What should I do if my child mixes up languages at school? 

Parenting Perspective 

A Normal Part of Bilingual Development 

Mixing languages is a normal part of growing up bilingual, so do not worry if you notice your child using two languages in the same sentence at school.¹ It shows that they are learning how to switch between words as their brain develops. The key is to remain calm and supportive so that your child does not feel embarrassed. If teachers raise concerns, explain that this is a natural stage for children learning more than one language. 

At home, you can gently model the correct sentence structure by repeating what they said in one language. For example, if your child says, ‘I want water, ma,’ you might respond, ‘You would like some water, please?’ without making them feel wrong. Keep conversations fun and low-pressure. Encourage your child to keep speaking both languages by giving them lots of opportunities to practise. If the mixing continues for a long time, you can speak to your child’s teacher about small ways they can help, like using clear instructions or encouraging short, simple answers in one language during lessons. 

Spiritual Insight 

A Journey of Stages 

Islam values clear, truthful speech but also recognises that learning is a journey with stages. Children who mix languages are not being careless; they are using the gift of speech in the best way they know how right now. Allah Almighty reminds us that knowledge unfolds step by step. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Taaha (20), Verse 114: 

‘…and say: “O my Sustainer, increase for me (the parameters of) knowledge.”’ 

This gentle Dua shows that all learning, including languages, needs time, patience, and trust in Allah Almighty’s plan. 

A Blessed Path 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ always showed kindness to those who found speech difficult, guiding them with warmth and encouragement. It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2646, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Paradise.’ 

Mixing languages is part of your child’s path to knowledge; it shows they are trying, exploring, and building their understanding. Keep correcting gently, never shaming them. Praise their effort to speak and remind them that learning two languages is a special blessing. Make Dua for clarity and ease in their speech.