Bilingual Kids: So Hot (Uh…) Right Now

Move along, adopted-children-named-after-metal-bands-and-geographic-formations, there’s a new trendy celebrity child in town! Bilingual children are so in, especially if you wrap them in a Snuggie and pop them into a green tote bag. 

It’s “in” because, apparently, lots of celebrities have kids who can speak at least two languages. Celebrities really are just like us. And everyone we know. Literally, everyone. 

Ali Landry interviewed fellow actress Paola Turbay (of The Secret Life of The American Teenager and The Closer) about raising bilingual kids. Says Turbay of making sure her daughter with husband Alejandro, Estela, learned Spanish at an early age:

Kids are so smart. She quickly surpassed me in her Spanish skills and there were times when I couldn’t understand what she was saying to me! At that point, I knew it was time for me to start talking to her in English and to get myself back into Spanish class! I now speak mostly English with her while Alejandro speaks mostly Spanish and it seems to be working out great. She automatically responds to each of us in those languages. It amazes me how easily children can pick up languages and switch between them. Now she speaks both languages so well that she can communicate with both sides of the family. One day, we hope to live both in Mexico and the States, so I am thrilled that she will be completely prepared and fluent — and I plan to be as well. Deseo Suerte! (Wish me luck!)

We like that different cultures are being treated as a trend appreciated and that it’s becoming recognized, and even desirable, for young kids to learn more than one language.

But, come on. Just because Gwyneth Paltrow is really into teaching Manzanita and Moises Spanish before they move to Ibitha, does not mean this is something new or strange or progressive on her part or on the part of parents like her. 

Anyway, famous babies! Who speak more than one language! Take in the cuteness as you embark on your path to be a superior parent who greets friends with “Namaste:”

‘Spotlight to Nightlight’: Bilingual Kids [omg!]