Lorraine Williamson
When I moved to Spain in 2008 with my then 11-year-old daughter, we enrolled her in a local Spanish state school. At the time, there were no bilingual teachers. All subjects were taught in Spanish, except for English lessons – which were, ironically, taught by a Spanish-speaking teacher.
At school, Spanish was the language of the playground, even among children from English-speaking families. At home, we spoke English. That mix helped her develop fluency in both languages over time. Now she’s married with children of her own. Her kids attend Spanish school and speak Spanish fluently, but at home, we dip in and out of English, Spanish and what we affectionately call Spanglish.
Why bilingualism matters
Being bilingual isn’t just about speaking two languages—it strengthens the brain in ways that benefit children for life. According to a 2024 study by the Asociación Española de Enseñanza Bilingüe, which assessed over 4,000 students in 100 schools across six regions, bilingual learning improves problem-solving skills and the ability to process complex information—skills that go far beyond just language fluency (ABC España).
The study backs up something many parents already suspect: the earlier children start, the better. During early childhood, the brain’s “sponge-like quality” makes it far more receptive to natural language learning. In my own experience, I saw this with my daughter and now with my grandchildren. What seems like chaotic code-switching at times is actually a sign of how adaptable their minds are.
Quality matters more than quantity
While many parents want their children to be bilingual, experts stress that it shouldn’t come at the expense of their native language or broader education. As educators from Colegio Amanecer in Madrid put it, bilingualism should be balanced and practical, not just about piling on grammar or vocabulary. “English is not a subject to learn, but a tool for real-life communication,” they told ABC.
This echoes what I’ve found helpful: creating real-life reasons to use both languages—at home, in the community, or even online—makes a difference. It’s not just about homework or apps. It’s about speaking, thinking, and feeling in both languages in everyday life.
The challenge: when one language dominates
In Spain, Spanish quickly becomes the dominant language. It’s spoken at school, in the community, on TV, and among peers. Even English-speaking siblings often end up chatting to each other in Spanish.
Without conscious effort at home, English can begin to fade, especially when formal schooling is entirely in Spanish.
What worked for us – and what might help you
Speak English consistently at home
Mainly English at home. It helped avoid confusion and gave balance.
Keep English resources close
We read books aloud in English, watched films without dubbing, and listened to UK TV in the mornings.
Connect with family and friends back home
Video calls with family kept my daughter’s English conversational skills alive and gave context to her bilingual identity.
Keep it fun
From word games to storytelling apps, we made language learning something enjoyable, not a chore.
Mix with other English-speaking families
Shared playdates helped reinforce both languages in a relaxed environment.
What about trilingual environments?
Some families choose international schools, where English is the language of instruction, Spanish is part of the curriculum, and home life includes perhaps two other languages. Consequently, this can mean children are navigating three languages daily.
Experts agree: support matters
According to linguistic experts cited in ABC España, bilingualism doesn’t just happen. It needs consistency, patience, and day-to-day practice. It’s normal for one language to take the lead for a while, but balance often returns naturally.
A long-term investment
In the end, raising bilingual children is a long game. There are moments of frustration, especially when one language lags. But fluency in two cultures and the ability to move between them is a real gift.
If I could offer one piece of advice? Don’t panic when one language seems to slip – just keep using it, naturally, daily, and without pressure.
Also read: Spanish language reaches 600 million speakers