Our Language, our Story

Raising children in a multicultural family isn’t always simple, especially when it comes to language. It’s one of those things that seems natural at first, but as the years go by, you realize how much it shapes your children’s identity, connection, and even their sense of belonging.

I’m Brazilian , my husband is Swedish, and in the beginning, we spoke English with each other.

When our first daughter was born, I didn’t speak Swedish yet, so I naturally spoke to her in Portuguese. And without even planning it, that consistency made all the difference, today she speaks Portuguese fluently.

With our youngest daughter, things were different. By then I had learned Swedish, and little by little, I started mixing both languages. Sometimes I’d speak Swedish, sometimes Portuguese, and though she understands Portuguese, she doesn’t feel as confident speaking it. Looking back, I realize how important it is to stay consistent with your mother tongue, even when it feels easier to switch.

What I’ve learned;

Children will naturally learn the local language from school, friends, and their environment. But your native language, your heart language, is a gift only you can give them. It carries not just words, but emotions, stories, and a sense of where they come from.