Feb
2012
Squishy Signed His First Word!
I am so excited to share with you all that Squishy signed his first word last week!! As you may have read recently, I have been teaching Squishy baby sign language in an attempt to help reduce his frustration when he needs something. So, instead of crying and wailing when he wants milk, a diaper change, something to eat, etc… he can just sign it to me. It’s been proven that babies use hand gestures before they learn to speak, so teaching him sign language can actually bridge the gap of his current language barrier.
I began our sign language journey when Squishy was 4 months old- I figured the earlier I start, the earlier he will sign back to me… and I was right! The very first word I started signing to him was “milk”. I would sign “milk” anytime he would cry for a bottle, right before feedings and afterwards so that he can make that connection between the object and my gesture. A couple months afterward he began showing interest and understanding toward my signing and I knew that he was making that connection so I added a few more words to our list- eat, more, mama, and water.
Last week, at 9 months old, Squishy was playing in his bouncer for a few minutes when he started crying. I was keeping an eye on him from across the room and as soon as I heard him crying I looked over to see what he was doing. Then he looked at me, stopped crying, reached his hand out and started signing the word “milk”! I was completely shocked and excited all at once. Was he actually signing? Or was it just him trying to get my attention?
He was signing, all right! I could tell how focused and concentrated he was trying to get the gesture right. He kept looking at his hand and then looking at me as he signed. When I asked, “Milk? Do you want Milk?” while signing back to him, he lit up! So I showed him his bottle, signed the word “milk” again, and gave it to him. He started drinking it and signed it back to me again! I was stunned! My little boy can sign!
It has been an entire week of him signing the word “milk” and I can honestly say I get so excited each time he does it. He no longer cries when he wants his bottle, and just signs it. I am so excited to continue our sign language journey and I’ll bet he’ll be signing the other words in no time!
Do you teach your babies or children sign language?
What is your favorite word to sign?
XO, Aly
Lesley Boettger
February 28, 2012 at 3:39 pm (447 days ago)Bugs can sign all done, its her favorite so that she can tell me she’s done eating :)
Theresa Grisanti
February 28, 2012 at 8:44 pm (447 days ago)what a wonderful treat to be able to communicate with your son. It’s just the beginning.
Emily @ Love{&}Bugs
February 28, 2012 at 8:58 pm (447 days ago)Oh I just love how happy they are when we finally understand them! That’s great that he was able to sign that. We taught a few words to our kids but milk was one they never could pick up for some reason. Lol.
Sarah BB @ East9thStreet
March 2, 2012 at 3:03 pm (444 days ago)Even though my daughter can talk pretty well, she still signs some words when she says them. Usually she’ll sign please and more. It’s so cute!
K Squared Glamour
March 2, 2012 at 10:36 pm (444 days ago)I love this post and the information it gave me!
Heather ~ Acting Balanced Mom
March 2, 2012 at 10:38 pm (444 days ago)Congratulations!
The only sign that Erik seems to like is MORE… everything is MORE in our house…
Meagan P - Sunshine and Sippy Cups
March 2, 2012 at 10:38 pm (444 days ago)I taught my little girl sign too – and of course, her first word was also milk :) She’s 19 months now, and knows about 70 signs – so keep at it! It’s amazing to watch them be able to communicate so well, even before they have all of their words!