Teaching your baby Sign Language?

Question

Does anyone have any personal experience with teaching sign language to their child as another form of communication? My sister-in-law, who is a teacher and has 2 children, swears by it. She says it makes children less frustrated because they can communicate in different ways. But both of her kids didn't actually speak until very late, so I am conflicted. They offer a class by our home starting next month and my husband and I were wondering if we should look into it. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

I have an 11 month old we tried teaching her basic sign language and  she never really stuck with it...we were really persistent with it at first and now I don't do it enough that she could really pick up on it...she figures out other ways to communicate to us and I understand everything she says even though a complete stranger would have no clue what is she is saying.  

Answer 2

I know a set of twins and my niece who both were taught sign language and were all very late in talking. But its a personal choice. I won't do it though.

Answer 3

I signed with my oldest son and studies actually show that it helps develop speech not delay it.  By 9 months my son could tell me if he was hungry, more, all done, milk and tired.  It was great and it did not effect his speech at all.

Answer 4

My best friend taught their daughter a few signs when she was a baby.  They taught her basic signs like more so she could tell them if she wanted more food or more play,and no more for the opposite, and the sign to let them know she was sleepy or not feeling good.  She is three now, she spoke at a young age, and she is one of the most intelligent 3 year olds I have ever been around.

Answer 5

If you are "wondering if you should look into it," then you should at least look into it.  It's great that your community offers a class!  Take it!!  Get all of the information, then make an educated decision.  It might be a fun activity for you and your husband to do together!

Answer 6

It's good to teach kids anything at a young age, it's good to learn...but if you're worried about the talking why not do it after they start talking? Well I dunno that kinda sounds dumb, after they talk... :) I think u should find out more from parents and learn more about the sign language, any research done about it, etc. Good luck :))

Answer 7

WOW! thats great! its nice to to teach your baby sign language.when i was liitle i really wanted to learn sign language so when i meet mute person i could communicate with them.thats a good idea...hmm i wonder if i should do it too with my baby and daughter. .. :  )

Answer 8

I didn't do sign language with my daughter and we came out just fine.

I spoke to her pediatrician about this and she believes it does delay speech.  She said flat out to me "why would your daughter want to learn to talk if she already has you doing what she wants when she doesn't?"

To each their own, if that's what keeps people happy then fine.  I didn't use it and we came out just fine and she's a happy and very talkative 2 year old.  :)