To Sign Or Not To Sign...

mpalmateer7 · November 2013

DS is 8 months, and I am curious about others' experience/opinions/knowledge of using sign language. I'm mildly familiar with the concept, and obviously have already done some research-- but I'm interested in hearing about how you implemented it, LO's reactions, and how it factors into communication down the road. And/or why you decided not to use it, if you tried it and stopped, and reasons not to use it...
I want to hear it all!

imn_angel25 · November 2013

Used it and loved it with my DS. We only used very basic signs (more, please, milk, thank you, etc) and started to introduce them at 6 months old. Every time we said a word we were trying to teach him the sign for, we would use the coordinating sign. He picked up on how to use the sign for more by 8 months. He could do more, please and milk by 10 months and could do all 6 that we taught him by 1 year of age.

I also did a TON of research on baby sign and in my opinion, there is no reason not to if it's something that works for your family. Children who are introduced to sign language at an early age have scored higher on language tests than same age peers in multiple studies. Common sense and knowledge of how children grow and learn tells us that they are able to use the gross and fine motor skills much earlier than they develop the ability to use speech. I think using sign language helped us to weed out some issues as he was growing because he was able to communicate his basic needs to us, leading to much less frustration on his part (and ours).

As a now 4 year old, my son is ahead of most of the kids in his preschool in language development. He knows a LOT of words, how to correctly use those words and has the ability to carry on a lengthy conversation with just about anyone. As with any child, there are areas where his peers are surpassing him as well. I can't honestly say that his verbal skills are directly correlated to using sign language with him, but I don't think it hurt. HTH!

mpalmateer7 · November 2013

That is exactly the sort of thing I was looking to hear! Thank you for sharing!

MrsG071809 · November 2013

Totally agree with PP, there's no reason not to use it, it can only help

We started around 6 months as well, and now at almost 8 months I think she recognizes the signs but hasn't started signing back yet. We do milk, more, all done & drink right now. Every time I sign milk her face lights up and she dives into my chest - ha. I did find that it has been tough to remember to do the signs EVERY time I use these words, and to be consistent with them, but over time I'm getting better.

I love the idea that she will be able to communicate with us before she can actually talk!

MrsWindyCity · November 2013

We used it with DS1 and have been/will use it with DS2. We mostly did basic and helpful signs, like eat, more, milk, all done, sleep. Then some others like mom, dad, please, bath, read, etc. We started signing to DS1 around 6-7 months IIRC and he started signing back around 10.

I don't know if it's related at all or not, but DS1 was ahead in language development early on. He talked a ton, was putting together long sentences early, etc. Also, his first word after mama and dada was "all done" which was a sign he knew, so it's not like knowing the signs prevented him from also learning the words.

mpalmateer7 · November 2013

Wow! Thanks ladies! That is amazing! The way our kids learn and develop blows my mind! I love it! I think I will probably do more of the signing (I've done a little) and encourage it from here out. And I agree- I also love the idea of being able to communicate before he can talk.

Thanks so much!

Vespah · November 2013

We taught DD More and All Done. It's amazing how even just those 2 simple things seemed to allow her to get her needs and wants communicated quickly and there was very little frustration on both sides. For sure doing it again this time around.

daniella2727 · November 2013

Odd man out, but we used signs with my now 2.5 and when it came to speech, the words she knew how to sign she would not say forever...she would say a lot of other words but would not speak milk, more, etc.

I haven't introduced signing to my 8 month old and not sure i will.

spring_time · November 2013

Did it, and probably won't do it again. By the time DS was able to sign for me, he was already able to use his words. It is just a matter of preference, some love it, others don't think it is all that helpful. It won't hurt, so if you are interested, I would just try it.

PipSqueak0313 · November 2013

We were on the fence for a while but finally decided to go with signing since I am starting to lose my hearing and we decided it would be good for us to get started on sign language now since hearing aids really aren't helping me understand speech.

luvbug6315 · November 2013

We do milk, more, eat, all done. My DD is 8 months (next week) and understand all the signs but will only sign milk. I find it to be helpful because she will sign milk when hungry or when she wants me. She started signing this one over a month ago....still waiting for her to do the others.

=Lee=B · November 2013

I know a family with 4 kids (ages 18months-8yrs) the parents signed with all of them. The older kids use the signing to talk at the table (don't talk with your mouth full) and to talk through church and other places they were expected to sit quietly. I found it kind of neat.

I don't plan to sign...don't have the brain power to remember the signs or to use them! I do believe it is a worthwhile tool for the families that choose to use it.

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