Who knew we could actually gain insight into what our babies are thinking long before they can actually speak? Every parent has felt the frustration of trying to decode the frantic grunts and pointing of a frustrated baby or young toddler. Many parents are now learning that by teaching their child a few simple signs, they are opening up a whole new world of communication.

Most parents begin teaching their babies signs somewhere between six and 12 months using some combination of baby sign language classes, books and/or videos. Research has shown that teaching sign language to young children may offer a number of benefits, including:

• Decreased frustration for child and parents
• Earlier speaking and larger vocabularies than non-signing babies 
• Earlier interest in books and understanding of the English language
• Boost to child's self esteem and sense of accomplishment
• Higher IQ
• Greater ability to learn a new language later in life

Tobey Huntley, parenting consultant and baby sign language class instructor at the Elizabeth Blackwell Center says, "Sign is a wonderful way to gain insights into what your child is thinking. It allows parents to establish a deeper bond and a higher level of trust with their child because they can understand and respond to their needs more quickly."

Huntley recommends that parents who are teaching their child to sign encourage caregivers and anyone who spends time with the child, including siblings, to learn and use the signs as well. Think of it as a great opportunity to work together as a family and learn a fun, new language!