by Susan Fox 

By the time my son was 15 months old he knew the word, No!  However, he couldn't say the word, yes.  There was a certain tone of no, that meant no, and there was a certain tone of no that meant yes.  It was frustrating for everyone.  I had heard about using what's call, Baby Signs and decided to try it.  If anything to try to teach him the word yes.  So I began making the sign for yes and would repeatedly use the sign as I said the word yes when he said the no sound for yes.  In no time he was using the sign and then quickly started saying the word yes.  We immediately started integrating some additional signs for simple everyday things such as more, yes, no, please, and thank you.  

Since all people, children included, learn through repetition, signing serves as a powerful educational tool.  It makes perfect sense for children adopted internationally!  Many families who have adopted internationally are utilizing this great tool to help during the transition period while their child acquires English.  This could be used with infants as well as older children; after all most of us use a few gestures while we are talking anyway.  Signs for more, eat, milk, potty, and I love you are the most common.  Parents can start slowly with some of the basic needs, depending on the age of their child and expand from there.  When toddlers and children can replace some of their frustration from not being able to communicate with their new parents, families will find that it dramatically improves their relationship, adjustment, and attachment with their adopted child.

Read Susan's full article on our website by clicking here.