Raising a Bilingual Child as Non-Native Speaker: The Complete Guide to English-Spanish Parenting for Families Like Yours

Do you dream of raising your child in English, but worry that your accent, your grammar, or your "non-native" status will hold them back? You are not alone - and you don't need to be perfect to give your child this gift. Raising a Bilingual Child as a Non-Native Speaker is the guide I wish I'd had when I started this journey myself: a warm, practical roadmap for parents who want to raise a truly bilingual child in a language that isn't their own. Written by Marion Schilling - a bilingual educator and a non-native English speaker raising her own daughter in English, Spanish, and Catalan - this book blends real classroom experience with the honest, day-to-day story of one family's journey, from the first lullaby to the teenage years. Inside, you'll find: - The proven bilingual parenting methods (OPOL, Minority Language at Home, Time & Place, and Mixed Systems) to choose the path that fits your family- The "Good Enough" Rule - the mindset shift that will free you from perfectionism, once and for all- Age-by-age strategies from birth through adolescence, covering vocabulary, daily routines, play, reading, and real conversation- Bilingual vocabulary lists, daily phrases, songs, games, and creative writing activities you can start using today- Honest reflections on real challenges - accent anxiety, language mixing, the "silent period," and keeping motivation alive as your child growsA book designed to be lived in both languages. This book is written in parallel text: English on the left page, Spanish on the right - so the whole family can read, learn, and grow together, in either language, side by side. Whether you're just starting out with a newborn or navigating the challenges of raising a bilingual teenager, this book will meet you exactly where you are, and remind you that an imperfect language, spoken with love, is always enough. Your child's bilingual world starts here.