting a “Spanish word of the day” on the fridge can be a fun way to learn together.
Another effortless way to immerse your child in Spanish is through entertainment. Play Spanish music in the background while cooking, switch on Spanish cartoons (read this blog post for my Top 10 Children’s TV Programmes in Spanish), or listen to Spanish audiobooks during car rides. Passive exposure like this helps children develop an ear for the language, even when they’re not actively studying.
2. Let Your Child Be the Teacher
One of the best ways to boost your child’s confidence in Spanish is to let them teach you! Ask them to share a new word they’ve learned each day, or have them “quiz” you on vocabulary. Not only does this reinforce what they’ve learned, but it also turns language learning into a fun, collaborative experience.
If your child is further along in their learning, encourage them to translate simple things for you. Ask, “How do you say ‘dog’ in Spanish?” or “Can you teach me how to order in a café?” Children love feeling like the expert, and teaching someone else is a fantastic way to solidify their own knowledge.
Above all, remember that your enthusiasm matters more than your fluency. Showing an interest in your child’s Spanish learning journey, celebrating small wins, and making it a natural part of life will go a long way in helping them succeed.
What’s your biggest challenge when helping your child learn Spanish? Let me know in the comments!
