Ana & Sarah
Parents: Ana (🇵🇹 Portugal) & Sarah (🇬🇧 UK)
Children: Luca & Eva (twins, age 4)
Location: Berlin, Germany
Languages Spoken: Portuguese (Ana), English (Sarah)
Strategy: OPOL (One Parent, One Language)
Can you describe your family’s language background?
Ana: I’m Portuguese, born and raised in Lisbon, and my family speaks only Portuguese.
Sarah: I’m from Manchester, UK — English is my native language. We’ve both lived abroad a lot and love languages, but these are our core ones.
Which languages are you using, how and where, and how did you decide on that mix?
We use OPOL: I (Ana) speak Portuguese to the kids, and Sarah always speaks English. We speak English to each other. Living in Germany, they also hear German daily at Kita (daycare). So it’s naturally turning into a trilingual environment, but home is strictly bilingual.
Why is teaching those languages important for you?
It’s not just about communication — it’s about identity. We want them to know both sides of their family deeply, feel at home in Lisbon and Manchester, and be able to express themselves fully in both cultures.
When did you first decide to raise your child(ren) bilingually?
Before we even had them! It was always the plan. We started reading bilingual parenting blogs and books before we even got pregnant.
Did you follow a specific strategy (e.g. OPOL, ML@H), or did it evolve naturally?
We started with OPOL intentionally. It made sense for us because we both work from home a lot and spend equal time with the kids.
What were your biggest concerns at the beginning — and how did those play out over time?
We were worried they’d mix the languages or get delayed in speaking. Honestly, they did mix a bit at first, but now it’s amazing to watch how they switch so naturally depending on who they’re speaking to. They’re 4 and totally fluent in both.
What helped you stay consistent in using both languages? What’s your routine?
We’ve been really strict — no switching languages mid-sentence. We also do “story swap Sundays” where I read a Portuguese book and Sarah reads an English one. That’s been a fun ritual.
Has your approach changed as your child got older?
We’ve added more structure now. At age 2, we relied on immersion. Now we do songs, games, even light homework in each language, just to build vocabulary and context.
How do you handle resistance or when your child favours one language?
Eva went through a “no Portuguese!” phase at 3. I didn’t force it — just kept talking to her normally, and made it fun again with songs and silly rhymes. It passed.
Have you experienced any moments of breakthrough or pride in their language development?
So many. The first time they translated for each other at the park, unprompted, we both teared up.
What role has extended family or your community played in supporting (or challenging) your goals?
Our families have been great — we do a lot of video calls with grandparents, and they’re very invested. Being in Berlin also helps — people here are super open to multilingualism.
Got a funny or unexpected story from your bilingual journey? We’d love to hear it.
Luca once told his daycare teacher “Mum says we eat peixe, not fish” — very serious, like the English word was somehow inferior. She had a good laugh.
Have you ever felt pressure (internal or external) about your bilingual goals?
Yes, especially from ourselves. It’s easy to feel guilty if one language gets more attention. But we remind ourselves it’s a long game.
Do you feel like your child connects emotionally or culturally to both languages?
Definitely. Eva says she wants to live in “Portugal AND England AND Germany.” They talk about food and family with clear cultural markers already.
What’s been the most unexpected challenge?
Honestly? Exhaustion. Speaking in a second language when you’re tired, stressed, or emotionally drained is harder than we expected. But it’s worth it.
What has surprised you most in a positive way?
How much language brings us closer to our kids — not just intellectually, but emotionally. They understand that each language is part of who we are.
What technology or other resources do you use to support language learning?
We use Lingokids, YouTube kids playlists in both languages, and Portuguese audiobooks from Ana’s library app. Also: WhatsApp voice notes from grandma — golden.
Have schooling or childcare settings helped or hindered the process?
Daycare has been great — they speak German but support the other languages too. The teachers love asking the twins for words in English or Portuguese.
If you could do one thing differently, what would it be?
Start recording them earlier — we missed a lot of magical bilingual babbling moments.
What advice would you give to other parents just starting out?
Be consistent, be playful, and don’t panic if they mix things up. That’s part of the journey. You’ll be amazed at what they absorb.
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