It can be frustrating for both parents and their child when they lack communication with each other before their baby can speak. American Sign Language can be a great way to communicate with your baby before they can speak verbally with you. As a parent, it will help you to understand your child’s needs and wants more easily. Because of this, your child will be less frustrated and happier, and so will you.
If you have decided that you would like to use American Sign Language with your baby, but don’t know where to start, do not be discouraged. It is simple! There are four signs that would be a great starting point to learn and teach to your baby. Milk, eat, more, finished. This signs will help you to begin communicating with your baby about their most basic needs.
To sign milk, open and close your hand, similar to the movement when you milk a cow. For eat, touch your hand to mouth as if you are holding a piece of food. This is also the sign used for food. To sign more, bring both of your hands together and touch your fingertips. This is a very popular sign and is usually a baby’s first sign. To perform finished/all done, hold both hands above your shoulders and flip them at the same time so palms end facing outward. When you first begin signing with your baby, keep in mind that they may not perform the signs exactly correct, and that is okay. For example, when some babies sign more, they sometimes clap their hands. You will simply need to learn your child’s way of performing each sign, but make sure that you continue to sign it the correct way, eventually they will sign it the correct way.
Now that you have learned some signs to get you started, go ahead and start signing with your baby. It is never too soon or too late to start communicating with your child. You will learn that it can be easy and fun for both you and your baby. For more ideas on signing with your baby, visit http://www.babysignlanguageonline.com/blog
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