Baby Sign Language - Boost Your Baby's Future
Teaching sign language to babies has become not just "the thing
to do" but rather has come to the forefront of the beginning of
us, as parents taking the lead in educating our children from
their earliest days. Teaching sign language to your baby is
easier than you may think. We teach our babies sign language
without even thinking about it. We teach them "bye-bye" by
showing them to wave, or to try to tell us what they want by
pointing to objects. I'm sure you've heard the saying babies
minds are like little sponges they take in everything. Learning
comes so easy to them. It's just incredible. You will be amazed
at how quickly you can begin to communicate with your baby using
signs. This can be fun and easy for the entire family. It's
never too late to start.
We all want to be able to communicate with our babies,
grandbabies or siblings as soon as we can beyond the babbling
and cooing. It's nice to be able to know what your baby needs
and be able to provide that for them quickly. Start out using
signs that will help you learn what your baby wants from you,
whether it be food or milk or changed or some other sign that
would indicate his/her needs.
Begin with just a sign or two till you all get the hang of it.
Use the sign for food when it's meal time or you are feeding
your baby or show them an object and the sign for that
particular object so that they can begin to make the connection
between the object and the sign for it. Consistency is the key.
If they see the sign every time you use the word they will
quickly learn that sign. Saying the words out loud also
encourages speech development. It's important for children to
hear those words as well as learn the signs. It's the beginning
of their vocabulary contrary to the misconception that babies
will not learn to speak if taught sign language. Sing language
in my experience has advanced my children's verbal abilities not
hindered it in the least.
Benefits for You & Your Baby
Studies have shown so many benefits to babies who use sign
language. They learn to speak earlier, have less frustrations (a
benefit for both baby and you) less frustration = less crying,
increased vocabulary, a greater interest in books, greater
self-esteem, higher IQ points and my personal favorite a closer
bond with family members (which I have enjoyed first hand). Sign
language will help in the development of your child's vocabulary
and can be a huge benefit to them in the future allowing them to
communicate with both hearing and non hearing individuals.
By the time they are two and into the "terrible twos" which is
mainly due to frustrations of not being able to communicate
their needs and wants for most kids, being able to communicate
thru signs even if they can't communicate their thoughts fully
to you verbally, may help in reducing those frustrations,
whining and temper tantrums.
Teaching your baby sign language is an easy, fun and exciting
way to begin communicating with your newest little member of the
family. Make the most of your time with your little one.
Sharing, bonding and learning together as a family.