Learning to sign: teaching babies American Sign Language
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Posted: 6:29 PM Apr 3, 2008
Learning to sign: teaching babies American Sign Language
Teaching babies simple signs can cut down a parent's frustration.
Reporter: Marcie Kobriger
Email Address: marcie.kobriger@wndu.com
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Since they can't just say what they want or need, figuring out why a baby's crying can be frustrating for parents.

But what if they could tell you, by signing?

By taking sign language workshops, parents can learn simple signs like ‘more,’ and ‘milk.’

They’re signs that can make everyday life with a toddler a lot easier.

"I think that cut down a lot of frustration, because he was able to tell me what he needed and I was able to help him with that," Cora Demike, the parent of a toddler who uses American Sign Language tells NewsCenter 16.

"If a child can't communicate what they want to you, they're going to throw a temper tantrum. But if at 3 1/2 or even at 10 months old or eleven months old, they can sign ‘milk’ and you know exactly what they want and you can respond appropriately to that there’s no reason to throw that temper tantrum," says Karen Horvath, a signing parent and American Sign Language instructor.

Some research suggests teaching sign language can help prevent child abuse, since it cuts down on the frustration a parent can experience.

Also, children who learn sign language begin to speak earlier than their peers who don't.



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