Many Iranian parents abroad share the same worry: our child understands Persian, but answers in English. Or they spoke Persian happily until kindergarten, and then English took over.
This is normal, and it can be turned around. Children learn a language when they need it and enjoy it. Your job is not to teach grammar. It is to make Persian useful, warm and part of everyday life.
Two languages don’t confuse children
Research has shown for years that learning two languages from early childhood does not cause speech delay or confusion. Bilingual children reach their milestones on the usual timeline; their words are simply spread over two languages.
Mixing languages in one sentence (“Maman, I want ab”) is also normal. It is a sign the child is using everything they know, not a sign that something is wrong. Gently repeat the sentence back in Persian and move on.
Choose an approach that fits your family
There is no single right method. Families usually pick one of these:
- One parent, one language: one parent always speaks Persian, the other English. Works well when only one parent speaks Persian.
- Persian at home: everyone speaks Persian at home, and English comes from school and friends. This gives Persian the most hours, which matters most.
- Time and place: Persian at dinner, on weekends, or with the grandparents. Easier to keep, but gives fewer hours.
When they answer in English
Don’t scold or refuse to listen; that makes Persian feel like a punishment. Instead, answer in Persian, repeat their words in Persian, or ask a small question they can answer in Persian.
Children switch to English when they feel Persian isn’t needed. Create moments where it is: a grandparent who only speaks Persian, a Persian playgroup, a summer trip, or a game that only works in Persian.
Stories are the strongest tool
Reading together every day builds vocabulary faster than almost anything else, and it gives Persian a feeling of closeness and calm. Ten minutes at bedtime is enough.
Children listen best to stories about themselves. A book where your child is the hero, with their own name, keeps them asking for “one more time”, and every repeat is more Persian.
Small habits that make a big difference
- Read one Persian story every night, even a very short one.
- Play Persian songs and lullabies in the car and at bath time.
- Video call the grandparents every week and let your child lead the conversation.
- Label things around the house in Persian and English together.
- Celebrate Nowruz, Yalda and Chaharshanbe Suri, so the language is tied to joyful memories.
- Praise every Persian word they use, and never laugh at a mistake.