Parenting is a journey filled with unsolicited advice, and as a mother of three, I’ve learned to navigate the constant stream of suggestions. The other day, while picking up my 4-year-old from preschool with my baby nestled on my hip, a familiar face approached me with a question: “Are you going to teach him sign language?” I was taken aback. Is this really the new norm?
While I’ve seen some parents embrace sign language, I personally find it unnecessary. My baby’s needs are clear, and we have a tight schedule that doesn’t leave room for learning a whole new language. Besides, who’s going to communicate with him using sign language? His dad? His siblings? I recently assisted my grandmother in learning to use Facebook, so becoming a family sign language instructor just isn’t on my to-do list right now.
Instead, I plan to teach my baby practical gestures that he can use throughout his life—simple, universal signs that everyone will understand. With these essential gestures, he can express himself without saying much, allowing him to develop his verbal skills in his own time. Here are the top 10 signs I’ll be teaching:
- The Finger: A classic gesture that conveys strong feelings—if he’s anything like me, he’ll find good use for this one.
- The Bite Me: A cheeky grab that’s sure to make an impression. Bonus points if he channels his inner Michael Jackson.
- The Hang Ten: Also known as the Shaka sign in Hawaiian culture, it promotes a laid-back attitude—a great lesson for stress relief.
- The World’s Smallest Violin: A sarcastic gesture that mimics playing a violin, perfect for those moments when we need to express our frustration.
- The Thumbs Up: This universal symbol of approval is recognized by everyone, from doctors to truckers—it’s a go-to sign for positivity.
- The A-Okay: Similar to the thumbs up, this sign communicates that everything is great.
- The Cuckoo Sign: A playful gesture for when someone is talking nonsense; I can imagine him using this one to comment on me.
- The Blah-Blah-Blah: An essential gesture to mimic a boring conversation; mastering this will be crucial in our home.
- Loser: Making an “L” shape with his hand is a fun way to show disapproval, and we’ll keep it light-hearted.
- The Talk to the Hand: My 4-year-old has already perfected this one, and I’m sure he’ll teach it to his little sibling.
These gestures will not only help my baby communicate effectively, but they’ll also be fun to learn! For additional parenting tips, check out this informative piece on when to upgrade your child’s car seat. And if you’re considering your own journey into parenthood, this excellent resource on infertility and pregnancy is worth a visit.
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In summary, while the world of parenting is rife with advice, I intend to focus on practical signs that will genuinely benefit my child’s communication skills and development.