Do you sign to your baby? I was at the park today with my son and 3 of the moms were shocked that I don't?

Question

If you do use "baby sign" do you find that it helps?

Answer 1

Never signed to my kid, or fed him granola, or hugged trees, or bought him Birkenstocks, or named him after some mother nature thing. He turned out all right.

Answer 2

My 2 1/2 year old (who is the youngest of 3) decided that he didn't have to talk for the longest time (over 2 years). I taught him some basic sign language so that he could communicate with me and not be so frustrated. Before he started to sign, he was screaming, hitting, and biting. After, I think he felt that he a little more control over what happened.
You should do what you think is best. You child my benefit from sign language, but only you can make that judgement.

Answer 3

We didn't. And I don't. Mainly because I just wanted to teach my kids plain english before anything else. Also, I find when I work in the church daycare, some kids sign for things, and no one has a clue as to what they are saying. So their language they have learned isn't cutting it.
There is nothing wrong with signing...it helps the child communicate with it's primary caregivers, but everyone else has no idea, unless they are taught also.
Whatever you choose to do is fine. Just speak with your child and have open dialogue with him all the time about everything you do and see. And make him repeat words before you give him things. He'll learn just as fast, or faster.
And don't let anyone else make you feel less than them cause you don't sign. Jeez people. :)

Answer 4

We do some signing but we started it for fun and it can be helpful sometimes. We only did a few signs, "more", "milk", "eat", "hungry", "drink"...I think that's about all. It's exciting when your child does the sign.

I wouldn't worry about it!! You communicate with your child the way you feel is best. And you know what else...you will always find moms that will be SHOCKED that you are or are not doing something!!

Trust your momma instincts! You're the best judge of what is right for your baby and for you!

Answer 5

It's really personal thing. I don't with my daughter and she's still highly intelligent and communicates well. It's one of those parenting fads that society goes through. Your mother probably didn't sign with you and you're fine so if you don't feel the need to sign with your child then it's perfectly ok.

Answer 6

I didn't for my 4-year old and don't for my 8-month old but a friend of mine does for her son. He's 2 1/2 now and really very smart. The problem is, nobody but his parents can understand him at all.

Answer 7

To some it is easier than trying to get them to talk and pronounce words. It is easier for them because they don't have to try and figure out what the child is trying to say. I am not saying that it is a bad thing but if they child really doesn't need the sign language then i really see no use for it. I personally would rather try and get my child to speak and developed language skills because you can always teach them at a later age so that they have that knowledge.

Answer 8

Yes I absolutely did and I also teach sign to the infants and toddlers I work with. It helps them communicate when they do not have the words yet and you would be so surprised at how fast they pick it up and use it.

Answer 9

i didnt, but i knew what she wanted just by the noises she would make, you as a mom, learn to understand your baby, signing isnt necessary. I dont know why they would be shocked, I dont think EVERYONE does. maybe it works for them, if so, cool! But you do what works for you and your baby :)

Answer 10

I used to.It helps them to understand better.Well i still sometimes do for my 2 1/2 year old.For example if they are looking for something and they can't find it.You see it and you tell them where it is and you point your hand to that direction.It helps them to look at the right area.

Answer 11

My daughter was signing her name before she could say it.