Struggling to pass on your language and culture in a busy, English-speaking world? You’re not alone—here’s how one method can help.
Life in a bilingual household can be full of love, laughs… and the occasional identity crisis over how many languages your toddler actually understands. Trust me, I’ve been there.
I’m Marley—short for Marlene Ramos Solheim. I’m a mum of two little ones, originally from Norway, living in leafy West London with my partner Tom (he’s very British and monolingual). We’re raising our kids to speak both Norwegian and English, and just to spice things up, we’ve recently thrown Spanish into the mix too. ¡Olé!
But here’s the thing—raising kids to be truly bilingual (or multilingual) in a busy, English-speaking world isn’t as simple as tossing in a few bedtime stories in another language. It’s layered, a little chaotic, and sometimes feels like yelling into the cultural void. Especially when you’re the only one speaking your native language at home, and your toddler keeps replying to you in English. Oof.
That’s why I started Oby Tales—a space for bilingual and multilingual families who want their children to grow up connected to all their languages and cultures. And today, we’re diving into a parenting method that changed everything for our family: One Parent One Language (OPOL).
Let’s break it down and see how it might just work for you, too.
What is the One Parent One Language Method?
In the simplest terms, the One Parent One Language method means each parent consistently speaks a different language to the child. For example, I speak Norwegian to our kids, and Tom speaks English. Spanish gets squeezed in during bath time singalongs and breakfast chaos.
The idea behind OPOL is to create a natural, consistent exposure to each language in the child’s daily life. It’s not new—linguists and language educators have recommended it for years—but it’s enjoying a bit of a revival among modern parents who want to raise global citizens without screens or guilt.
Why Bother? (aka The Benefits of Multilingualism for Little Brains)
Let’s be honest. Raising bilingual kids takes effort, especially if you’re swimming against the dominant language current. But the benefits? Chef’s kiss.
Here’s why it’s worth it:
- 🧠 Smarter Brains – Bilingual kids show stronger problem-solving, memory, and attention-switching skills.
- 🌍 Stronger Identity – Knowing more than one language helps children feel rooted in multiple cultures.
- ❤️ Closer Bonds – Being able to connect with grandparents or relatives in their language creates meaningful relationships.
Plus, children who grow up bilingual are more likely to have higher empathy and better communication skills. (And yes, they still throw tantrums, but they might do it in two languages.)
Real Talk: Challenges with OPOL
Alright, let’s not sugarcoat it. OPOL can be tricky.
- Inconsistent exposure – If one parent’s language is dominant (ahem, English in the UK), the child may prefer it or stop responding in the other.
- Parental doubt – When your child answers in English every time you speak your native tongue, it’s easy to feel like you’re failing.
- Feeling isolated – If your partner doesn’t speak your language, it can feel lonely or even frustrating trying to carry the cultural load solo.
And let’s not forget: this all takes place while trying to work, cook, clean, avoid too much screen time, and get your kids to put socks on. You’re doing great, honestly.
Making OPOL Work (Without Losing Your Mind)
Here’s what helped me, and might help you too:
- Stick with it – Even if your child doesn’t always respond in your language, the input still counts. Passive understanding often comes before active speaking.
- Get the other parent involved – Even if they don’t speak the language, they can support with routines, books, or playtime phrases.
- Create “language zones” at home – Certain times of day or rooms can be designated for specific languages. (In our house, bedtime stories are always in Norwegian. No negotiations.)
- Find your tribe – Join local or online groups of parents raising bilingual kids. You’ll feel less alone, and your child will hear their other language in use by others.
Our DIY Flashcard Experiments (And How You Can Try Them Too)
Now, I know what you’re thinking—flashcards? really? But hear me out.
When done right, flashcards are more than just memory drills. They’re a playful, screen-free way to:
- Reinforce vocabulary
- Spark conversations in the less dominant language
- Invite siblings or partners into the language-learning fun
- Link language to culture through visuals and storytelling
We’ve been creating super basic flashcards to try with our kids—mostly animals, family words, and cultural bits we want them to learn. They’re not perfect, but they’ve been a fun way to turn learning into a game.
We’re not selling these just yet. Instead, we’re offering them for free to families who subscribe to “Tales by Oby,” our monthly roundup of language tips, free printables, and behind-the-scenes experiments. Flashcards are just one of the many playful tools we’re using—and we’ll be sharing them all with you, one idea at a time.
Other Tools We’re Exploring (Spoiler: They’re Low-Tech & Kid-Approved)
Flashcards are just one piece of the puzzle. We’re also experimenting with
- Storytime swaps – One parent reads a story, the other retells it in a different language.
- Labeling objects around the house – Visual cues help reinforce vocabulary.
- Family “word of the week” – We pick a word in all our family languages and try to use it throughout the week.
- Cultural crafts and recipes – Norwegian waffles and Spanish songs go surprisingly well together.
We’ll be writing about these on the blog as we go—sharing what flops and what flies.
Wrapping It Up
Raising bilingual (or multilingual!) kids is not a straight line—it’s more of a wiggly journey with occasional dance breaks and identity debates. But using the One Parent One Language method can bring clarity, structure, and a sense of shared purpose to your family’s language life.
And when you pair OPOL with playful tools like culturally rich flashcards, it becomes even easier to create those small, magical language moments that stick.
At Oby Tales, we’re here to cheer you on, share what works, and remind you that you’re not alone in wanting your kids to speak the language of your heart.
Ready to explore more ideas and connect with other parents like you? Have a peek around the site, and don’t forget to sign up for updates, stories, and tips from families on this same path.
🎉 Want to try our printable flashcards and other free tools?
Sign up to Tales by Oby—our monthly email filled with playful language-learning tips and stories straight from our home to yours.