Anyone's toddler still use sign language?

chelwig89

I know some basic sign and I am learning more. DH thinks I should teach our baby and our toddler. I think that'd be a lot of fun, but I just wonder because my toddler speaks so well if she would really comprehend that the signs are another way of communicating. And I know this sounds silly but I'm also worried that she'll stop speaking as much (which at times would be a life saver lol but you know what I mean). And I wonder if it will delay the baby's speech? I know this all probably sounds silly but I still wonder has anyone taught their child sign language and had any experience in this?

bumpuser5468658

We taught DD when she was an infant and she actually spoke sooner and a lot more clearly than other kids her age. Don't worry, I can't hardly make he be quiet . My Dh thinks it is because she actually had an understanding of the words she was using...and we always spoke clearly to her and didn't baby talk to her. I would suggest sign language, and I will be teaching LO#2. It is really helpful at mealtime, when they can tell you "all done" or "more" or "drink" instead of fussing until you guess what they want. Good Luck with it, I hope you enjoy it like we did. 

davis0905

I would recommend it too.  We used it w/DD when she was a baby (just a few basic signs) and she still uses the signs for "milk" and "more" but she also says the words as she signs them.  Studies show that using sign language actually improves language development and speech so I don't think you have anything to worry about.  I would think your toddler would probably enjoy learning sign language--kids that age really love to learn new things. 

susanmosley

Little people will use the modality of communication that is easiest for them.  So, while a speaking toddler may find signing fun, she will continue to use verbal language because it is easier for her.  No doubt she will understand that signs are another way to communicate - she already knows that - think of the signs, gestures, facial expressions and other non-verbal means she uses to communicate currently.  

"Studies show" that signing does not hinder speech development in kids.  And those studies also suggest that it can even facilitate earlier speech.  In my work (I'm a speech therapist), I have seen later talkers likely because signing was working just fine for them... why talk when signing was easier and effective.  HOWEVER, the delay is minimal and insignificant in the big picture.  I don't sign with typically developing kids (kids without speech/language delays) because, well to be honest, I think it is trendy and silly.  But that is my personal stubborn opinion that differs from most SLPs, parenting magazines, and such.  

The bottom line is that if you think signing with your kids will be fun/helpful/or whatever, there is no damage you are going to cause by doing so.  Is it necessary and really helpful?  I personally REALLY don't think so....

mistresscox

I have been signing with DD since she was very young, and she still signs.  Some things she just signs, some things she signs and says (eat always comes with the sign) and some things she just says.  

I HIGHLY recommend the DVD "baby signing time"-it is really cute and is easy to learn from and my DD loves watching it!  I actually just had it on tonight while I made dinner and she was running into the kitchen to show me the sign they were doing, and dancing to the music....it's by far the best video I've seen.     

Jen&Len

We did sign with DS and it was a LIFESAVER since he was a late talker.  I really don't think his talking late had anything to do with signing since he was also a very late babbler (no sounds from him until 11 months) and we didn't sign until after he babbled.  I think it saved us from many potential meltdowns. 

we're starting to sign with DD so now DS signs to DD when he sees us doing it. it's cute.

novilise

My son is now 3 and he still uses some of the basic sign language.

He especially uses the sign for 'please' while saying the word. But if he is shy, he will sometimes only use the sign. 

He had/has some speech delays, but has made a lot of progress. The sign language seemed to really help him, too. We ordered some of the sign language cards for him, too, and he loved those! 

love.love

bables21:

We taught DD when she was an infant and she actually spoke sooner and a lot more clearly than other kids her age. Don't worry, I can't hardly make he be quiet . My Dh thinks it is because she actually had an understanding of the words she was using...and we always spoke clearly to her and didn't baby talk to her. I would suggest sign language, and I will be teaching LO#2. It is really helpful at mealtime, when they can tell you "all done" or "more" or "drink" instead of fussing until you guess what they want. Good Luck with it, I hope you enjoy it like we did. 

all of this exactly. I really think it helped DS understand language sooner. He is 2.5 yrs old and still consistently signs some things like sorry, thank you, and please even though he speaks very fluently.
Since we have started signing with our DD, he is really interested all over again and is asking the sign for everything. So, we are learning all kinds of words as a family and trying to use them as often as we can.
DS understands there are other languages, such as spanish and french, in addition to sign and english, so I don't believe it's going to hurt his everyday speech.

good luck! it is quite rewarding, and nice to learn something as a family