Why does he say it in English when I tell him to say it in Spanish?

[Romansmami0412]

My son is 21 months old and I have been trying to reinforce manners and please and thank you. I always say, "Por Favor" when he wants somethings. Instead of Por Favor, he'll say Peeese (please) and when I deliver what's needed/wanted, I say  "Gracias"- and he repeats, 'Tank yoo' (Thank you). Why doesn't he say the spanish words? It's quite frustrating!:( Any advice?

[mamivon2]

I know its frustrating. He is only 21m old he might not even know that there are 2 different languages. Just say after he says please say por favor. Whatever he says in english say it right after him in spanish

 

[Romansmami0412]

That's a good idea. Repeating the spanish equivalent AFTER he says it in addition to before he says it! Thank you for the suggestion!:) 

[shakesrear]

I don't know if you can make them speak your language. I have always talked to my girls in English, but up until my oldest started going to a bilingual school, they have ALWAYS spoken in French, even to me. It was only once my oldest started 1st grade at the bilingual school that she started speaking to me in English, and now my 2nd does too, but it's still not consistent. They still often speak to me in French and they always speak to each other in French.

I don't think you should force it, but stay consistent with speaking Spanish and exposing him to Spanish in other ways, but in a natural way. It's tough speaking the minority language, but I don't think it's worth forcing the issue.