Language Learning for Busy Parents: 8 Tips & Things to Know
I have kids, so I know how hard it is to fit language learning into an already packed schedule.
But it is possible.
I worked 10 hours a day on my business while still learning a new language and taking care of the kids.
Believe me, it was hectic – but I found ways to maneuver the ship.
Before I share my insights, let me just point out that your situation is unique. What worked for me may not necessarily work for you, and vice versa. But hopefully, my experiences can benefit you.
Here are my top tips for parents who want to learn a foreign language.
1. Podcasts and lessons when driving
I’m sure you are driving somewhere, either to work or to drop your kids off at kindergarten or school.
Even if it’s just a 15-minute drive to the office, that’s 30 minutes of podcast listening to and from work. You can listen to any type of audio resource while driving; just make sure it’s in your target language.
It might not sound like much, but that’s 2,5 hours of listening from Monday to Friday.
Just make sure to keep your eyes and attention on the road.
2. When putting down the kids to sleep
When my son was a toddler, I had to sit with him in the evening for him to fall asleep. Screaming and crying would be the result if I didn’t.
Once I had finished reading his bedtime story and kissed him goodnight, I would sit on a chair in his room with my laptop and headphones to study.
It took him some time to get used to me sitting there with my laptop, but eventually, it became a routine. This way, I could keep him company while studying.
3. Communicate with your partner
Communication is crucial to any relationship, especially when you have kids.
Ask your partner to give you some relief and time to study, for example, an hour every Wednesday and Friday. Offer the same type of “free time” for him or her whenever they want it.
It’s not a matter of negotiating or making deals but optimizing your schedule to make the most of it. It is about giving and receiving to help each other.
See if it’s possible for you to sneak away for an hour or two to study while your partner takes care of the kids.
4. Study with your kids
I’m not saying I studied advanced grammar with my 3-year-old, but some applications can be fun for kids.
Depending on your kids’ age and your language level, Duolingo and similar apps can be fun to play together. Games where you pair words with pictures are great for that.
5. Skip Netflix
If you have kids, you’ve probably canceled your Netflix subscription already.
But if you are one of the lucky ones with 2-3 hours to spare during the evening – try to fit some studying into that.
I know, you have worked all day, prepared dinner, wiped food off the wall and played with the kids, so now you want some down-time. They are asleep and you can finally take care of yourself. You still can, but I’m sure you can fit in 20-40 minutes of studying before throwing yourself into the sofa to watch Netflix.
You can also choose to watch movies and TV shows in your target language. Check out our language section to find movies and shows in the language you want to learn.
6. Use your time wisely
One of the main skills I developed when having toddlers was my ability to be strategic.
When I was new to parenthood, I had an ocean of toys to pick up, dishes to wash, and laundry to hang up once my child fell asleep at night. That was like one hour’s worth of chores waiting for me every evening.
Then I changed my ways.
While he was playing with his cars in the living room, I would wash the tables or fold laundry. When he got a little older, he even wanted to help me clean and fold clothes. We made a game out of it.
Before going to bed, my son and I would pick up and collect all his toys together and place them where they belong. I know I should have done that from the get-go, and not only to give myself more time during the evening.
You can make a game out of basically anything, and kids love to imitate their parents. So, all those things that I left to sort out when my son was asleep – we could do together.
7. Get help from family
Ask your parents or your partner’s parents to come over for an hour so that you can study in peace.
Honestly, I hated asking for “help.” And it felt awkward to do so just so that I could study a foreign language. But people were more open to the idea than I had expected. Most grandparents love to see their grandkids, and an hour a week is not much.
All you can do is ask; all they can do is say yes or no. What’s the harm?
8. Accept the truth
Having kids takes time, patience, and responsibility.
The truth is that you can’t engage in demanding work (studies) while also parenting a child. When you are with your son or daughter, most of your attention should go to your child. Even if they are playing independently, you need to keep an eye on them, as you know.
There is no way of getting around that fact. There are no magic tricks or shortcuts to give us the opportunity to fully engage in language studies while taking care of a child at the same time.
This means two things:
- You need to align your goals with your situation
- You need to study when you can
You won’t be able to achieve the same goals at the same rate as you would have if you hadn’t had children. You will most likely have to lower the bar a little bit.
You need to study and get language input in short spurts when time is available, for example, when driving, in the bathroom, or when the kids are asleep.
Are you only able to study from 9 pm and forward? You are not alone; that’s what parenthood is like. We’ve all been there. But you can pull through with some creativity and discipline!
I will not try to lecture you; I already know you love your kids. That’s why you are here, because you want to study while still being a great mom or dad. But I want to end this article by saying that our children should come before all else. Nothing is more important. You will have to sacrifice parts of your language studies, but it doesn’t have to be the end of it.