Trying to determine what your infant wants can be a frustrating, long, and tedious process. The reality is, when a child hasn't begun talking yet, communication can be a challenge. That can leave both parents and baby confused and upset. One toddler, 21-month-old Helena Kummerer might be an example of an illuminating solution for parents: Baby sign language.
"We started teaching her around 6 months, and then at 14 months, she just exploded with signs," said Mom, Lilia. "It’s really helped our communication, and it’s helped her become verbal faster."
Lilia claims that with sign language, Helena no longer throws tantrums. Instead, she just signs what she wants and how she feels. However, Elizabeth Barrett, a literacy specialist, argues sign language isn't just about communication, but also about safety. She shared an important story with CBS about a boy who used sign language to save his own life.
"The little boy’s name is Mika," Barrett said. "His father was out on the front yard spreading weed killer on the grass. And this little boy, who knew quite a few signs for his age, his favorite ball was out on the grass. At the end of the day, they brought all of the toys in, and he grabbed the ball, and he put it to his lips. And they had forgotten all about the weed killer at that point. And he started to go 'Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!' which is the sign for 'Hot!' And at that point, his mother realized — poison! So, she called the Poison Control Center, and it had a happy ending.”
Studies show that students who learn sign language have higher IQs and begin speaking earlier.
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