Our daughter is stuck. It took her forever to learn signs. At one time, she learned how to do "all done" "milk" "drink" and "eat." She is now 13 months and she just does one sign. It's a variation of "milk." It's more like she's snapping her fingers at us. And it's a guessing game. Once she snaps, we try milk, eat, drink, that toy over there, sleep, etc. If we don't get it, she gets annoyed and snaps her fingers right in our ear. She thinks if she gets closer to us, we'll understand.
We continue to use the original signs, but she gave them up in lieu of this new thing.
What can we do???
Thanks
2007-02-27 10:44:01 · 7 answers · asked by happymommy 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Yes, she's just been talking a lot. Besides mama and dada, she says kitty, ya, ball, eye, and what's this. So it makes total sense that she gave up signs because she wants to talk.
2007-02-27 11:03:48 · update #1
Maybe she's ready to try talking? I have a special-needs child, and we had to use sign-language with him. Once he started being able to verbalize what he wanted (even just a few words), he gave up on signing all together.
2007-02-27 10:48:00 · answer #1 · answered by mamasquirrel 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are actually encouraging her not using the other signs by reacting to this behavior.
When she does the sign for milk, give her milk. If she gets negative about it, explain to her that milk is what she asked for, and that is what she got. If she would like something else, ask her to show you what she would like. If she continues the sign, then I would ignore the situation. It is, in a way, the same thing as the pointing and grunting toddlers do when they want something. I would show her something, tell her what it is, and then show her the sign for it. If she refuses, then keep giving her milk. She will get it eventually. It won't be easy for you, for there will be a tantrum or two. But in the end, she will learn that one must ask for the correct thing, not demand something from their parents.
2007-02-27 19:00:17 · answer #2 · answered by volleyballchick (cowards block) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter is 21 months and uses baby sign along with talking. Sometimes your child will change the sign to a way they remember or can do better. My daughter does the same sign for drink as food, but I always know it's one of those. Don't give up on her. Try using signs for things that she does most often and not for everything. The point is to make it easier for her to communicate with less stress for her and you! She's also pretty young to be perfect at this-give it time.
2007-02-27 19:21:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like she just found a new thing (snapping her fingers) and wants to try it out on everything. She has found she can still get your attention by snapping her fingers. :) Next time she trys to get something by snapping her fingers...tell her to show you what she wants. She should understand 'show me' at that age. Then...when she shows you..do the sign for that thing before you give it to her and have her do the sign back. If she just snaps her fingers, just say 'no...this is what you have to do.' and repeat the sign. Once she has done the sign for the item...give her big praise and give the item to her. At that age..you can even help her do the sign for the item so she gets the idea. She knows the signs, like you say, she just found an easier way to get attention. :)She can still snap her fingers...but she should learn to play snapping finger games instead of snapping for something. :)
If she can speak...you could have her say the item the best she can at her age...at the same time she signs it.
2007-02-27 18:55:01 · answer #4 · answered by Dorth 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's tough. I have never heard of a child not talking bc of signing though. In fact, it is supposed to help kids talk better and quicker!
What we did was say over and over "I am trying to help you. I know you feel sad, I want to help you feel happy. We are listening. We are trying to understand." etc, etc, etc.
Teaching the help sign was a big one for us. Our baby version was a fist against an open palm.
Don't worry -- she will find a new way to communicate soon!
2007-02-27 18:51:17 · answer #5 · answered by Katherine 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Exactly--she gave up signs because she can TALK. You should stop worrying about signs now. They did their job.
2007-02-27 21:01:58 · answer #6 · answered by toomanycommercials 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it is time to start talking.
2007-02-27 18:52:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋