Educators are generally supportive of the effort, citing family and even professional benefits. But they warn of challenges. Children may face teasing or isolation from peers, making them more reluctant to use a parent's native language. And parents must be alert to ensure that their children master English. Mishra says that while his children understand Hindi, they are still reluctant to speak the language, despite his and his wife's relentless efforts.
Perseverance is a key issue.
Parents can achieve this in several ways. One parent can speak English with the child, while the other speaks the foreign language. Both parents can speak the foreign tongue with the expectation that the child will learn English in school and elsewhere. The parents can also speak English with the child while a grandparent, sitter, or au pair speaks the foreign language. This last method is considered the least successful, say many educators.