There is no "instead". Cognitive science shows you need memorization for creativity & critical thinking. (Imagine writing an essay if you know no words!) https://ncase.me/remember/
Kids pick up language differently though. Look at feral kids - the ones who have never picked up a language as a child often don't pick any languages up even later in life.
You can leave it all to chance, do it the same way the good ol parents did, it was good enough for me! Or you can plan how you raise your child.
Not a helicopter parent. Young Becky is as independent and happy as any other toddler.