Even if you don't know any sign language at this time, it's easy to learn then teach your child a few key words to help the two of you communicate easier. I was a skeptic with my first child. I didn't know any sign language myself, and I thought I wouldn't be able to teach my daughter any either. I'm happy to say I was wrong, and now my daughter is even helping me teach my son a few words as well.

Let me begin by telling you why I decided to give sign language a try in the first place. When my daughter was around seven months old I noticed she would grunt and wave her hands during meals, signaling to me she wanted more. At first I thought this behavior was cute and funny. After a while however, especially while in restaurants, I was somewhat embarassed by her animal-like behavior. That's when I finally decided to give sign language a try. I had received a book designed for children with about twenty different words shown in sign language by real children. This book wasn't complex, after all it was a children's book. This made it easy for me to learn these words myself before teaching my daughter. The first word I wanted to teach my daughter was "more", and in less than a week she had learned it- I was amazed how fast she picked it up. From that moment on I made it a point to help her learn a few key words I thought she should know.

The following list has the few key words that may make it easier for you and your child to communicate: more, all done, please, thank you, eat, drink, and sleep. This list may not be very long but these few words will make a world of difference with you and your child. To learn these words yourself simply get a sign language book, either at a bookstore, or through your library. I would also suggest a children's sign language book like I had. For those who don't know any sign language, then a children's book may make it easier for you as well. The main point is to be consistent about teaching your child, being consistent in teaching is the key to success.

The following method of teaching your child sign language is simple for both you and your child. When teaching, first say the word you want them to learn. Next, demonstrate the word yourself while saying the word out loud. Finally, show them how to say the word themselves in sign language. For example, when I was teaching my daughter "more" I would first say "more". I would then demonstrate how to say "more" in sign language while saying it out loud. I would do this when she would grunt during mealtime. After I demonstrated it myself, I would then take her hands to show her how to say "more" herself, again saying the word out loud. After a few days of doing this at each meal she finally was able to say "more" herself in sign language. I would use this same method for all words I wanted to teach her. This way she would hear the word, see the word, then do the word herself.

By saying the word, demonstrating the word, then showing your child how to sign the word, your child will pick up these few key words fairly quickly and easily. Remember, as with anything you teach your child, teaching them sign language takes time, effort, and patience. The payoff of teaching these few words is well worth it though, for both you and your child.