— Learn Through Practical English Phrases at Home —
In today’s global society, being fluent in English can open many doors for your child’s future. But studying abroad or enrolling in an international school isn’t always realistic—especially considering the cost.
So the big question is:
Can you raise a child to speak English like a native without studying abroad or going to an international school?
The answer is: Yes, it’s possible—with the right environment and consistent effort.
In this article, let’s explore how you can create an English-friendly home environment, along with useful phrases to use with your child every day.
Why the “Environment” Matters So Much
Children acquire language naturally through constant input (hearing) and output (speaking). Even if you live in Japan or a non-English-speaking country, it’s possible to create a rich English environment at home.
✔ Input: Fill their ears with English
- Read English picture books together (e.g. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?)
- Watch English cartoons (e.g. Peppa Pig, Bluey)
- Play English nursery rhymes or audiobooks during playtime
✔ Output: Encourage your child to speak
- Speak to your child in English during daily routines
- Use role-play games in English
- Try online English lessons or join English-speaking playgroups
5 Everyday Native Phrases to Use with Your Child
Start small. You don’t need perfect grammar—what matters is using English consistently in natural settings.
1. Time to wake up!
Use this in the morning instead of Japanese.
2. Let’s brush your teeth.
Make brushing time a daily English moment.
3. Do you want some juice?
Ask this during snack or mealtime.
4. Good job!
A simple but powerful way to praise your child.
5. Let’s clean up together.
Use this while tidying toys to turn chores into fun.
Real-Life Examples of Success
Many families in Japan and around the world are successfully raising bilingual or even native-level English speakers without ever leaving their country. Common points in their stories:
- Daily repetition
- Creating natural English moments
- Not stressing over perfect English
- Most importantly: having fun together
Even if you’re not fluent yourself, showing enthusiasm and learning with your child can make all the difference.
Summary: Make English a Part of Your Daily Life
You don’t need to “study” English—you just need to live with it.
Whether it’s one phrase or one minute a day, consistency is the secret. Over time, your child will naturally build a strong foundation in English—just like they did with their first language.
Quick Recap: 5 Useful English Phrases for Parents
| Situation | Phrase | Japanese Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Morning wake-up | Time to wake up! | 起きる時間だよ |
| Brushing teeth | Let’s brush your teeth. | 歯を磨こう |
| Snack time | Do you want some juice? | ジュース飲む？ |
| Praise | Good job! | よくできたね |
| Cleaning up | Let’s clean up together. | 一緒にお片付けしよう |
It’s never too early—or too late—to start building an English environment at home. With a little creativity, patience, and love, your child can grow up speaking English naturally—even without studying abroad.
Start today, one phrase at a time!
