The truth is, from my personal experience and that of friends, your husband is probably right. Chances are she will learn (or more to the point, use) Spanish first if you are her primary caregiver and that is the language you use. But, as she gets older and her exposure to the community language increases (assuming you are in the US) and her time interacting with dad increases so will her inspiration to use more English and before you know it you will see that living in a English speaking country you have little to fear in that she will master English. Having her also maintain Spanish is the more challenging side, most likely. It sounds like the challenge for you is finding a way for him to see long term, and not be held back by his short term worries. Not an easy task.

I think its important to acknowledge your husband’s fears, and try to talk through how you can assuage them, and also help him understand why this is so important to you. There are a myriad of books on the subject these days if he is a reader, helpful websites like this one and others like it. It would be great if you could find a Spanish playgroup in your area so he could meet other dad’s and see their kids and have some anecdotal evidence it will all work out. In my experience your situation is common here in the US (mom is the Spanish speaker and dad is American born English only speaker) so odds are high you could find a family that could talk you both through their experiences.

At the least maybe while you find a language system that works for your family you could start with a compromise like you speak Spanish while in the house, English outside….

Best of luck whatever you decide.
Maria H

In addition to what you wrote, I’d also suggest printing out some articles about the benefits of bilingualism (how it helps the brain, helps creative thinking, etc.) and leave them around the house – on the coffee table, dining room table, night stand. Maybe the husband will read them at some point and come up with the idea “himself” that Spanish would be a great idea!

Cheers,
Corey

Suzanne