This is a quick read based on a recent academic research study with some important findings about what really shapes language exposure in bilingual children; a key factor in successful multilingual parenting.
You might think it’s all about which languages you speak, when, within your family home. Or whether you’re following a specific method, like one parent one language (OPOL). But what if I told you that one factor makes a bigger difference than any strategy?
A 2024 study from Concordia University in Canada found that the person who spends the most time with the child (very often the mother) has up to DOUBLE the impact on a child’s bilingual language exposure compared to other caregivers.
That’s right. Twice as much influence.
The study by Andrea Sander-Montant, Rebecca Bissonnette, and Krista Byers-Heinlein examined bilingual families in Montreal with children aged between 4 and 31 months. Some of these toddlers were learning to speak either Canada’s two community languages – French and English, and some were learning either French or English alongside another family language. The researchers looked at the different factors that influenced how much expsore children got to each of their languages. And their key finding is that individual parental language use predicted language input for the child far more strongly than the family’s overall language strategy.
To put it in numbers: the main caregiver’s language use accounted for around half of the differences in how much children heard and used each language. Which bilingual approach or strategy the family had chosen (like OPOL) only made a small difference, accounting for about 6% of the variation.
And yes, they actually wrote their conclusion like this: “Mothers’ language use [is] twice as influential on children’s exposure as fathers’” – most likely because mothers tend to take on more caregiving responsibilities with young children.
Interestingly, in the families who were followed by the researchers over time, about 1 in 4 saw their language strategy or individual use change, and with it the amount of exposure the child had to each language. This shows that language environments aren’t fixed, but evolve with family life and the age of the children.
Why individual language use matters in raising bilingual children
First, it’s important to remember that language exposure is essential for language acquisition. The more your child hears a language, the more likely they are to understand it, use it, and feel confident in it. The amount of exposure your child has to a language directly affects how much, and how quickly, they can learn that language.
So, more than sticking to a bilingualism approach, what really matters is who is speaking which language, and how often. Real-life language input, from parents, guardians, caregivers, or nursery staff is what shapes your child’s bilingual environment.
As a bilingual parenting coach and mum myself, I’ve seen this again and again. Families often worry about getting the method right, when in fact what matters more is intentional, consistent use of your language in the time that you spend with your child. They won’t remember if you had the perfect bilingual setup, but they will benefit hugely from regular, loving, meaningful exposure to your language.
So what can you do to support language exposure at home?
If you’re the primary caregiver, your role is especially powerful. Try to make the most of everyday routines as moments for language connection: cuddles, meals, getting dressed, storytime, and play are all opportunities for building exposure. Your consistent, daily language use lays the foundation for your child’s bilingual development.
If you’re the other caregiver, your impact could be boosted, and there are great ways to do that. Use the time you do have to speak your language intentionally and meaningfully. Try to create special language rituals that your child can associate with you, like bedtime stories, songs, or a weekly cooking session in your language. If your family switches languages often, try repeating key phrases in your language, or claiming certain routines or rituals as your language space.
If either parent or guardian can’t spend much time with your child due to work or other commitments, add extra exposure through audiobooks, music, podcasts, or video calls. Even passive exposure can help familiarise your child with the rhythm and sound of the language.
You can also help by building up a community of families who speak your language. Input from other children and adults can reinforce your efforts and give your child ‘input boosts’, making the language feel natural, social, and relevant.
And remember, language setups can change over time. If things aren’t ideal right now, that doesn’t mean you’re failing. Look for small ways to increase meaningful exposure and stay consistent with what works for your family.
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Reference: Sander-Montant, A., Bissonnette, R., & Byers-Heinlein, K. (2025). Like mother like child: Differential impact of mothers’ and fathers’ individual language use on bilingual language exposure. Child Development, 96, 662–678. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.14196
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