Signing With Your Baby
A conversation between my 18-month-old son and I is one that a
passerby isn't likely to forget.
There have been countless meals at restaurants where my family
has been the subject of curious glances, stares and even
questions from perfect strangers.
And best of all, he can tell my husband and me that he needs a
drink of milk, is scared of the thunder or wants down from his
high chair, all without making a sound.
This seeming miracle of communication was made possible by
American Sign Language, the primary means of communication used
for hearing impaired individuals. With the help of Dr. Joseph
Garcia's book and video Sign With Your Baby, I was able to
integrate sign language into my son's life and use it as a means
of communication, starting when he was 11 months old.
Through my 18 months of sign language experience, I've learned
exactly what works and what may not. Here are a few hints to get
parents started signing with their infants:
1. Choose a sign (or signs) to begin with. Many parents choose
milk, more, eat, drink or a favorite toy.
2. Show your child the sign (or signs) during an activity (for
example, during nursing, if you choose to begin with milk, or
before dinner, if you choose to begin with eat).
3. Use the sign(s) before or during the activity, and show your
baby the sign every time you do the activity.
4. Use your chosen sign(s) until your baby begins to sign back
to you, then choose another sign and start the process over
again. The more signs your baby knows, the easier it will be for
him or her to pick them up.
Some parents have started signing from birth, but the parents
I've talked to have reported success from six or seven months.
It usually takes some time before a child begins to sign back to
you. You will probably notice that he or she recognizes and
understands the sign before attempting to sign it. For example,
I started signing when my son was 11 months old and he first
signed back to me five weeks later.
There are many resources online and sign language dictionaries
in the local library, as well as books specific to this subject.
The key to success is to be consistent, show a smile, applaud
your child's efforts and be patient. Someday, you will be
attracting attention at the mall, too! And you will know so much
more about what is going on in your baby's head, and your bond
will be that much closer.
Good luck!