Late Talking in Bilingual Toddlers: How Play Builds Speech, with Mimi

How do children really find their voice in multiple languages? In this warm, honest, and direct episode, Eva sits down with resident linguist Mimi from Growing Up Multilingual to explore the profound link between play and speech. For international parents, the pressure to "teach" a heritage language can be overwhelming, but Mimi explains why slowing down is actually the most effective strategy.We dive into how simple, low-pressure activities—like coloring, drawing, and open-ended play—create the emotional safety children need to experiment with language. We also discuss navigating the overstimulation of busy seasons and why returning to basic connection can strengthen both your bond and your child’s bilingual skills. Whether you’re worried about language delays or just want to support your child’s multilingual journey without it feeling like a chore, this conversation offers the gentle reset you need. Play isn't just fun; for a multilingual child, it's how they learn to belong in every language they speak