Parenting Perspective 

Prepare, Practice, and Praise 

It is common for children to feel confused or shy when family members use different languages at gatherings or during phone calls. You can help by preparing your child in advance. Explain who speaks which language and what they might hear during visits. Use short, familiar phrases that your child can say to greet elders or answer simple questions. You can practise these phrases together, so they feel ready and confident. 

If they do not understand everything, reassure them that it is okay; they are still learning and are not expected to know every word. Encourage older siblings or cousins to help translate if needed. Celebrate their small efforts, like trying to answer in the family language, even if the words are not perfect. You can create opportunities at home to use both languages, so they feel more natural over time. Remind your child that every attempt is a step forward. By keeping your approach calm and warm, you help your child to see language differences as something to enjoy, not to fear. 

Spiritual Insight 

Our Differences Are a Blessing 

Islam teaches us to honour our family ties and to build bridges with kind words, no matter how different we may seem. Allah Almighty reminds us in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 13: 

‘O mankind, indeed, We (Allah Almighty) have created you all from one man and one woman; and placed you amongst various nations and tribes for your introduction to each other….’ 

This verse shows that our differences, including our languages, are a blessing that help us to connect and understand each other. 

Making Things Easy 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ treated everyone’s background and way of speaking with respect, showing us that clear and kind speech strengthens family bonds. It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6125, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Make things easy and do not make things difficult.’ 

When you teach your child to greet family members with simple words, praise them warmly for every effort. Be patient if they feel shy and remind them that each word they learn connects them to their grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. Encourage your child to make Dua for confidence and understanding. Your gentle support will help them to feel proud of their family’s languages.