Ok, this is really going to sounds like a “sales pitch” for Baby Signing. I am not trying to sell anything (I have never been to a signing class), but just want to “share”. We had such a lovely experience with Red Ted, that I think everyone should consider giving it a go.

So. Give what a go? Signing with your baby! Friends of mine were raving about “Sing & Sign”. That got me thinking… I don’t have to do Sing & Sign, but I can sign to my baby? I decided to look up words that I thought would be useful to us: More, Finished, One more, Tired, Sad, Sorry, Please, Thank you, Milk, Water. I didn’t bother with signs that were not helpful (Cat, Dog etc cute as they are, they don’t convey an “important” message). So, when I talked to Red Ted, especially at meal times, we used the signs.

I looked them up online and we “adapted them” for us (e.g. our please and thank you are the same, though in reality there is a subtle difference).

The result, although Red Ted had said the odd word (Mama sounds, ‘eddy sounds etc), his FIRST PROPER WORD was “More” in sign (see photo). I swear to you, that is the first word he used properly and consitently. Shortly afterwards he said the word itself too. More. There you go. Now when he gets excited or desperately want something, he often will do the sign repeatedly – almost subconsciously.

The next sign word, was milk (though his version looks like a flapping chicken), followed by music (funny really, as I didn’t emphasis that one) and THEN he put music and more together…. Which was amazing, as it showed that he no longer associated “more” just with food. Wonderful!

Also, Red Ted is VERY good at his Please, Thank You and Sorry – all words that he really has only started saying properly in the last 3 months (he is 2yrs and 2mths) but has been signing for 6-8 months. Again, when he REALLY wants something he starts slapping his chin (a sloppy please!). Very sweet….

I am most definitely signing again with Pip Squeak – especially now she is no longer “constantly” in my arms. I will look to expand our vocab, but will still not bother with less useful words. I want Pip Squeak to learn words that will help her when she needs something – nappy, food, bed, cuddle etc.

I can highly recommend it to everyone! Do give it ago. Even if it is only 2-3 words!!