How Bilingual Immersion Preschool Influences Parent-Child Communication

Parents who enrol their children in a bilingual immersion preschool frequently expect enhanced language skills and cognitive benefits. However, many do not scrutinise how the learning curriculum affects communication dynamics at home.

Discover how dual-language instruction affects discussions between parents and children, as well as what families may do to close any potential gaps and maximise the benefits.

Increased Language Awareness at Home

Children in bilingual immersion preschool settings are exposed to two languages daily, typically in a structured 50:50 or language-dominant environment. This new knowledge often spills over into home conversations as they begin to acquire vocabulary and sentence structures in both languages. Parents may notice their children inserting second-language words into sentences or switching between languages mid-conversation. While this phenomenon, known as code-switching, is developmentally appropriate, it may present initial communication challenges, especially for parents who are monolingual or not fluent in both languages used in school.

Children may develop better comprehension than expression in one of the languages, leading to a temporary imbalance in parent-child dialogue. Some parents may feel excluded from parts of their child’s developmental milestones if they are unable to follow the second language, particularly when the child begins to favour the school language over the home language. This issue is more pronounced in families where neither parent speaks the second language used in the preschool learning curriculum.

Parental Role in Reinforcing Both Languages

The role of the parent extends beyond passive listening. Active reinforcement of both languages at home significantly supports the preschool learning curriculum. Language exposure must be consistent and meaningful across settings for bilingual immersion preschools to be effective. Parents who can speak both languages are better positioned to reinforce vocabulary, model sentence structure, and encourage language-rich interactions.

Meanwhile, for monolingual parents, there is still an important contribution to be made. Reading books, watching shows, or singing songs in the second language alongside their child can foster bonding and joint learning. Even if the parent is learning the language in parallel with the child, the shared experience helps maintain communication while showing the child that language learning is valuable. This modelling reinforces persistence and positive attitudes toward bilingualism, key behavioural outcomes supported by immersion education research.

Adjustments in Communication Style and Expectation

One lesser-discussed impact of a bilingual immersion preschool is how it reshapes a child’s way of expressing thoughts. Children begin to categorise and prioritise information differently in each language, which may affect storytelling, emotional expression, or how they describe daily events. A child might recount what happened at preschool primarily in the school’s target language, making it difficult for a monolingual parent to follow the details.

This instance can lead to frustration or disconnection if not proactively addressed. Some parents report needing to ask more probing or specific questions to understand what the child is communicating. Others adjust by developing routines that promote repetition, visual aids, or physical demonstration of experiences to supplement verbal sharing. It is critical for parents to adapt their communication strategies and remain patient as their child navigates two linguistic systems.

Encouraging Balanced Language Use at Home

While bilingual immersion offers a unique advantage, it also requires intentional effort to ensure that one language does not dominate. For example, if the preschool’s language is different from the home language, it is common for children to favour the school language over time, especially when that language becomes associated with authority, learning, and peer interaction. Children may struggle with cultural expression or emotional nuance in their native tongue without proper reinforcement of the home language.

Families can set dedicated language days, plan cultural activities aligned with both languages, or involve extended family members who speak the home language to mitigate this. The goal is to make both languages relevant, practical, and emotionally resonant at home. This balanced exposure not only strengthens parent-child bonds but also preserves heritage and identity.

Conclusion

Bilingual immersion preschool education can enrich a child’s development, but it also reshapes how families communicate at home. Parents must then adjust their communication style and actively participate in reinforcing language use as children integrate their dual-language learning into everyday life. Families can transform this challenge into an opportunity to build deeper connections and shared understanding with the right strategies and support.

Visit Orange Tree Preschool to learn how our programme helps children and parents grow together—linguistically and emotionally.