How has signing helped your baby?

ellie_may12 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-15-2005, 10:14 AM

What would you tell a new mom about signing and how it has helped your child?

Wendy~ · #2 (**permalink**) 08-17-2005, 06:27 AM

Teaching my dd to sign was one of the best decisions I've ever made for her IMO. We started with "Baby Signs" when she was 6 months old and switched to ASL when she had better coordination. By the time she was 10 months she was signing back to us. It was wonderful to know that she was hungery instead of tired. was all done or wanted more. If she wanted milk or water! We have still had our share of tantrums, but comparing to other children I know, we have not had the pointing and screeching for something she wants that I've seen in many babies. Also as a 2yo now, she has an amazing vocabulary, everyone always comments on it. She doesn't sign as much as she used to, but she still will when she wants to emphasize something, "More Please!" or when she gets excited "Look mommy! A kitty cat!". Again, we are still having our share of the "terrible two's" but I'd hate to see how much worse it would be if she was frustrated by lacking the ability to communicate. I'd encourage everyone to atleast learn/teach a few of the basic signs such as more, all done, hungry, milk, etc. Even if they don't plan on continuing once they can speak.