Raising Bilingual Kids as Nomads: Gentle Practices
Let’s be real: raising bilingual kids while living out of suitcases, Airbnbs, and the occasional camper van sounds romantic. But when you’re staring at a pile of laundry in Lisbon and your five-year-old forgets how to say “spoon” in either language, the Instagram filters fall off—and the practical questions begin. How do you actually make sure your kids grow up speaking two languages, when your own routine is one TSA agent away from chaos?
I’m Evan, and after years of remote work and country-hopping with my family, I’ve learned that raising bilingual kids isn’t about grand plans or expensive tutors. It’s about micro-habits—the daily, gentle nudges that build up, even when you’re jet-lagged or the Wi-Fi is spotty. Let’s break down what’s actually worked for us, step by step, with zero pressure and plenty of real-life messiness.
Why “Gentle” Bilingualism Wins (Especially on the Road)
Forget flashcards and strict schedules. When your living room is sometimes a tent, the only system that works is flexible, low-pressure, and—dare I say—fun. The “gentle bilingualism” approach means creating a bilingual environment without stress or guilt, focusing on exposure and curiosity rather than perfection.
“The goal isn’t raising a mini-translator. It’s helping your kid feel comfortable and happy in both languages, even if they mix them up sometimes.”
Plus, if you’re moving between countries or communities, this approach adapts. Some weeks, Spanish is everywhere. Other times, you’re the only one keeping it alive. That’s okay. It’s a long game.
Case Study: The 15-Minute Rule
Last spring, we were parked in a campground in Andalusia. My son, Leo, refused to speak Spanish all week—until I realized I’d been making it a chore. So, we set a timer: fifteen minutes a day, we’d do something fun in Spanish. Sometimes it was singing along to Cantajuego. Other days, we’d FaceTime his abuela for a story. That small, consistent chunk changed everything. No pressure, just a habit.
Five Micro-Habits for Bilingual Living (No Matter Where You Are)
1. Songs in Both Languages—Every Single Day
Music is the great equalizer. Whether we’re on a train or in a tiny kitchen, we play playlists in both languages. For Spanish, Cantajuego and 123 Andrés are favorites. For English, we cycle through classic kids’ songs and whatever’s top on Spotify Family Mix. The key: sing along—even (especially!) if you’re off-key.
2. Books: Ebooks, Library Apps, and “Double Reads”
Physical books are heavy, so we rely on library apps like Libby and Storyplay’r for both languages. If we have a print book in one language, we’ll “double-read”—first in Spanish, then in English, making up the translation as we go. It’s not perfect, but it keeps both languages alive.
3. Grandparents (and Friends) on Video Calls
We schedule regular calls with grandparents: Spanish on Sundays, English on Wednesdays. Even five minutes counts. If you don’t have family who speaks the target language, try a language exchange with another nomad family or a friendly local. The novelty of video chat makes kids more willing to chat—plus, you get a coffee break.
4. Low-Key Language Apps
We’ve used Duolingo Kids and Gus on the Go for years. They’re not magic, but they’re fun, and five minutes here and there add up. No need to set goals or track points. Just let your kid play, and join in if you want.
5. Let Mixing Happen—It’s a Sign of Progress
Kids will mix languages. If my daughter says, “Papa, quiero water,” I treat it as normal. Correcting every mistake makes language feel stressful. Instead, I repeat the phrase back naturally: “Oh, you want agua? Here you go.” Gentle, no lectures.
Checklist: Daily Bilingual Micro-Habits
| Habit | Duration | Tools/Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Sing songs in both languages | 5 min | Spotify, YouTube, Cantajuego, 123 Andrés |
| Read or listen to books | 10 min | Libby app, Storyplay’r, English/Spanish ebooks |
| Video call a relative/friend | 5 min | WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom |
| Language app playtime | 5 min | Duolingo Kids, Gus on the Go |
| Talk about your day in both languages | 10 min | Meal times, bedtime, walks |
Favorite Tools & Resources
- Duolingo Kids (free, playful, basic vocabulary)
- Gus on the Go (paid, interactive, especially for younger kids)
- Libby App (free library ebooks, tons of languages)
- Cantajuego YouTube (Spanish songs with movement)
- Storyplay’r (fairy tales and stories in Spanish and English)
- Lingokids (English learning, playful, mobile-friendly)
Real Talk: Messiness Is Normal
Let’s be honest, some days all you can manage is half a song and a scrambled “gracias” before bedtime. That’s fine. The point isn’t perfection—it’s making bilingualism part of normal life. Over time, the little things add up. I’ve seen my kids go from shy whispers to proudly ordering ice cream in Spanish (and correcting my accent). That’s the win.
Remember: No one is keeping score. Celebrate the small moments, and let the rest go. Every “Papa, quiero water” is a step forward.
Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you buy via them, it doesn’t cost you extra, but I may earn a small commission to support this blog’s coffee fund.
