Tips for using sign language with your baby (or other babies).

1) Be patient, learning isn't easy and it can take months for some babies to learn signs. Don't get discouraged when it takes awhile, or you don't see any results.

2) Make sure you are paying attention. Part of a baby learning sign is experimentation. They decide, maybe I can do that too...They try it and are waiting for your response. If you miss that they are trying to sign, then they might not try again for awhile.

3) Keep it simple, keep it fun. Make sure that the sign you are trying to teach him or her is with in their physical capabilities. Use simple signs for actions that happen everyday. Don't forget to use the sign every time.

4) It's best to use real signs, that makes the learning something that can be used forever, and by more then just you and your family. You can get a book from the library or look for resources online.

5) Teach everyone the basic signs that your baby is learning. First off this is fun, for everyone. Second it lets others know what to look for, and how to understand your baby when they are trying to communicate. Third, it gives others a chance to be involved with the teaching process.

One last comment. There are a few old timers out there still who will tell you that sign language will delay your child's development and his or her ability to vocalize words. This was a belief of the past, but has since then been proven false. Sign language can increase vocabularies (both verbal and signed) and can aid in communication before speech is physically possible. It also increases the capacity to learn for young children. It doesn't hamper their growth, development, or vocalization.

This is an adventure, have some fun with it!

Learn more about this author, Danelle Karth.
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