Should a Parent Learn English too?

Should a parent learn English too? Such an important question, with many benefits as to why a parent should learn English as a second language especially if they plan to have children. A parent knows the advantages of learning and speaking English in this constantly evolving global world. If a parent speaks English at home, it will significantly help with early exposure when a child first starts to talk. People are a product of their environment, and children mimic what they hear. The more a parent speaks in two languages, the more natural it will feel and sound to a child. When a parent speaks English, it will create many more benefits for their child and their future.

This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Julie L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.

English in Early Childhood

Early exposure to a second language is the best time to introduce when a child is first trying to talk. They can pick up the two different languages at a very fast rate. Children quickly absorb what they hear which is very important when it comes from a parent who is capable of speaking English to them regularly... The earlier a child is exposed to two languages, the better it is for them and the easier it will be. It is said to be important that one parent is consistent with the native language while the other parent speaks the learning second language, being English. This will help differentiate between the two languages in the home and a better understanding of the English being the second language.

Also Read: Are online TEFL courses valid?

Environmental Incluence

Children are a product of their environment, which means they will try to do and say whatever mom whatever doing or saying. When a child is exposed to hearing English conversations at home daily, they will pick up some sounds and the natural accent and pronunciation of the English language. This will help with a better understanding of phrases. When a parent speaks English and the child starts to potentially learn English at school, the child will greatly benefit from a parent who understands and speaks that language. Finding a babysitter that can speak English is also a smart choice for additional exposure for the child in hearing and using English whenever possible. The more English is spoken around them, the more natural a child will start to think in English and use that language more comfortably. When the parents practice this in the home daily, the child will eventually start to do the same.

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Parents are extremely aware of the benefits of more than one language in this diverse global world. People who learn a second language are known to have sharper brains as well as be more creative thinkers. These are all positive benefits to the parent as well as what they are exposing their child to. Providing this advantage to a child will bring many more opportunities through the school system and for their future when seeking a career. This will also allow for work in other countries where they speak English. It expands the areas and locations for jobs when you can speak more than one language, and English is vastly known worldwide. Having a parent speaks English offers a child much earlier exposure to the English language that will greatly benefit their lives and their future in so many ways. Like any parent, you want to do what is best for your child and help them in any possible way. Speaking English enhances your life as a parent, along with helping your child speak English to create a better future of endless opportunities.

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