subject: Baby Sign Language - Can My Baby Really Talk To Me? [print this page] Do you feel frustrated when your baby cries? Do you wish she could tell you what's wrong? Be assured that most parents feel the way you do. It's difficult at times to know what your baby really wants. It's not only frustrating for you, but it's frustrating for your baby as well when she can't communicate what she wants or needs. Well, one thing that has been helping to make communication a bit easier for parents and babies is baby sign language. Sign language allows babies to tell you if they're hungry, thirsty or have a wet diaper. But you may be wondering - can your baby really communicate this way?
Baby sign language is fast catching on as a way for parents and their babies to communicate. This includes teaching your baby basic sign language that will help them to communicate their needs, but you may be wondering - can your baby really communicate this way?
Well, according to new studies, baby sign language is actually quite effective. It all got started with a researcher, Joseph Garcia, who spent some time studying how a baby communicated with his parents who were deaf. The 10-month old was able to communicate fairly well, even at that young age, with his parents. After observing how this worked, Garcia began to promote baby sign language for parents who had normal hearing.
Believe it or not, most babies actually can pick up the baby sign language rather quickly. In fact, it's easier for babies to sign at a younger age than it is to talk, since they have better control over their hands at an earlier age than they do the muscles in their mouth and tongue. You can actually start teaching babies sign language when they are about six months old, although some are starting even younger. Parents are constantly amazed how quickly their babies can learn this skill.
Teaching baby sign language takes away a lot of the frustration for babies. Instead of having to scream hoping that their parents will figure out the problem, it gives them the freedom to communicate what they need, which is a huge help to both of you.
Some parents have expressed concern that teaching their baby to sign is going to make them develop language skills at a slower rate. Well, according to studies, this is certainly not the case. In fact, studies show that babies that were taught baby sign language actually start speaking more quickly. Some are now even showing a higher IQ when compared to non signing children.
It's easy to teach sign language to your baby. There are excellent classes available that can help you to work with your baby on sign language, although some parents choose to teach the baby sign language to their baby by themselves. For parents who decide to do this at home, there are many helpful resources available. You will need a baby sign language chart and an instruction book. Flash cards with pictures can make the job easier.
If you are tired and frustrated at the lack of communication between you and your baby, then baby sign language may be a great choice for you both.
