Parents who want to start sign language with their child often wonder when they should start introducing it. The child will tell you! As soon as your child is able to start pointing at things or even directing their gaze at a wanted object, the rudiments of abstract communication are in place. Usually this stage occurs before the age of one, sometimes even as early as six months of age, but different children develop different types of skills at different rates.

Several good systems of baby sign language have already been developed, or you can create your own. Using American Sign Language has the added advantage of familiarising the child with an existing second language in broad general use, and thus could be directly useful in later life.

Regardless of which system you choose, initial concepts should always be simple ideas such as "food" or "mother". Keep the symbols as clear and basic as possible. It is a very good idea to stick to simple nouns and verbs at this point in the child's development, since the symbol for any form of description has the potential to be confused with the object itself.

The sign should always be introduced together with the thing it represents, while at the same time you should also speak the word clearly. Consistency is just as important as repetition. Reinforce the connection each and every possible time, and even several times during the same interaction. It is the constant consistent repetition and connection that allow the child to begin connecting the symbol with the concept.

Your child may even begin picking up your personal symbols for broad concepts such as "no" or "yes", shaking the head or nodding it, before you realise it. You can test this by using the gesture alone in an appropriate context and watching the child's reaction. If this connection has been made, you can use it to help the child develop other connections. Similarly, you can use any known symbols to help build the child's understanding of new symbols. For example, once the connection to "mother" has been made, the child will find it easier to learn the symbols for "father", "brother", or "grandmother".

Once your child begins to understand the sign but is still unable to reproduce it, you can help your child by moving their hands to sign the word. Some parents have found that a mirror helps the child to retain interest. It is not a good idea to use television or computer images for the child, as these can interfere with proper vision development during a crucial period (Reim M, Teping C, Silny J, 1989).

As with all things taught to very young children, patience and consistency are key. Do make it fun! Because these are very advanced linguistic concepts, it may take many months of repetition before the child makes the connection and is able to reproduce the sign with understanding. Praise for the small steps teaches best.

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