I probably spend as much time teaching people ABOUT baby sign language as I do teaching baby sign language.
Some of the biggest skeptics about signing with babies are grandparents. Signing? I didn’t do that with my baby and they turned out just fine! Is the baby deaf? Why do you need signing?
But when they get it – the GET IT! And then these grandparents become enthusiastic advocates for baby sign language.
Case in point: a grandmother – the mother-in-law of one of the wonderful moms in my classes. She came in for a visit, having heard that she’d get to go with mom and baby to their class in west Houston. You can watch a video of her telling her to the class below, but here’s the story.
She’s waiting for her flight to Houston at the airport, and there is a 14 – 15 month old toddler with his father – AND THEY ARE SIGNING! She watched a while and talked to the dad. He explained what signs they were using, that the baby was asking where mom had gone, that mom was getting something to eat, and that yes, there were lots of airplanes. And other things a toddler wants to talk about at the airport.
SHE GOT IT!
When she came into class, she couldn’t wait to tell me about her amazing – and very timely – experience. I asked her to re-tell it to the class, and caught her on video. She is so lovely and is just sparkling with excitement.
See for yourself.
I can’t wait till she’s signing with her grandson!
If you aren’t signing with your baby, give it a try. It’s really an amazing tool to share with your little one.