There are huge benefits in using any other language with your pēpi.
It’s important to know the huge benefits for the brain in being bilingual.
As a Kāi Tahu whānau member, if your pēpi is able to understand any te reo Māori it really reinforces their identity.
As soon as the child has a second language they develop an understanding of the difference between the two languages which directly enhances their intelligence – this understanding is called meta-language.
The only way you can learn another reo is by being brave, taking risks and getting it wrong.
It takes bravery to stumble through and use the language when you don’t have confidence in it so push past the whakama, feel the fear and do it anyway!
Even if you only have a little bit of te reo Māori – use it with your pēpi because the benefits to their brain are huge.