Moms, there's exciting news. Teaching your baby to use Sign Language is a terrific idea. Not only will it increase the bonding between you and your baby, but a hearing baby can use Sign Language sometimes months earlier than he can speak! Wouldn't it be great to cut down on the frustration and tantrums at home? You can do it by enabling your baby to "speak" to you in Sign.
Imagine your ten-month-old is thirsty and wants milk, not juice and not water. She begins to fuss. You begin the ritual of checking for a fever; checking the diaper; emptying the baby bag item by item, asking in rising frustration, "Is it your bear? Do you want a cookie? Do you want your pacifier??" You even offer your child a bottle of juice - but the baby wails in disappointment and frustration when she realizes the bottle is filled with a beverage she does NOT want. Now both of you, and everyone within earshot, are completely rattled; the baby is in tears, and you're on your way as well.
All the child would have to know, and have to do, is make a Sign to you that you both know, and there would be instant communication. This will work even with a pre-verbal child! You could get the child the milk, there would be no tears, and everybody would be happy. Doesn't that sound great? It's really much simpler than you think. There are videos just for this, and plenty of books about Sign for you to share with your child as well. Most likely there are "Mommy-And-Me" Sign classes near you!
Teaching your baby to Sign takes little extra time and can give a lifetime of benefits. Children who Sign have been shown to excel emotionally, socially and scholastically. See what's available for you and your child! It's fun for everybody, and very beneficial too.
