In this episode, host Eva welcomes back guest Mimi to reflect on a powerful everyday moment: sitting down to colour with her daughter. What started as a simple playtime activity unexpectedly opened the door for her daughter to begin speaking more Bulgarian than ever before—naturally, spontaneously, and without prompts or corrections.
Through this story, Eva and Mimi explore the deeper truth that language development isn’t just about more exposure—it’s about more connection. Children speak the languages that feel safe, meaningful, and emotionally engaging. And play, as Mimi describes, creates that ideal environment.
Together, they discuss:
Why play is the “native language of childhood” and a natural gateway to speech
How following your child’s lead invites authentic language use
Why connection before correction fosters confidence and trust
How play creates rich opportunities for repetition and practice without pressure
Why this matters especially for multilingual children and families
You’ll also hear practical tips, like a play-connection checklist for parents who want to nurture language growth at home—without turning play into a lesson.
This episode is a reminder that small, everyday interactions can unlock big breakthroughs. When we show up in our children’s world with curiosity and presence, language follows.