“There singing time and dancing time and laughing time and playing time and now it is our favorite time it’s SIGNING TIME!”

Those of you who have had children under the age of 2 understand that at times you wish to communicate with your child more effectively. While watching my two children go through this non-talking stage, I have often wondered what they are thinking or what they really want instead of trying everything in the diaper bag. I have seen many parents go through this same ordeal and our family has found a solution that has worked for us. It’s Signing Time

Mitzi and I began signing with Benjamin when he was about 6 to 8 months old. By the time he was 10 months old he could sign milk and more. We saw much success over the next couple of months and by the time he was two, just learning to talk, he could sign over 250 words. These signs ranged from colors, family members, foods, animals, and everyday language.

We are now starting to see the same success with Abby. At 15 months old she can sign: milk, more, want, water, bath, cold, hot, cat, dog, sheep, book, ball, tired, blanket, hat and her favorite - EAT! (I am sure I am missing one or two.) It has been a bonding experience to know what she is thinking/wanting and being able to respond and communicate back with her.

Apparently scientific studies suggest that “typical” children who learn sign have higher IQ scores, are better adjusted and read at an earlier age. Now we have not tested either of our children nor have pushed for any of these things as our primary desire has been to communicate with our children at a very young age.

Mitzi and I did observed that with Benjamin’s ability to communicate earlier in life, he never really when through the “terrible twos” as he was able to sign instead of throwing a tantrum. Now I know Benjamin is an exception as he is a very easy child, but we are hoping for the same with Abigail.

I know that each of us as parents have found something wonderful that has helped out our families and the development of our children – please share, I would love to hear what has worked for you!