What is the LingFLoWS® method?

As a consultant, I work together with multilingual parents to find tools and strategies that make their families’ language development harmonious, stress-free and practical for everyday life. The method I use is LingFLoWS®, conceived and developed by Bettina Gruber. An innovative, scientifically grounded system designed to support families on their journey towards multilingualism. And above all: a sustainable method that works and has worked for hundreds of multilingual families.

At the heart of it all is the child and their needs

LingFLoWS® is a model based on the studies and years of research and practice of linguist Dr Bettina Gruber. Its main feature is that it puts children’s needs first, drawing on Montessori principles. What does my child need in order to learn, and in particular to acquire the languages spoken at home? This is one of the key elements in creating a personalised strategy that meets the specific needs of each family.

The main aim of the method is to help parents pass on languages naturally, simply and without pressure. Unlike standardised approaches and one-size-fits-all solutions, LingFLoWS® takes into account the reality of everyday life and the complexity of linguistic and family dynamics, offering flexible and realistic solutions. It helps us build strategies together that work and, thanks to the progress made, help parents to stay consistent and keep moving forward over time.

How does the LingFLoWS® method work?

The first step in the LingFLoWS® journey is a detailed assessment of the family situation: which languages are spoken at home, what the parents’ language goals are, and what challenges they are facing. From there, we begin working together to develop personalised strategies to enable children to acquire languages in everyday life, without stress or pressure, naturally.

A fundamental aspect of the method is emotional wellbeing. Raising multilingual children can be an enriching experience, but also a demanding one. LingFLoWS® helps parents maintain a balance between language goals and the family’s general wellbeing, creating a stimulating yet always positive and never restrictive environment. The priority is always to understand the child’s needs and requirements, whilst also taking into account the parents’ state of mind and motivation, because if parents are not at peace, they cannot convey a sense of calm.

Why did I choose to become a LingFLoWS® coach?

I decided to attend the annual training course to become a certified LingFLoWS® coach because I deeply believe in its effectiveness and its values. Years ago, I discovered this method as the mother of two bilingual children, and it literally turned my life around. As a parent, it not only offered me practical, concrete tools that work in our real lives, but it also taught me to develop an effective strategy for my family, to become self-reliant and to know how to adapt it to the changes that will inevitably occur over the years. I learnt that if parenting is a lifelong journey, then being a bilingual parent isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon! And I felt capable of moving forward on my own, under my own steam.

Shortly after finishing the coaching as a mum, I enrolled on the course to become a consultant and obtained my certification. What I see every day are families who notice small changes straight away, big changes over time and, above all, a renewed confidence in their own abilities. And it’s incredible how these changes are no longer a challenge, but become an integral part of the family’s daily life. Families who, at a certain point, say: multilingualism is part of who we are!

Being a bilingual parent isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon!

Shortly after finishing the coaching as a mum, I enrolled on the course to become a consultant and obtained my certification. What I see every day are families who notice small changes straight away, big changes over time and, above all, a renewed confidence in their own abilities. And it’s incredible how these changes are no longer a challenge, but become an integral part of the family’s daily life. Families who, at a certain point, say: multilingualism is part of who we are.

What tools does the LingFLoWS® method provide for parents?

The method does not provide parents with plans or ready-made solutions, but teaches principles and is based on three pillars:

• Knowledge
• Learning environment
• Focus

Firstly, it provides parents with the knowledge—the scientific facts about multilingualism—to make the right decisions, to carry them through over time, and to have the clarity and certainty that they are doing the right things (see also the article on myths and legends about multilingualism).

It also helps parents create the right learning environment for their children to acquire the family’s languages. This encompasses both the physical environment—the materials for language acquisition and the times and spaces in which to do so—and the social environment surrounding the children, their community, the parents’ attitude, and much more.

The third element, focus, is what allows you to guide your approach and mindset, to see new solutions where there were none before, and to find, day after day, the intrinsic motivation, energy and satisfaction of passing on your language to your children. By becoming aware of the milestones already achieved and the progress made, and building on these to reach further ones.

None of the three pillars can function on its own, because they interact with one another. Knowledge provides clarity and confidence; the right environment fosters progress and strengthens focus; focus, in turn, boosts confidence and helps you see the progress. A virtuous circle! One that, last but not least, will make your relationship with your children even stronger and more meaningful.

Is the LingFLoWS® method right for you?

If you are raising a bilingual or trilingual child and feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to proceed, the LingFLoWS® method could be the solution you are looking for. With a personalised approach, based on scientific research and years of very, very practical experience, this method will guide you in a harmonious and sustainable way over time, with results you would never have imagined.