October 2, 2026
Helping your multilingual preschooler build language skills
A preschooler growing up with two or more languages learns words and language rules across those languages. Everyday conversation, play and stories can provide useful practice without turning every mix-up into a correction.
By Janou·3 min read
A multilingual preschooler encounters language in many ordinary settings: at home, during play, while shopping and at school. The Dutch Youth Institute says that language development in children learning two or more languages usually follows the same general pattern as in children learning one language. They learn words and language rules in both languages. Sometimes they may mix a rule or use a word from the other language. That does not, by itself, show that the child cannot manage both languages. A useful way to observe progress is therefore to consider the child’s overall communication rather than judging only what is said in one language.
Use the languages that naturally belong in your family for real conversations. Talk through what you are doing while cooking, describe things you notice in a shop or ask your child to explain what is happening in a game. The source describes conversations, reading aloud and everyday activities as places where children learn language. No formal lesson is needed. As a practical next step, choose one daily routine and give your child a little extra time to talk. Follow the child’s interest and ask a simple follow-up question. Even when the story is incomplete, listening and responding gives the child a meaningful reason to use words and sentences.
Stories and pretend play create opportunities to understand and produce language. Preschoolers learn more words and make longer sentences, but they may still struggle to put a story in order or to describe thoughts and feelings. While reading, you might ask what happened first and what happened next. During pretend play, name roles and actions, such as who is serving the food or what is being bought. These are practical ways to invite language without testing your child. The source identifies reading and play as activities through which young children understand experiences, practise roles and learn how people interact.
When your child uses an incorrect form, respond with the correct form in a natural sentence instead of highlighting the mistake. The source gives the example of replying to ‘I walkted to school’ with ‘Oh, did you walk to school?’. The same calm approach can be used when your child switches languages: repeat the idea in the language of the conversation without treating the other language as a problem. If a multi-step explanation is difficult, pronounce unfamiliar words clearly and slowly, then restate the order in a simpler way. A feasible next step is to give one short instruction at a time and check what your child understood before adding another step.
Sources, accessed on 2026-10-02
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for my preschooler to mix languages?
Yes. The Dutch Youth Institute notes that multilingual children may sometimes mix language rules or use a word from another language. In most cases, children can distinguish between their languages.
Should we speak only English at home?
The source does not advise families to choose only one language. It explains that children learn through conversation, reading and daily activities. Use the languages that are natural in your family and create plenty of meaningful opportunities to talk.
How can I help my child tell a story more clearly?
Talk about what happened first and what happened next. Preschoolers are increasingly able to tell stories, but may still give too much or too little information or lose the sequence. Stay with the child’s topic and allow time to continue.
What can I do when my child does not follow a multi-step explanation?
Say unfamiliar words slowly and clearly, then restate the order in a direct way, such as ‘first take off your shoes, then come inside’. Preschoolers may mix up the steps or carry out only the first one they hear.