The ABCs of Raising Multilingual Children

€30 single ticket / €40 couple (discount applied at checkout)

Raising a child with more than one language is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming.

In this interactive workshop, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how children acquire and learn languages, what really matters for their development, how you as a parent can feel more confident about your family’s multilingual journey and so much more.

This session will serve as a scaffold, giving you structure, guidance and support as you navigate your family’s path.

We’ll explore:

• What multilingualism really is (and isn’t)
• How children’s multilingual brains work
• Common myths debunked (“it’s confusing”, “kids are sponges”, “they’ll speak later”, etc.)
• Strategies for managing your family languages
• Why home languages matter - as cultural anchors, tools for identity and a springboard for success
• How to advocate for your home language(s) at home, in school and in social spaces - without guilt
• Home language literacy: when and how to start
• What to do when others don’t agree with your approach

You’ll leave with practical tips, research-based insights and a fresh perspective on how to create a language environment that works for your family.

Who is it for?

This workshop is for parents, caregivers and anyone who has bi-/multilingual children in their environment - from family members to educators. Understanding how bi-/multilingual development really works helps strip away misconceptions and opens the door to supporting children with confidence and clarity, creating environments where they can find their voice in each of their languages and feel proud of all their identities that shape who they are.

Let’s turn “Am I doing this right?” into “We’ve got this!”. Together!

About the presenter

Maria Potvin is a linguist, bi-/multilingualism specialist and mother of two multilingual children. Originally from Bulgaria, she spent nearly two decades in Germany before moving to the Netherlands in 2018.

Drawing from both her professional expertise and experience as well as her own parenting journey, Maria supports families, educators and communities in making sense of bi-/multilingual development.

Her approach is about turning complex theory into clear, practical strategies that fit into everyday family life, helping parents raise confident bi-/multilingual children while feeling empowered.

She is passionate about promoting home languages and fostering a culture of identity, connection and belonging.