Question:

This is Holly from Holly Tried It. I just started a new blog to put my posts on baby sign language in. I’m curious why you decided to stop signing with your son when you are obviously dedicated to baby signing. I’m not being critical…I’m just curious. I know that as my two-year-old grows and becomes incredibly verbal the use of sign language has changed and has taken some adjustment on my part.

Since you have started signing with your son again, do you plan to continue signing with the baby even he passes the toddler years?

Just curious!

Answer:

Hey Holly,

Great question.  The truth is, with both of my older children I had always planned on continuing to sign with them even after they began to verbalize.  In both cases I brought back sign language when another “non speaking” baby came into the house.  I especially want my children to be fluent in sign language as a second language.  I’ve been trying to pin point what the reason was for me not continuing, but maybe part of the reason is they start to venture into other new things like reading and writing.  I don’t find myself using sign language when I’m teaching them this I think mostly because I’m focusing on sounds and phonics.

I definitely want to keep up the signing during the every day stuff though, the kids and I absolutely love it.  You’ll have to stay on me and make sure I’m not slacking off.  I’m proud of you for staying so dedicated with your little girl.  Thanks for the question.

Andrea Ploehn