Is OPOL really the best language strategy for bilingual families?

Let’s talk about something that’s often treated as gospel in the world of bilingual parenting:

OPOL—One Parent, One Language.

It’s the green juice of language strategies. Everyone swears by it. It’s hyped as the ultimate solution. And if you’re not following it—or not doing it “right”—you might even feel like you’re somehow failing.

But here’s the thing: OPOL isn’t the holy grail. For many families, it’s not even close to being the best fit.

Let me explain.

Why do parents choose OPOL?

Most parents choose OPOL because it’s familiar. It’s what you read about in books, see in Facebook parenting groups, and hear from other parents. It feels like the default choice, so you adopt it without questioning whether it’s actually the best approach for your family.

It’s also appealing because it seems so simple: one parent speaks one language, and the other parent speaks another. Done. Everyone gets to use the language they’re most comfortable with, and it all feels neat and tidy.

But here’s the kicker: life isn’t neat or tidy—especially when you’re balancing kids, work, and the 400 other things on your plate.

And OPOL? It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

The history behind OPOL

Let’s look at a real-life example.

Karla Leopold was the daughter of Werner Leopold, the linguist who basically put OPOL on the map. Werner famously used the strategy with his first daughter, Hildegard, who thrived in both English (her mother’s language) and German (her father’s language).

He meticulously documented her bilingual development, publishing four volumes on her bilingual language acquisition and hailing OPOL as a groundbreaking strategy.

Then came Karla, his second daughter.

Werner used the exact same strategy with Karla, but the results were completely different.

She never spoke more than a handful of words in German, despite growing up in the same family and with the same approach.

So, what happened?

Well as it turn outs, things weren't actually the same for Leopold's second daughter. 

For Karla, OPOL wasn’t enough. The strategy didn’t provide her with the exposure she needed to become fluent in German. Looking back, a better approach would have been something like “minority language at home” or a mixed strategy. Both of her parents could have spoken German to her to ensure she had enough input to succeed.

And that’s the problem with OPOL: it works if everything else lines up perfectly. If you’re the main caregiver, have significant one-on-one time with your child, and have additional sources of language input (like grandparents or a community that speaks the language), it can be effective.

But for most families?

Life is way more complex than that.

So why do so many parents still cling to OPOL?

Because it feels like the “right” thing to do. It’s the strategy everyone talks about, so you assume it must be the best.

But here’s the truth about raising bilingual kids: it’s not about following a trend or checking a box. It’s about doing what is right for you, to get the results you're aiming for.

Let me use an analogy. Imagine you’re trying to get fit, so you copy the workout routine of your favourite Instagram influencer. You follow their plan religiously, but after weeks of effort, you’re not seeing the results you hoped for.

Why? Because what works for them might not work for you. Maybe you have different needs, a different body type, different genetics, or a different lifestyle.

It’s the same with language strategies.

Just because OPOL worked for someone else doesn’t mean it’ll work for you.

Especially if your goal is active bilingualism—where your kids don’t just understand but speak both languages fluently—you need a strategy tailored to your family’s unique situation.

Here’s what I tell the parents I work with: think beyond the strategy.

Focus on exposure. Ask yourself:

• Are your kids getting enough time in each language to meet your goals?

• Is the exposure they’re getting rich and varied, or is it just the basics?

• Is it consistent, or does it happen only when life isn’t too chaotic?

A better alternative to OPOL

When you create a custom language plan that considers these factors, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success.

And the best part?

A custom plan is flexible. It grows with your family and adapts to whatever life throws at you.

If you’re feeling stuck—like you’re doing all the “right” things but not seeing the results you hoped for—take a step back. Look at the bigger picture.

OPOL might not be the problem, but it also might not be the solution.

I’ve put together a free recorded training that walks you through how to create a family language plan that actually works. It’s practical, actionable, and designed to help you move past the one-size-fits-all mindset of strategies like OPOL.

Click here to watch the training now.

Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t to follow a trendy strategy. The goal is to raise kids who can confidently speak their languages, connect with their heritage, and communicate with their family and the world.

And that? That’s worth thinking outside the OPOL box.