Babies crying, infants fussing and preschoolers fighting over toys can leave parents feeling frustrated and unsure. Imagine if, instead of crying out of hunger, thirst, fatigue or sadness, children could simply tell you what was wrong. The good news is that they can – through baby sign language! This practice, used for decades, continues to be helpful today.
The history of baby sign language dates back to the 19th century, but in the 1990s, University of California professors Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwyn began a long-term study of the benefits of sign language for infants and toddlers. Their work inspired Michele Sanderson, who spent over nine years as program director at the A. Sophie Rogers Laboratory School at Ohio State University. Sanderson recognized that signing could be beneficial in a home setting and that it made perfect sense to incorporate signs into everyday interactions. Babies and preschoolers have many thoughts and needs that they just can’t express verbally. By teaching them signs, parents can help their children communicate effectively.
Do you want to start learning signs to use with your child? Videos available online and books by Acredolo and Goodwyn are a good place to start. There are also websites that illustrate signs for commonly used words.
Not sure it’s worth the effort? Consider the many advantages gained by both kids and parents who learn to sign together.
Benefits of using sign language with young children
Research on brain development in children from birth to 3 years supports what many parents instinctively know: there’s a lot happening in the minds of infants and toddlers.
Incorporating sign language into parenting offers numerous advantages:
- Decreased Frustration: When young children can express themselves using simple signs like “eat,” “more” or “hot,” parents spend less time trying to decipher their cries and more time responding to their needs.
- Stronger Relationships: Signing encourages parents to pay closer attention to their children. Acredolo notes that when caregivers observe their babies for signs, it strengthens the bond and builds attachment as children feel understood.
- Smoother Daily Routines: Activities can be accomplished more efficiently when children can communicate their needs through signs. Relationships are stronger and there’s a better understanding between parents and children when everyone uses signs to “talk” about family routines. My kids loved using the sign “shaving” every time my husband lathered his face with shaving cream!
- Enhanced Verbal Skills: Research shows that by 24 months, signing children are further along in verbal development, often forming longer sentences compared to their non-signing peers. By 36 months, signing children can be nearly a full year ahead in verbal ability.
- Intellectual Growth: A longitudinal study supported by NIH found that children who signed as babies scored, on average, 12 points higher in IQ tests compared to their nonsigning peers.
- Emotional Development: Parents who incorporate signing often find a deeper emotional connection with their children as they respond, communicate and even initiate conversations through sign language.
- Recognition of Developmental Milestones: Using signs can enhance parents’ understanding of their child’s social and intellectual growth, allowing them to appreciate their capabilities more fully.
ASL or Individualized Signs?
Some parents may wonder whether to follow American Sign Language (ASL) or create their own “baby-friendly” signs. While individualized signs can foster a unique connection between parent and child, using standardized ASL is often recommended. This consistency helps ensure that caregivers, parents and children are all using the same signs, making communication smoother.
How to Begin Using Signs at Home
Starting something new can be daunting, but introducing sign language into your parenting routine can be rewarding. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Learn the Signs: Familiarize yourself with basic signs before introducing them to your child. Consider taking a class or finding online resources that teach ASL.
- Choose Helpful Signs: Focus on signs that your child will find useful. Common signs include “more,” “eat,” “all finished” and “stop.”
- Introduce Signs Gradually: Start with one sign at a time. Once your child grasps that sign, introduce another. This approach helps prevent frustration from trying to learn too many signs at once.
- Use Visual Aids: Create visual reminders, such as wall posters or flashcards, to reinforce the signs you’re teaching.
- Share with Others: Include information in your family’s routine, like a weekly update, to describe and illustrate the signs being used that week.
- Host Family Events: Organize “parent nights” to educate other parents about the benefits of signing and encourage them to practice at home with their children.
By incorporating sign language into your parenting toolkit, you can enhance communication, reduce frustration and foster a deeper connection with your child. The journey may start with simple signs, but the benefits can be profound, paving the way for richer emotional and intellectual development.
Lynne Ticknor is the director of education at the Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) in Kensington, Md. She is a certified parent educator and has been teaching parenting classes since 2006. For more information about classes, visit PEPparent.org.
