Communication is one of the main components of any relationship. When there are disagreements or misunderstandings, communication is usually the way to resolve the problem. Whether it is with your husband, your mother, or your child, communication is the key to any successful relationship.
In fact, your relationship with your baby is very much like one with your husband, mother, or boss. First, both of you need to be able to understand each other. Have you ever had an argument where you felt like you were stating Point A while the other person kept thinking that you were saying Point B? These failures in communication are frustrating for both parties involved. As such, in your relationship with your baby, make sure that you are both “speaking” the same language. Teach your baby to use sign language to tell you when he feels “sad” or “hurt” and sign to him his favorite children’s rhyme to cheer him up!
Second, both of you should be able to grow from the relationship. When you’re in a new relationship with a significant other, there are many things to learn about the other person—whether he is a morning person, whether she drinks coffee, and little personal details that come with time. Well, your relationship with your baby is very much like that too. It takes time to figure out what your baby likes and what a loud cry means as opposed to a soft cry. One way that Baby Sign Language helps is by letting you and your child understand each other earlier in your relationship. Instead of waiting for your child to talk, you and your child can begin to communicate using simple signs like “more” to show that he wants more milk.
Finally, the relationship between the two of you directly impacts the people around you. Whenever you have a fight with your best friend, you may talk to your boyfriend or your sister about the fight. As such, your sister may spend time comforting you and listening to your side of the story. Similarly, when you teach your baby sign language, other members of your family are likely to benefit too! They also pick up these easy-to-learn signs and are able to understand that their niece, granddaughter, or sister wants “more” when she touches her fingertips together. When your baby learns sign language, she not only improves her communication with you but also with your entire family. Knowing Baby Sign Language is a key component to a successful relationship between you and your child!