Friday, November 12, 2010
Baby sign
Do you use sign language to communicate with your newborn? Research shows using sign language is the perfect transition from babies begin nonverbal to verbal. It's an excellent way to decrease the unknowns of parenting. The most common signs I hear about are the words: more, eat and finished. Mothers and fathers or those who are caretakers of babies, what are the most common signs that you use and teach?
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Besides the basic neccesity words, I always taught my babies the "nice" words, too: please, thank you, sorry, your welcome, etc. It came in really handy when they knew they wanted something and they couldn't verbalize the words yet. It saved us some crying. Although they don't use it on a regular basis anymore at 4 and 2, they do still remember it. And, I'm looking forward to them teaching the new babies the signs they know.
ReplyDeleteNow, they like learning more since they know Mommy took classes. So, it will be interesting to see what they pass on to their new brother and sister.
Manners are very important! It sounds like your sign experience matches research where signing is a valuable transitional tool from being nonverbal to verbal. Once children find their voice, they will use it! In addition, they are now "semi-bilingual" because they can sign to their younger siblings until they find their own voice. I am sure their own ability to sign will also decrease any frustration to communicate with their brother and sister. Less crying all around for sure! A+ job introducing sign to your babies lives.
ReplyDeleteBefore our child became more verbal, we found several signs to be helpful in understanding his needs. We used "more", "drink" or "milk", and "finished". We saw how our child would interpret the signs and customize them. For example, he would sign "more" by tapping his pointer finger into an open palm. It also reduced his level of frustration during meal times! As he has become more verbal, we have started teaching him "please" and "thank you". It actually helped him to learn how to verbally say those words as well.
ReplyDeleteExcellent parenting to be flexible with the signs. Babies will modify signs as they model the sign word and that is perfectly fine. I love the news that embracing your baby's new language has really helped him transition to being more verbal. Kudos to manners as well!
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