Empowerment of Signing With Babies

by Tiffany Beasley
(OKC, OK)

Even though my daughter is not hearing impaired, I wanted to empower my infant with the ability to communicate with others around her so she wouldn't get so frustrated at not being able to express her needs, wants, and feelings.

I took a baby signing class and taught her a few basic words like "more", "cracker," and "thank you." She picked up on them quite quickly.

When she was just about to turn 18 months old, I checked out a baby sign language DVD from the local library. She loved watching it. It taught her probably 20 or so more words and simple combination of words like "good girl."

I love being able to communicate with her from the other side of the room too without having to yell or raise my voice.

I tell her "good girl" all the time and its so cute when she speaks it and tells herself "goo-gurl."

Signing has been such a blessing in our home. When she wants something and whines for it I remind her to use her words and her tone loses the whininess and she asks with her hands. It gives her such confidence and it has become part of our everyday lives.