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First Years (0-2)

Talk to me Sign language for you and your baby By Beth HartnettPublished: April, 2009

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Restless nights and temper tantrums can now become a thing of the past. It can be as simple as the flick of a wrist and the extension of a finger.     Many families are turning to baby sign language. Laguna Niguel mom Carrie Gallison found that teaching her son to sign strengthened her mother-child bond and decreased the tension caused by tantrums created when he couldn’t convey to her what he wanted.         “It’s amazing to find out just how much your child actually knows,” says Gallison.     A child’s comprehension develops at a much greater rate than their verbal abilities, says Barbara Granoff, co-creator of Sign-A-Lot. As early as 6 months, a child can begin signing. By teaching your child American Sign Language, you are giving her a head start.     “It allows children to build upon their natural abilities and get in with communication early,” says Gallison. Benefits for life Not only will you reap the benefits of a quieter, more peaceful home with signing, the addition of a language to your child’s vocabulary can equip him with skills he will hold onto throughout childhood and into adult life.     “It’s a window into your baby’s world,” says Lee Sher, co-creator of Sign-A-Lot. “Parents who sign are learning a wonderful way to stimulate a child’s intellect.”     Though many may believe that signing can weaken verbal skills, research shows the exact opposite, according to Sher.     “There is a connection with language much earlier for babies who sign,” Sher says. “Both sides of their brains are being stimulated.”     Among other benefits, baby sign language reduces stress and enhances your child’s self-esteem and speech development. 1  |  2

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