The Power of Being Bilingual: Why It Matters for Kids

When we think about giving our kids the best start in life, we usually think about things like a good education, healthy food or safe spaces to play. But there’s something else that quietly shapes their minds, hearts and futures: language—especially when they grow up speaking more than one.

Being bilingual isn’t just a skill. It’s a superpower. Whether it’s Spanish and English, Polish and Arabic, Tagalog and Mandarin, or any other combination, growing up bilingual builds brains, strengthens relationships and opens doors that last a lifetime.

How Bilingualism Helps Children Thrive

1. It builds stronger brains. Bilingual kids are constantly switching between languages, which means they develop stronger attention, memory and problem-solving skills. Researchers call this “cognitive flexibility”—and it’s something bilingualism naturally strengthens.
2. It connects them to identity and community. Language is how we pass down traditions, family stories and culture. When children hear and use their home language, they feel rooted. They know where they come from and who they belong to.
3. It boosts academic success. Children who are bilingual often show greater awareness of how language works (called metalinguistic awareness). That means they tend to have an easier time learning to read and write—not just in one language, but in both.
4. It expands future opportunities. Being bilingual can lead to more job opportunities later in life, but even as children, it helps them connect with more people, access more stories and experience more of the world around them

How Can We Support Bilingualism?

The good news? You don’t need a fancy program or perfect fluency to support bilingualism at home. You just need consistency, encouragement and access to the right tools. Here are a few simple ways to support your child’s bilingual growth:

• Talk in both (or one) languages regularly—even if it’s just during meals, car rides or bedtime.
• Read bilingual books together. Let your child see and hear both languages on the page.
• Sing songs, play games and watch shows in both languages—especially ones tied to your family’s culture.
• Let your child use both languages freely without correcting or forcing one over the other.
• Celebrate their efforts—no matter how small.

Being bilingual isn’t just a language skill—it’s a gift. It shapes how children think, feel, connect and grow. Whether your child is just starting to babble or already flipping between languages like a pro, your support makes a difference. So browse the bilingual shelves. Join a story time. Read out loud. Keep talking. You’re building something powerful—one word, one book, one conversation at a time.

You can get more information about supporting your child learning to read in Spanish with Chicago Public Library's Lánzate hacia la lectura!