You and your baby have a sweet groove...except.....he can't talk.
Your baby is interested in everything you do. You watch his eyes follow you and his intent listening. He responds to background noises and especially his name. He can't really understand it all, can he? His babbling seems random or is there be some sense to it?
You have heard about baby sign language, seen it on TV, read about it or maybe some of your friends use it, and frankly, you are curious: "How much does my baby know?"
Traditional parenting says "Not much, and not this early"
The problem with this thinking is that it is just plain outdated. What we know now, is that babies are very sensitive, very curious and try to engage their parents from the moment they are born. What holds them back is their inability to speak words and our inability to decipher their cries.
"OK." you say. "Now what?"
What might be fun is learning a little baby sign language. Why sign? Because babies develop hand and limb coordination much earlier than speech. Babies make consistent, readable gestures within the first few months and begin to control those gestures around the middle of the first year. Babies attempt to mimic their mothers from birth yet most parents don't understand this until 6-9 months! By the time your baby is a year old, they have the interest and physical ability to sign dozens of words compared with only speaking a few distinguishable words.
Baby Signs is a One-of-a-Kind signing class:
Our main focus is on Love. Whether you are a first-timer or experienced parent, you will develop an expanded connection with your baby. Participants do learn basic signs and baby conversation skills. What makes Baby Signs special is learning the subtle nuances of parenting and communication that deepen your relationship. Each class builds on the previous week, allowing for practice and personal coaching as needed. The signs we use are based on American Sign Language (ASL) and you are encouraged to adopt and adapt it to suit your family.
And you might be wondering if this is for you...
It might be, if you are a mom or dad of a 8-18 month old who wants to deepen your bond with your child. Your baby wants specific things, wants to know about specific things and you are frustrated because they don't speak. You would love to unlock their asking and telling. In addition, you would like your baby to experience higher levels of self esteem and maybe score higher on IQ tests, have a larger vocabulary and connect better with the people in his life. Reducing tantrums and frustration during the "terrible twos" would just be "The Cherry On Top"!
And you might have questions about the class...
We learn the signs for common baby interests and tailor it so it fits your family. We use baby games and songs along with a workbook so you can remember what we learned. We start with words that you use all the time like people, pets and food. You can also make up your own signs and use signs your child invents. We pace the class and keep it fun.
How you can know if your baby is ready...
A good age to start is when your baby is communicating, making sounds, and curious about things you do. They reach and pick up. They look and point. They mimic you. They are interested in conversations. If your baby is younger, you can take the series to understand them better but you will need to be patient and wait for them to be ready. If your baby already speaks a few words, that's great! Signing will help them to build their vocabulary. Studies show that signing is a natural transitional tool into speaking.
This series is low key...there is NOT going to be a test at the end!
I encourage you to take what works for you! Start with one or two signs and use them when you say the word. Sing them, use them in books, games and jokes. Try when your baby is rested and alert. Keep it easy and relaxed. Be loving.
What if I tried baby sign language before and it didn't work...
How disappointing! Maybe your baby just wasn't ready. You are welcome to call me. Maybe we can sort out what went wrong before.
Here's some of my experience:
I used baby sign language with my three kids because one was a late talker. I have been a Lactation Counselor since 1998, helping women and babies communicate effectively from birth on. I became a Communication Skills Instructor in 2005. I like to focus on communicating from the heart and reading body language. I think non-verbal communicating is the first step to talking with babies and is a natural bridge between ideas and speech.
Have more questions? You can call me: (845) 750-4402 or stop by New Baby, New Paltz every Tuesday from 12:15-2 at 15 Plattekill Ave in New Paltz.