As a parent, you know that it is never too early to start teaching manners. We are constantly teaching and reminding our children good manners, and trying to get them to implement those manners. American Sign Language has proven to be a great means of communication between a parent and their baby before they are able to speak verbally.
Using signs with your baby can also be a great way to begin implementing good manners with your children at a young age. If they are exposed to good manners when they are young, they will learn to apply them as they get older as well (at least that is our expectation). Two great signs to teach your children so they can learn good manners are please and thank you. These are two very basic statements to begin with. These can obviously be used quite frequently and will be a great starting point for you and your child. To sign please – rub your hand, flat, in circles on your chest.
To sign thank you, bring one hand to your chin and then bring it forward, in the direction of the person you are thanking. Thank you is a directional sign and therefore, the hand should be directed toward the person it is meant for. (Don’t make the mistake of bringing your hand from chin down to your belly.)
Please and thank you are typically among the first 10 signs that are taught to babies. This way, they will learn their manners and will know to use them at an early age. If you are currently signing with your baby or want to get started, think about teaching them these two signs. You will see them sign please when they want or need something and thank you after they get it. You will not longer have to remind them to be polite or have good manners as it will come more easily to them. For more ideas on signing with your baby, visit http://www.babysignlanguageonline.com/blog