How to Teach Telugu to Kids Growing Up in America

If you’ve ever asked your toddler to say “Amma!” and they looked you straight in the eye and replied “Mommy!”, congratulations—you’re officially living the bilingual parent struggle. Teaching your kids Telugu in America is basically a part-time comedy show, a full-time negotiation, and occasionally, a test of emotional resilience.

And here’s the honest truth—my son isn’t speaking Telugu yet either. Some days, I wonder if all these tricks and efforts are even working. But then I remember something important… I was that stubborn kid once.

I grew up here in the U.S., and I still remember how hard my parents worked to keep Telugu alive in our home. I was that child—the one who refused to respond in Telugu, hid from my parents to secretly converse with my brother in English, and felt jealous that my friends could just speak English with their parents and be done with it. Telugu felt inconvenient. Uncool. And yet, my parents didn’t give up. Year after year, they kept trying. They kept forcing me to respond in Telugu, no matter how much I resisted.

And now? It’s one of the things I’m most thankful for.

So, if you’re feeling discouraged—or wondering if any of this is working—know that it is, even if it takes years to show. And one day, just like me, your child might look back and thank you for pushing through their stubbornness too.

In the meantime, here are some small tricks and tips (taken from my parents!) on how to teach your kids Telugu while they grow up in the US.

1. Start Early—Even If You Feel Like You’re Talking to Yourself

When my son was just a few months old, I’d find myself narrating my day in Telugu like a one-woman podcast no one subscribed to. But that's what my parents told me to do! Babies soak up language even if they don’t say a word back for a long time.

• “Pappu tintaava?” (Do you want to eat lentils?)
• “Pallu thomukundaam" (Let's brush our teeth)
• “Tata cheppu!” (Say bye!)

2. Surround Them with Telugu Sounds and Words (Yes, Even That Song on Repeat)

Our house basically runs on a soundtrack of Telugu nursery rhymes. Chitti Chilakammaa and Veeri Veeri Gummadi Pandu are always on repeat and kids can't seem to get enough.

Fill your home with Telugu sounds, hang up alphabet posters, or even tape fun Telugu words to the fridge. Don’t worry if it feels like background noise now—it’s building familiarity for later.

3. Make Reading Time a Bilingual Moment (Bonus: Great for Cuddles Too)

This one’s personal. When I couldn’t find Telugu board books for my son, I started Bhaalu Books for families just like ours. Reading together is one of those rare quiet moments in a day, and slipping in a few Telugu rhymes makes it special.

Even if you aren’t totally fluent, books with English transliterations help you keep up. And honestly, perfection isn’t the goal.. connection is!

4. Play in Telugu—Because No One Wants a Lecture After Snack Time

Kids don’t learn through lectures; they learn through play (and a little bit of chaos). Try simple games like naming animals, colors, body parts, or their favorite snacks in Telugu.

For a fun challenge, try playing "20 Questions"—but in Telugu! Pick an object in sight (for example, the red chair next to you), and have your kids ask up to 20 yes-or-no questions to guess what you’re thinking of.

“Arati pandu kanna pedda naa?” (Is it bigger than a banana?)
“Avunu.” (Yes.)
“Pattukogalanaa?” (Can I hold it?)
“Ledu.” (No.)

It’s a great way to get their minds working on how to ask questions and explore the world around them—in Telugu!

5. Stick with It, Even When They Respond in English (Or Just Run Away)

This is the hardest part. You’ll speak in Telugu, and they’ll answer in English—or full-on ignore you and sprint the other way. But here’s the thing—this exact scenario played out with me and my parents. And they didn’t stop.

I didn’t appreciate it at the time. In fact, I was annoyed by it. But today? I am so thankful they stuck with it. That’s what gives me hope as I parent now. Your efforts might feel invisible today, but they’re building something your child will value for the rest of their life.

6. Celebrate Telugu Festivals and Traditions 

Festivals are language learning in disguise. Teach them to say “Ugadi Subhakankshalu!” or sing simple festival songs. Let them stay up late, enjoy special treats, and feel the magic of those traditions.

Even on everyday occasions, you can slip in Telugu phrases. When it’s someone’s birthday, encourage them to say “Puttinaroju Subhakankshalu!”. Small moments like these add up and make the language feel naturally woven into their lives.

7. Find a Telugu Playgroup (Or Start One—You’ve Got This!)

Kids love doing what their friends are doing. Find a local group or even start a casual playdate with other Telugu-speaking families. Even if they mostly run around yelling nonsense, you’re creating a space where Telugu feels normal and fun.

8. Be Patient and Celebrate the Tiny Wins 

Some days will feel like nothing is working. But then, out of nowhere, your child might just belt out a Telugu rhyme in the middle of Target—and in that moment, all the frustration melts away.

Just the other day, my son finally said “Mukku” and proudly pointed to his nose… I practically shouted with joy loud enough for my neighbor to hear.

Celebrate those tiny moments. They’re proof that something beautiful is taking root, even if it’s happening slowly.

Final Thoughts

Teaching Telugu to our kids isn’t about grammar lessons or perfect pronunciation. It’s about keeping the language alive through love, stubbornness (on both sides!), and small, meaningful moments.

If you’re looking for ways to make that journey a little easier, we’re right here with you. Check out our bilingual board books and toddler-friendly resources at Bhaalu Books—created by parents who understand the struggle and the joy of raising bilingual kids.