Runningbrook International Preschool
San Carlos Center: Carlos Peña Otaegui 11206 (intersection La Fuente) San Carlos de Apoquindo, Las Condes
Runningbrook International Preschool
San Carlos Center: Carlos Peña Otaegui 11206 (intersection La Fuente) San Carlos de Apoquindo, Las Condes
May 4, 2026
As a parent, you are your child's first and most important teacher. When it comes to bilingual development, the foundations you build at home create ripples that extend far beyond language skills—they shape your child's identity, cultural connections, and cognitive flexibility for years to come.
If you've chosen a bilingual education path for your child, you may sometimes wonder: "Am I doing enough at home?" or "What if my child mixes languages—is that a problem?" These questions are natural, and we're here to reassure you that supporting bilingual development doesn't require perfection. It requires presence, patience, and playful engagement.
At Runningbrook International Preschool, we've had the privilege of supporting over 1,200 families from more than 35 countries since 1993. This rich multicultural environment has taught us that bilingual development thrives when there's a strong partnership between home and school. In this article, we'll share what you can expect during your child's bilingual journey and offer practical, research-backed strategies you can implement today.
Before diving into strategies, let's explore what bilingual development actually looks like in children from birth to six years old. Understanding typical patterns can help ease any concerns and allow you to celebrate the remarkable work your child's brain is doing.
Many bilingual children go through a "silent period" when exposed to a new language. During this time, your child may seem quieter than usual, preferring to listen and observe rather than speak. This is completely normal and actually represents active learning. Research from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association confirms that this receptive phase is a healthy part of language acquisition—your child is building comprehension before production.
You might notice your child blending words from both languages in a single sentence. For example, they might say, "I want the pelota" or "Mamá, can we ir al parque?" This is called code-switching, and rather than being a sign of confusion, it actually demonstrates sophisticated linguistic awareness. Your child is drawing from their full linguistic repertoire to communicate effectively.
Bilingual children often have different vocabulary strengths in each language depending on context. A child might know all their color names in English (from preschool) but describe family activities in Spanish (from home). This is normal and reflects the environments where they use each language. When you combine their vocabulary across both languages, bilingual children typically have comparable or even larger total vocabularies than monolingual peers.
Just as with all areas of early childhood development, language acquisition follows its own timeline for each child. Some children become comfortable speaking both languages quickly, while others may show a preference for one language before the other catches up. Factors like personality, exposure time, and individual processing styles all play a role. Remember: you are the expert on your own child, and trusting your instincts while staying informed is the best approach.
Now let's explore concrete ways you can support your child's bilingual development at home. These strategies align with Runningbrook's child-centered approach and can be adapted for children at any age, from infants to pre-kindergarteners.
Young children learn language best through meaningful, repeated interactions embedded in daily life. You don't need special materials or structured lessons—your everyday routines are perfect learning opportunities.
For infants and toddlers in programs like Growing Steps (6 months to 2 years), language input is especially crucial. Even though they may not be speaking yet, they are absorbing sounds, rhythms, and patterns that will form the foundation for both languages.
At Runningbrook, we believe that play is the work of childhood. This philosophy applies beautifully to language development at home. Through play-based learning, children acquire vocabulary, practice conversation skills, and develop confidence—all while having fun.
Children in our Playgroup (2-3 years) and Kid's Club (3-4 years) programs thrive on these playful approaches, and replicating them at home creates continuity between your child's learning environments.
Bilingual development isn't just about learning two languages—it's about nurturing a rich, multifaceted identity. Children who feel proud of their cultural heritage are more motivated to maintain and develop their home language.
Cultural identity development is especially meaningful in Santiago's multicultural environment. At Runningbrook, we've welcomed families from over 35 countries, and we've seen how children flourish when they feel their whole selves are valued and celebrated.
Some children, particularly those who are naturally more reserved or who are in the early stages of acquiring a second language, may feel hesitant to speak. Creating comfortable, low-pressure opportunities can help build confidence.
Bilingual development is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be phases when one language seems stronger, times when your child resists speaking your home language, and moments of doubt. This is all part of the journey.
Research consistently shows that the benefits of bilingualism—including enhanced cognitive flexibility, stronger executive function, and deeper cultural connections—develop over time with continued exposure and support. Dr. Ellen Bialystok's decades of research at York University has demonstrated that bilingual children show advantages in attention control and mental flexibility, benefits that compound throughout life.
Trust your child's capacity to learn, and trust your own importance in the process. The time you invest now creates lasting foundations.
While the strategies above apply across ages, it's helpful to understand how bilingual development manifests at different stages:
Infants and young toddlers are building the phonetic foundations for both languages. They may babble in different tones and rhythms depending on which language they're hearing. First words may come in either language, and this is perfectly normal. Focus on rich, responsive language input in both languages.
Language explodes during this period! Children begin combining words and forming simple sentences. You may see more code-switching as vocabulary develops. Continue reading, singing, and talking throughout daily routines. This age loves repetition, so don't be afraid to read the same book dozens of times.
Children become increasingly aware of having two languages and may ask questions about who speaks which language. They may also show preference for one language socially. Continue providing positive, engaging exposure to both languages while respecting your child's feelings.
Bilingual children at this stage can often translate simple concepts and are developing literacy foundations in both languages. Their metalinguistic awareness—understanding that language is a system with rules—becomes more sophisticated. This is an exciting time to explore both languages through books, writing activities, and deeper conversations.
Supporting bilingual development at home doesn't require expensive materials, perfect grammar, or hours of structured lessons. What it requires is what you already have: your presence, your voice, your culture, and your love.
Every lullaby you sing, every story you tell, every conversation during dinner—these moments build your child's bilingual brain and bilingual heart. The path isn't always linear, and there's no single "right" way to raise a bilingual child. Your family's approach will be unique, shaped by your languages, cultures, circumstances, and values.
At Runningbrook International Preschool, we're honored to partner with families on this journey. Our child-centered approach recognizes that meaningful early childhood development happens through warm relationships, engaging play-based learning, and respect for each child's individual timeline and identity. Together—home and school—we create the supportive multicultural environment where bilingual children thrive.
Trust yourself. Trust your child. And know that the gift of two languages is one that will enrich your child's life in ways both measurable and immeasurable.
If you have questions about supporting your child's bilingual development or would like to learn more about Runningbrook's approach to bilingual education, we welcome you to connect with our dedicated educators. We're here to support your family every step of the way.