Michelle Bruni is a bilingual parenting educator, content creator, and mom of two, raising her kids in a language that isn’t even her own. With a PhD in psychology and a research background in bilingualism, Michelle is on a mission to help families hold on to something most people are still being told to let go of: their language.
In this episode, she breaks down the myth that bilingualism causes confusion or speech delays, and why that belief is still shaping how many pediatricians and parents think today.
We talk about what’s really happening in a child’s brain when they hear two languages, why identity plays a bigger role than most people realize, and how parents can stay consistent, even when school, culture, or their partner makes it hard.
🎧 If you’ve ever wondered whether raising a bilingual child is worth the effort, or felt like no one understands what you’re trying to do, this one’s for you.
00:00 Meet Michelle Bruni
02:30 Her dad spoke Italian, but never passed it on
17:05 How age impacts language learning and the brain’s phonetic window
22:20 What most experts still get wrong about speech delays
24:30 Can language shape emotion? The science says yes
33:00 Her tips for starting, even if you’re not fluent
36:45 How to bring your partner into the process
39:00 What actually works (and what doesn’t)
44:45 What Michelle wishes every parent knew
💡 Who Should Listen
This episode is for parents, educators, and anyone curious about how language, culture, and identity shape the way kids grow up.
It’s especially for families raising children in multilingual homes, parents who learned a second language and want to pass it on, and pediatricians, speech therapists, and/or educators who want a deeper look at the science behind bilingualism.
About Michelle Bruni
Michelle Bruni is a bilingual parenting educator, content creator, and mom of two raising her children in her second language, French. With a PhD in psychology and a research background in bilingualism, Michelle blends science and storytelling to empower families to raise bilingual children with confidence and clarity.
Connect with Michelle
📲 Instagram: @BilingualCoco
🎥 TikTok: @BilingualCoco
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