Parent Perspectives on Bilingual Intergenerational Programs for Preschool-Aged Children in Australia

Abstract

Bilingual intergenerational programs may hold promise in supporting the language skills of bilingual preschool-aged children. This study explores the perspectives of parents raising bilingual preschool-aged children in Australia, evaluating their perceived benefits, challenges, and feasibility of intergenerational programs, and whether these differ depending on child contact with grandparents. A total of 193 parents responded to an online survey. Results indicated parents saw many benefits to bilingual intergenerational programs, particularly regarding the benefits to heritage language skills. Key challenges identified include cultural differences between generations, logistical issues, and safety concerns. Despite these challenges, parents showed a strong preference (75.1%) for integrating the program into preschool curricula. This study highlights the critical need for supportive bilingual initiatives in early childhood education and suggests that bilingual intergenerational programs could be used to address the high rates of language attrition in Australia.

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