Raising a bilingual toddler or helping your child learn Spanish at home can feel overwhelming at times. Maybe they answer in English when you speak Spanish, or you worry they won’t connect with family who only speak Spanish. You’re not alone, and there are simple, fun ways to keep Spanish alive in your child’s day-to-day life.

In this article, we’ll share 5 simple, practical tips to help your toddler learn Spanish or any language that parents and carers speak at home. These strategies are proven to work and recommended by our Bilingual Beats staff, who have been exactly where you are! 

Speak Spanish at home to help your toddler learn

Try to use as much Spanish at home as possible.

It can feel easier to speak the language your child responds to most, but children will naturally pick up English through nursery, school, TV, and friends. Speaking Spanish at home helps them hear pronunciation, understand grammar, and gain confidence in using the language. Even if they answer in English, keep speaking Spanish - the more they hear it, the more normal it will feel for them. If there are no native Spanish speakers at home, introduce the Spanish you do know at set times, like bedtime or bath time.

Label everyday items an objects in Spanish

Encourage daily use of common words used at home.

Label objects around your home, like mesa or cama. Visually seeing the word and connecting it to the object helps children relate words to real-life meaning, as well as strengthening and understanding their vocabulary. This method really makes Spanish part of everyday life, both learning and using the labelled words. You can start from a very young age, and as children grow, labels can also support spelling and reading. It’s helpful for adults learning Spanish too!

Sing Spanish songs and nursery rhymes

Learn Spanish and music together, in a fun way.

Singing is one of the easiest, most fun ways to help toddlers (and adults) learn Spanish. Music and language use the same parts of the brain, and Spanish’s steady rhythm makes it easy for children to follow. Singing helps them stretch vowels, practise pronunciation, and remember new words. Try simple, repetitive songs like ‘Los pollitos dicen’, Come Fruta, or explore our full range of songs on our YouTube channel. Sing in the car, at bath time, or bedtime - every song is a little boost for learning and a fun way to support routines! You can find out more about how music helps language learning below.

Build a Spanish speaking community around your child

Find Spanish friends and support around you.

Connecting with other Spanish-speaking families can make a big difference in keeping Spanish alive at home. Being around people who share your goals gives children more chances to hear and use Spanish in real situations. If friends or family aren’t nearby, try local stores, restaurants, or cultural events - even small interactions help! Hearing Spanish from different voices helps children see it as a natural, social part of life, not just something used at home. You can also join the Bilingual Beats community to connect with parents, enjoy activities with your child, and bring Spanish into your daily routine. 

Use screen time to support Spanish learning

Make the most of modern technology for learning Spanish.

Screen time can be educational if it’s limited and of a good quality. Try English shows your child already enjoys, but watch them in Spanish, for example Bluey (everyone loves Bluey!). You could also watch TV shows that are aired in Spanish, like Pocoyo or Cleo & Cuquín. There are a number of Bilingual storytimes online that are also great, especially slightly older children around 2+ who may be familiar with the stories being read and the concept of 'story time'. Watch shows or videos together when possible and ask simple questions about what they see or hear, in Spanish! Always supervise your child and keep screen time appropriate for their age. Combining screen time with conversation reinforces learning and helps your child build confidence.

Following just some these tips will help your child feel confident and comfortable using Spanish, or any family language at home. If you’re a native speaker or just learning a new language, you have a superpower! You can share your language, culture, and heritage with your child every day and share the power of bilingualism with them.

Believe in it, have fun, and enjoy the journey together!

For more tips, resources and advice, join our Bilingual Beats community below.