Using sign language with baby is easy, here are some tips that may help ease you into it.

1) Begin with basic words, Mum, Dad.

2) Start with one word a day and slowly built on it.

3) Make the motions with your babies' hands as you are vocalizing the word.

4) Repeat the word and hand motions often.

5) Do not expect too much of your baby to quickly. This leads to frustration on your part and the babies.

6) If the baby is not showing an interest at the time, leave it for a while then try later.

7) Make signing fun, this will keep your baby interested.

8) Persistence is the key to making signing a success. If baby does not seem to be picking signing up do not quit, it takes a while for them to understand.

9) After baby seems to have mastered a word, say the word and the sign. Praise baby often. This shows baby that you a pleased with their progress.

10) Continue signing even when you are speaking to other people. This helps if your child is hearing impaired. It shows them how to communicate with others.

11) Always choose a quiet time to practice signing. If there is too much noise and activity babies attention will be drawn away from the task.

12) Sing nursery rhymes and sign at the same time. This is a good way to entertain a baby if they enjoy singing and music.

13) When baby grows older, sign two or three words in a sentence. This builds on from the early signing and helps them progress. Especially when baby is hearing impaired.

14) Keep trying if baby is unsure of a word. Help them by doing the hand motions with their hands. Then repeat the word and hand motion yourself.

15) Always to remember to vocalize each word as you are signing it. This helps as baby will move their lips to try to form the word as well as just signing it. Even if your child, is hearing impaired. This helps with speech skills, if your baby is able to have their hearing restored.

16) Be prepared to spend the time it takes to teach your baby to sign.

17) Most of all be patient, for each babies development is different.

Children need to learn skills and signing is just as important as normal speech. Remember that your baby will develop at their on pace, do not force them to learn to quick. Enjoy teaching your baby to sign, as it is a great means of communication when they have no other way to let you know what they want or need.

Learn more about this author, Shari Mead.
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