So what is it like to learn 2 languages from birth? It's anything but easy. But how do you begin to teach your child a second language? What time is it appropriate? Should 2 completely different languages be taught from birth or should they be introduced independently?

It's a common fact that language is learned from exposure at a young age. If you're from a Tamil-speaking household, you'll grow up to become very fluent in Tamil. But what if you're a Tamil-speaking family living in an English-speaking environment? You want your child so speak Tamil because it's your culture's language, but you don't want them to struggle in the English-speaking world. Well, there are no true rules but simple tips that can help.

First, focus on one language when your child is born, preferably, the one that will not be used once your child begins school. Why? When your child goes to school, odds are that your native tongue will take the back-burner. Kids usually speak the language other kids are speaking due to conformity. But here is when you can help them mesh the two languages. Ask for simple translations. "How do you say 'banana' in English? And in (for sake of the example) Tamil?" Opening the door this way allows your child to not only embrace both languages but help them build both into his or her vocabulary.

Second, don't punish your child for speaking one language. If your son/daughter decides to stick to speaking Tamil all the time, don't yell at them. Instead, show them how Tamil has it's places as does English, but on their elementary level. Ask them "when you go to the toy aisle, what language do the toys speak?" or "when you go to your uncle's house, what language do we speak?" It will help your child learn that both languages have their uses in everyday life so building the skills to speak both will be helpful.

Lastly, try not to teach your child too many languages at once. If you and your significant other speak 2 different, non-English languages, stick to one at first and introduce the other not through direct conversation, but indirect. For example, if you speak both French and German as a couple, pick one language, for example German, to raise the child with. But keep the French to speak to one another. While your child isn't paying full attention to what you and your husband/wife are discussing, more often than not, they will catch on. Also, this way your child is able to learn the secondary language without the stress of having to fully comprehend or respond. Later on, at an older age, you can introduce the language full on.

As always, there are always many more ways to teach your child many languages, may it be classes or tutoring, but the final decision is up to you.