5 Fun Ways to Incorporate Hindi into Daily Routines

“Dadda, play ‘Chhoti si Asha’ in the car!”

This Hindi masterpiece from Roja, made musically immortal by A. R. Rehman is one of the most requested songs on our car rides — aside from the “Bluey” album and “Waka Waka”, of course!

From me — a Desi parent living away from India — to you and yours:
Use this and other fun ideas to include Hindi conversation into your daily routines.

1. Play Hindi Songs During Car Rides

Music is a powerful tool for language learning.

Playing Hindi songs during car rides can make your trips more enjoyable and educational. Choose age-appropriate songs and try to include a mix of traditional and contemporary music. This not only makes the car ride more fun but also helps your child get accustomed to the sounds and rhythms of Hindi.

Not just that, singing along can further reinforce learning and make the experience interactive.

2. Label Household Items in Hindi

Reload that Label Maker — but with a new ammo!

Transform your home into a bilingual haven by labelling household items in Hindi. This simple yet effective method helps your child associate everyday objects with their Hindi names.

Create colourful labels for items like “refrigerator” (फ्रिज), “table” (मेज), and “chair” (कुर्सी). You can even turn it into a fun game by asking your child to identify or fetch items by their Hindi names, which helps reinforce their vocabulary.

3. Speak to Your Child in Hindi at Meal Times

Meal times provide an excellent opportunity for language immersion.

Make it a habit to speak to your child in Hindi during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Use this time to teach them the names of different foods, utensils, and simple phrases like “drink water, dear” (बेटा/बेटी, पानी पी लो). This regular practice not only helps build vocabulary, but also normalises the use of Hindi in daily conversations, making it a natural part of their communication.

This one is a real game-changer. Our meal times have become an explosion of new words!

4. Read Hindi Bedtime Stories Together

Bedtime stories are more than just a routine; they are a bonding experience!

Incorporate Hindi bedtime stories into your nightly ritual. Choose books that are rich in culture and morals, such as tales from Panchatantra or stories about deities and festivals. Reading together not only enhances your child’s language skills but also instils a love for Hindi literature and Indian culture.

Over time, your child will start understanding and appreciating the language more deeply.

5. Create a ‘Hindi Word of the Day’ Challenge

Give your child’s learning a little gamification boost by introducing a ‘Hindi Word of the Day’ challenge!

Every day, pick a new Hindi word related to your child’s interests or daily activities. Write the word on a whiteboard or a piece of paper and place it somewhere visible. Throughout the day, encourage your child to use the word in sentences and conversations. At the end of the week, review the words together to reinforce their memory.

This daily practice not only builds vocabulary but also boosts their confidence in using the language.

In short…

Incorporating Hindi into your daily routines doesn’t have to be a daunting task.

By making small yet consistent efforts, you can create an immersive language environment that promotes Hindi bilingual parenting. Remember, the goal is to make learning Hindi a natural and enjoyable part of your child’s daily life. These five fun strategies can help you accomplish just that, fostering a strong bilingual foundation and a lasting connection to your cultural heritage.

As always, remember it’s a marathon, not a race! Kids love learning, sometimes we just need to make it more fun! 🙂