Bilingualism is a complex phenomenon that is becoming increasingly significant in today's world, where it is almost impossible to find speakers who use only one language. This phenomenon is attracting growing interest among scholars and experts in the field of linguistics and language teaching. The literature contains many definitions of bilingualism, but the most basic explanation is that bilingualism involves the ability to use two languages. Bilingualism encompasses not only language knowledge but also the knowledge of cultural and historical heritage and its inlfuence on the languages spoken by a bilingual person. Results from current research in early childhood indicate significant advantages of bilingualism and point at important factors of influence. In addition to theoretical aspects, it is crucial to understand the role of parents in the development of bilingualism in children. Patience and motivation from parents play a key role in the successful acquisition of two or more languages. Parents who create a rich linguistic environment and actively participate in their children's language development can significantly improve their language skills. In the long run, bilingual speakers are often more creative, empathetic, and quicker at finding solutions to various problems. Additionally, bilingualism contributes to better cognitive flexibility and more developed communication skills, which can have long-term benefits for personal and professional life. This paper aims to illustrate the complexity of bilingualism and emphasize its importance in child development, as well as position the Slovak language in the context of early bilingual development in Croatia.