Practical Parenting

by Crystal Linn

 

Crystal Linn is a childcare expert and a professional writer. She is co-founder of
C and C Educational Consultants, a Bothell-based company that works with childcare professionals and also offers children's workshops and parenting classes. Crystal enjoys reading mysteries, writing poetry and sailing. She would love to hear from you at candceducationalconsultants@gmail.com or at (206) 715-2505.

A hearing child with deaf parents has a comprehensive sign vocabulary of twenty to thirty words by the time they are nine months old.

When I first heard that statement 20 years ago, I could not believe my ears. At that time I had not yet learned that a baby is born with the ability to communicate and 'figure things out.'

One of the main reasons that infants and toddlers throw tantrums is because they do not have the skills needed to verbalize, to communicate, what they are thinking and feeling. This results in acute frustration and thus the tantrums. Sign language gives infants and toddlers the needed skills to communicate their needs and wants.

A pediatrician told me that infants' muscles and nerves develop from the outside in. This means that the coordination in their hands and legs develop before their face and mouth muscles. As a result, it is easier for them to learn to communicate with their hands before they can learn to speak.

In classrooms where I've used baby sign language, everyone was happier and calmer. We adults were able to understand what the children needed and wanted. The children knew we understood them, which caused them to feel respected and validated. The parents who chose to learn a few basics signs felt more empowered when they could communicate with their young child (ren) and relieved to see their child (ren) happier with fewer tantrums. They were rewarding experiences for everyone involved.

On Wednesday, June 8, at 6 p.m., Marysville Parks and Recreation will have a class for adults to learn baby sign language for use with infants and toddlers. It promises to be a fun class and will include take-home handouts. Register by calling (360) 363-8401.

To your parenting success,

Crystal

Community Corner:

Check out the Marysville Library. There are great activities scheduled in the month of May for all children from age 2 through teens. The web page is www.sno-isle.org.

Consider visiting Due's Berry Farm at 14003 Smokey Point Blvd in Marysville for a fun and free family experience. Call (360) 659-3875 for information or directions.

Quotable Parenting Quote:

"As your kids grow they may forget what you said, but won't forget how you made them feel." Kevin Heath

Copyright 2011 Crystal Linn