|
|
|
|
|
Have you ever looked down at your little one at play and wondered what was going on inside his mind? Have you had the
experience of trying to figure out why your baby is fussing, calling out the things that might be causing his distress, hoping
you will hit on what he is trying to convey before he becomes even more distraught? During mealtime, do you wish your baby
could tell you if he wants more to eat or drink or that he is finished when full? Did you know that your baby is capable of
giving you the answers to questions such as these and much more? It is true and it is remarkable. Babies can understand language before they are able to speak. Unfortunately, the muscles in their little
mouths do not evolve as quickly as their brain’s capacity for comprehending language. Studies show, however, that babies
are capable of expressive communication. The fine muscles in the hand develop earlier than the ones required for speech, enabling
babies to “talk” with their hands much sooner than they can with their mouths. By using a visual language such
as American Sign Language (ASL), you can help your baby communicate long before she is able to verbalize. Communicating in
this way does not require you to learn an entirely new language. Simply using a few of the most common signs with your
child can make an enormous difference in her ability to convey her wants and needs.
|
