What to do if my Baby isn’t Signing Back Yet
If you’ve been teaching your baby sign language and they still hasn’t started signing back, you may be feeling a bit frustrated and uncertain about what comes next. Maybe you’re worried that you’re doing something wrong or feeling like your baby may never learn to sign back. Take comfort in the fact that with consistency and patience, your baby will start signing back soon.
I talk about what you can do if your baby isn’t signing back yet in this video:
Sign language is an invaluable tool for helping your baby develop crucial language skills, deepening your connection and empowering your little one to communicate with you. Here are some tips for helping your baby learn to sign:
1. Be patient
Remember that learning sign language is a new skill for your baby. It may take some time for them to understand the connection between their actions and the signs you are using.
2. Consistency is key
Keep using sign language consistently with your baby. Repetition and consistency are crucial for them to understand and eventually imitate the signs. Use signs during daily routines, such as mealtime, bath time, or playtime.
3. Seek visual attention
Ensure that you have your baby’s attention before signing. Maintain eye contact, use exaggerated facial expressions, and sign in the baby’s line of sight. This will help them focus on your hands and gestures.
4. Simplify the signs
Start with simple signs that are relevant to your baby’s daily life. Use clear, distinct motions, and pair them with spoken words to reinforce the association between signs and their meanings.
5. Don’t overwhelm your baby
Instead of trying to teach too many signs right away, focus on one or two that you can sign consistently every time you say the word. When you say the word “milk”, make the sign. Give baby time to absorb and learn before introducing new signs.
6. Show your baby how it feels to make the sign
If your baby seems interested but is struggling to imitate signs, gently guide their hands to form the sign while verbally reinforcing the associated word. Take your baby’s hand in yours and show them gently how to make the sign, encouraging them as they do it. Don’t force it if your baby resists, just keep it light and cheerful. This physical guidance can help them understand the motor movements required.
7. Make it fun and engaging
Incorporate sign language into interactive activities that your baby enjoys. Sing songs, play games, and use toys or objects that can be associated with specific signs. This can help make the learning process more enjoyable for your baby. Have the item that you’re signing with you, and make sure your baby can see it: when you’re teaching a sign for a specific item, make sure that you’re holding the actual item as you sign it. This can help create a powerful connection in your baby’s mind between the word, the sign, and the item.
8. Offer motivation and rewards
When your baby attempts to sign, respond enthusiastically and positively. Offer praise, smiles, and rewards such as a favorite toy or a hug. Positive reinforcement can encourage your baby to continue trying to communicate through signing. When you encourage your baby with excitement and cheerfulness, it helps them to learn faster. Even if your baby doesn’t sign back immediately, your enthusiasm will let them know they’re doing a great job.
Don’t give up your hard work will pay off
Sign language is a great way to foster communication and emotional connection between you and your baby. And most importantly, trust that your baby will start signing back – consistency and patience are key!
Even if your baby starts speaking, they’ll still struggle to say certain words in a way you understand. Having a few signs in their repertoire can really help with this, as it can help you understand what your baby is trying to say even if they don’t pronounce the word correctly. This can help avoid frustration and is great for helping your baby make a connection between the written word and the spoken word.
It’s important to note that some babies may take a little longer to catch on, and that’s ok! Every baby learns differently and has a different pace. There’s no “right” or “wrong”; just keep signing and your baby will pick it up eventually.
Once your baby starts signing back, you can add more signs bit by bit. That way, your baby’s language will grow naturally and they’ll learn more signs and words in the process. Try to gradually increase the signs your baby knows to reinforce the ones they’ve mastered.
Sign language is a powerful way to connect and communicate with your baby, and it’s truly amazing to observe your little one using signs to express themselves. With patience and consistency, your baby will be signing back in no time!
Do you have questions about baby sign language? Join our Facebook Page and ask away!