Mom Talk:
Benefits of Teaching Sign Language
Dear Mom Talk,
I have a
4-month-old baby and I am curious about the benefits of teaching her
sign language. Are there true benefits? If so, what age should I
begin teaching her?
S.E. Potomac,
MD
As a mother of
three (soon to be four) I am often bombarded by the latest trends
and fads that are deemed a “must do” for today’s parents. Instead of
buying into each gimmick you are wise to first research before
spending your precious time and money.
The good news:
research has shown that teaching sign language has many benefits.
Sara Franco of Signs and Lullabies says sign language can create
better spellers, lessen frustration, increase confidence and raise
IQ. This can be in part to your child’s brain development. When you
teach a hearing child words in sign language, they are using both
hemispheres of the brain, the left hemisphere, which is the center
for verbal language, and the right hemisphere, which is the center
for visual processing.
We've all been
there before, sitting with our 14-month-old who is desperately
trying to communicate that he is hungry, yet the persistent crying
and flailing arms only frustrate him (and you) more. Franco points
out that a baby screams because he does not possess the verbal
skills to communicate his needs. Imagine that your 14-month-old
could sign and easily communicate his wants. Certainly the
frustration level, and noise level, would be reduced. Basic words
such as milk, nurse, hungry and more, are just a few simple signs
that can be easily adapted into your child’s vocabulary.
Begin signing
words to your baby as early as you wish. Franco says that some
parents choose to begin signing as early as birth, though she begins
her classes for babies as young as 6 months.
For more
information on sign language for babies or Signs and Lullabies,
contact Sara Franco at 703-644-3818 or email her at
Sarafranco@aol.com .
Ask Mom Talk!
From diaper
rashes to irrational behavior, all moms can use a bit of advice.
We’d love to hear from you! E-mail your questions to Michele at
AskMomTalk@aol.com.
Please include your full name and phone number; we will use your
initials if printed. Not all entries will be published by FAMILIES
Magazine and submissions may be edited for clarity and length. Mom
Talk® draws on the advice and expertise of local experts. Please see
your health care provider if you have questions about your health or
the health of your family. FAMILIES Magazine is not responsible for
information or advice acquired from Mom Talk®.
Michele Spahr is
a mother of three, founder of Safe Start Babyproofing, Inc. (www.safestartbabyproofing.com
), member of the International Association for Child Safety,
National Safety Council and she is actively involved with the Safe
Kids Coalition.
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