Just Getting Started Speaking Spanish with Your Kid? Here's What to Focus on First

Feeling stuck about speaking Spanish with your little one? Forget grammar and vocabulary—focus on pronunciation first. Get started with our curated list of Spanish children's books and discover why learning through kid's books is actually more practical than traditional methods.

Your Spanish Journey Starts with a Snuggle

There's something magical about storytime with your little one. Picture this: your toddler waddles over with their favorite book, plops into your lap, and snuggles in close. Now imagine that magical moment happening in Spanish – a language you're both learning together.

But here's the thing: so many parents feel stuck even before they start. They think they need to master grammar, memorize vocabulary, or become fluent before reading to their kids in Spanish. I'm here to tell you that's 100% wrong.

Here's what I've learned as a mom who struggled with languages my whole life: when you're just starting to speak Spanish with your kids, there's only one thing you need to focus on first – pronunciation.

The Game-Changing Secret: Focus on Sound, Not Meaning

Let me share a secret that transformed my Spanish journey: you do NOT need to understand every word you're reading to create meaningful language experiences with your kid. They will cuddle up with you during storytime even when they (and you!) don't know what most of the words mean. They're looking at the pictures, enjoying your voice, and most importantly – getting to connect with you.

Why Flow Matters More Than Perfect Understanding

Here's the catch: if you can't say words, get tripped up too often, wobble for too long - their attention might stray. But, chances are it’s more because of a lack of lyrical flow (ie all the starting / stopping) or because you’ve become flustered or less connected to your kid in the moment. When you’re just getting started, the flow matters more than perfect understanding and articulation.

Want to test this out? Try speaking nonsense to your toddler while pretending to read a book. If you are animated and dynamic enough, they’ll probably remain engaged. It’s not the content; it’s how you deliver it.

Your First Priority: Reading Spanish Out Loud

So here’s my top recommendation to you, parent learner, is to make learning how to read Spanish out loud your top priority. (for tips on how to supercharge reading Spanish out loud, check out this post here)

Book Recommendations for Getting Started

Here are some of our favorite books recommendations, starting with the simplest - single word books - and building up.

1. Vocabulary books - Simple, single words are easier to pronounce, and the pictures make meanings clear.

   • First 100 Words / Primera 100 palabras

   • The Very Hungry Caterpillar's First 100 Words / Primeras 100 palabras

   • First 100 Words in English and Spanish

   • Opuestos (Opposites)

2. Simple Phrases & Concepts - when you’re feeling ready for a little more, these books combine familiar words into short, repeating phrases.

   • Lift-the-Flap books

     • Colores / Colors

     • Animales / Animals

     • Formas / Shapes

   • ¿Dónde está el Ombliguito? / Where Is Baby's Belly Button?

   • Las Manos / Hands Can

   • Muchos sentimientos (Lots of Feelings)

3. Bilingual books - English translations help you stay on track while still building your Spanish skills.

   • Indestructible series (bonus: actually indestructible!)

     • Te amo, bebé / Love You, Baby

     • ¡Hola granja! / Hello, Farm!

     • ¡Bebé, vamos a comer! / Baby, Let’s Eat!

   • I Like It When.../Me gusta cuando…

4. Song books - the ultimate flow builder! Familiar tunes help make pronunciation practice fun.

   • Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes / Cabeza, Hombros, Piernas, Pies

   • The Baby Chicks Are Singing / Los Pollitos Dicen

   • Estrellita, ¿dónde estás? / Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Why Baby Books Are Actually Perfect for Adult Learners

“Won’t I get bored learning baby words instead of adult vocabulary?”

I used to wonder this too. But here is the surprising truth I discovered: those simple baby and toddler words are exactly what you need right now. Why? Because those are the words you’ll actually use, every single day, with your little.

Think about it: when you learn Spanish the traditional way, you might learn to order a coffee, or ask for directions to the museum. But how often do you actually do these things? Meanwhile, you say the words “banana,” “diaper,” “milk,” to your toddler about 6,263 time per day. Way more practical.

Here’s what makes toddler-focused learning brilliant:

• Your child’s world is beautifully simple and repetitive.

• Picture books are designed to teach meaning through context (so you can learn right alongside your little even if you’re starting from zero Spanish).

• You’re learning vocabulary that you’ll actually use multiple times per day, every day.

• Your toddler doesn’t care if you repeat yourself, use the wrong word, or mess up.

I also discovered something fascinating: reading simple Spanish books with my toddler was way more engaging (for me) than reading English books for the 100th time. Sure, I love my kid and I love storytime, but my brain definitely starts to wander when I read Brown Bear for the nth time in English. In Spanish, I’m still learning, so I end up being much more engaged and present.

Break Free: Your Permission Slip to Learn Differently

Let’s be real: learning a new language can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already juggling the tasks of parenthood. Because yes: if you are a parent, you are busy - no qualifier needed!

So go ahead - throw out that traditional language learning rulebook. If you’re just starting your learning journey with your little, here is a list of all the things you can deprioritize:

✘ Memorizing vocabulary lists

Instead of flashcards, let words come to you naturally through your daily reading routine with your little.

✘ Learning all verb conjugations

Who cares if you can conjugate “hacer” in the subjunctive mood? I don’t even know that what means! hahaha (I mean, jejeje)

✘ Adult-focused vocabulary

You don’t need to know how to discuss politics or philosophy in Spanish right now. “Milk,” “diaper,” and “bedtime” are way more useful.

✘ Perfect grammar

Trust me here: I’ve spent years in traditional Spanish classes, obsessing over grammar rules (because that’s what you were graded on, ya know?). What never improved? My actual speaking ability!

Here’s the mindset shift that changed everything for me: you’re not throwing these language elements away forever. They’re just taking a backseat while you focus on pronunciation and flow. Eventually, you’ll learn them, but letting them go will allow your learning journey to be 1) way easier; and 2) way more fun. That’s the beauty of learning alongside your child: perfection is not the goal; connection is.

Your only mission right now? Make Spanish sounds accurately and string them together smoothly enough to keep storytime flowing. That's it. Everything else can wait.