Raising bilingual kids isn’t always a smooth ride —especially when your child understands Spanish    perfectly but insists on answering in English.  Sound familiar?

  Don’t worry. This situation is more common than you think—and it doesn’t mean you’re losing the battle to keep their Spanish alive. With a little consistency and creativity, you can help your child maintain and grow their Spanish skills, even if English is their go-to language.Here’s how.

🏡 Stick to Spanish at Home

One of the most powerful things you can do is continue speaking Spanish at home—every day, no matter what language your child uses in response.Even if they reply in English, they’re still absorbing rich vocabulary, grammar, and culture from you. Don’t be discouraged or tempted to switch. The more they hear, the stronger their passive understanding (and future speaking ability) will be.

💡 Tip: Let Spanish be the “default” language at home—like the air you breathe.

🧠 Create a Real Need for Spanish

Kids are practical—they use the language that works best for them in a given situation. So create environments where Spanish is the only (or preferred) option.

• Video calls with abuela and abuelo

• Playdates with Spanish-speaking friends

• Trips to Spanish-speaking countries

• Attending Spanish church services or cultural events

When kids have to use Spanish, it quickly becomes more relevant and useful to them.

📚 Make Spanish Fun and Present

We’re not talking about boring worksheets here. Make Spanish a natural part of your child’s entertainment and curiosity.

• Spanish-language books, shows, and music

• Audiobooks for car rides or bedtime

• Fun apps like Lingokids, Gus on the Go, or Endless Spanish

• YouTube channels, podcasts, or even video games in Spanish

🎶 Let your child love the language, not just learn it.

🗣️ Encourage Speaking Gently—Not Forcefully

Yes, you want your child to speak Spanish—but avoid pressure. Instead of saying “Speak Spanish!” try gentle nudges like:

• “¿Cómo se dice eso en español?”

• “¿Puedes explicármelo otra vez en español?”

• “Let’s play a game where we only speak Spanish for 10 minutes!”

The key is to make it inviting, not a chore.

👩‍🏫 Get Help from Outside the Home

Sometimes it takes a village—or at least a bilingual babysitter. If you can, explore:

• Bilingual or dual-language schools

• Saturday heritage language programs

• Spanish tutors (in person or online)

• Community centers with cultural events

Even once-a-week exposure outside the home can make a big difference.

💖 Make It About Identity and Pride

Spanish is more than a language—it’s culture, family, history, and connection. Talk about how Spanish ties your child to loved ones, to music, to traditions, and even future career opportunities.

“You’re lucky—you speak two languages! That’s a superpower.”

Kids are more likely to keep a language when they see it as a part of who they are, not just something they “have to do.”

🌟 Model What You Want to See

Your attitude matters. Let your child see you enjoying Spanish—reading books, watching novelas, or talking with friends or relatives. Show that Spanish isn’t just a subject—it’s a part of everyday life.

Final Thoughts

Your child may not be answering in Spanish right now—and that’s okay. Language development is a marathon, not a sprint. By keeping Spanish alive at home, creating opportunities for real use, and making it fun and meaningful, you’re building a foundation that will last a lifetime. 

So next time they answer you in English, smile, reply in Spanish, and know that it’s all part of the process. 🌱