Strength-Based Answers for Families
Whenever I meet Hispanic families whose children do not speak Spanish, I often ask about their experiences with language at home. These conversations highlight a strong sense of urgency around communicating the importance of supporting our children in learning Spanish. Through these discussions, I have heard several common myths about Spanish language learning.
It is difficult to hear how many families, for various reasons, felt unable to support Spanish at home. Many later share that they wish they had prioritized their children’s Spanish development. For this reason, I aim to share the benefits and importance of nurturing Spanish alongside English and to address the myths that often influence these decisions.
Myth 1: There is no need to speak Spanish if I live in the United States
The idea that it is not necessary to speak Spanish in the United States is one of the myths that I hear the most. But have you thought of why so many monolingual parents make sure their children learn more than one language? I have seen how many non-bilingual professionals recognize the need for their children to learn to speak another language.
This is shown when we see how most children who participate in dual language programs are children of monolingual parents. It’s great to see how other cultures are interested in learning Spanish and other languages.
There are many advantages to being bilingual in the United States. For example, in certain professions, being bilingual is a distinct advantage. These professions may include medicine, education, acting, and marketing. Securing a job is just one more reason why parents in these professions see the need to learn more languages.
Myth 2: If my child learns Spanish, he will speak English with an accent
Many families worry that learning another language will cause their child to speak English with an accent. This is a common misconception. Having an accent is not caused by knowing more than one language. In fact, children who learn two languages from an early age typically develop strong pronunciation in both.
Accents are more closely related to the age at which a person begins to learn English. Individuals who learn English later in life may retain features of their first language, which is a natural and normal part of language development. Being bilingual does not create an accent—it reflects linguistic richness and the ability to communicate across languages.
My siblings and I all have an accent because we learned English after we learned Spanish. However, children who learn English and Spanish at the same time do not learn to speak English with an accent. This is true for children of American or Hispanic parents.
Another common concern is the belief that having an accent is a negative trait rather than a strength. An accent is not a deficiency; it is often a sign of multilingualism and the ability to communicate in more than one language. In an article Do We All Have an Accent?, I discuss how accents reflect linguistic knowledge, cultural identity, and the many benefits that come with speaking multiple languages.
Myth 3: It’s hard to force my child to speak Spanish
It is not about forcing a child to speak Spanish. What matters most is helping children understand the value of knowing two languages. When children see bilingualism as an advantage rather than an obligation, they are more likely to embrace it with pride. Spanish should be nurtured as part of our identity and culture. Through Spanish, children can connect with more family members, communicate with a wider range of people, enjoy music, books, and television in another language, and confidently interact when visiting Spanish-speaking countries.
To get our children to learn more languages, we need to create routines or plan on how to expose children to use Spanish. One way to achieve this is to speak only in Spanish at home, encouraging them to answer in Spanish.
Some parents expose children to the language by visiting other countries and traveling abroad. They also plan events that expose the child to the language. Once a child starts using two languages they get excited and their fluency improves when practicing.
Myth 4: My Child’s Friends Don’t Speak Spanish
It can sometimes be challenging for children to use Spanish when most of their friends speak only English. This is a common experience and not a sign of failure. When children understand the importance and advantages of knowing Spanish, they learn that they can use English with friends and Spanish with family and other community members.
Over time, this flexibility helps children feel confident navigating different languages in different settings. In many cases, their friends become curious about Spanish, which can spark pride and excitement. This interest often motivates children to continue developing their Spanish and see their bilingualism as something special to share.
Myth 5: I don’t need my child to learn Spanish because we don’t plan to return to our home country
Even if a family does not plan to return to their home country, learning Spanish offers lasting benefits. It strengthens cultural identity, allows children to communicate with extended family, connects them to a wider community, and opens future academic, social, and professional opportunities. Bilingualism is valuable no matter where you live.
Myth 6: It’s hard to teach kids Spanish
Learning a language is much easier when children are exposed to it regularly. Language immersion programs and early exposure are proven ways to help children develop strong Spanish skills. Enrolling children in a school that teaches Spanish from kindergarten gives them consistent practice while still learning English at school. Families can further support learning by speaking Spanish at home, reinforcing what children learn in the classroom. With consistent exposure and encouragement, learning Spanish becomes a natural and achievable process.
There are also many resources and ideas online to help families who want to teach their children Spanish. If you do not have access to bilingual programs, teach them to read and write at home. It’s a matter of making the process fun and showing them the pride of being bilingual.
Myth 7: My child is afraid or ashamed to speak Spanish
Fear or embarrassment often happens when children don’t yet understand the importance and benefits of knowing Spanish, or when they haven’t had enough practice. Children who regularly use two languages develop the ability to switch between them naturally. That’s why it’s important to start early and provide consistent support.
Families can help by highlighting bilingual role models, such as TV characters, and sharing personal experiences about what speaking Spanish means to them. Talking about identity and the advantages of being bilingual encourages children to see their Spanish skills as something to be proud of.
Conclusion
These myths about learning Spanish show why some families choose not to share their language with their children. Over the years, I have met many adults who wish they had learned their parents’ native language and now recognize its value.
Many of these individuals choose to learn a second language as adults, experiencing firsthand the personal, cultural, and professional benefits that come with bilingualism. Stories like these reinforce what I have seen time and again: speaking two languages is not only possible—it is a gift that opens doors, strengthens identity, and enriches life in countless ways.