Baby Sign Language Communication Before Speech

Writen by Christine Albury

Prior to mastering the art of speech, your baby has great difficulty in communicating his needs to you. This can cause frustration for you both -- yet there is a solution. Baby sign language is rapidly becoming popular as a means of recognising -- and responding to -- a young baby's needs.

Babies can be taught sign language from any age, but they really begin to take notice of the signs from around six months and may begin using them from as early as seven to eight months of age. As many parents will testify, babies understand an awful lot more than they are able to communicate through speech at this stage.

Some parents fear that using baby sign language may hamper their child's speech development later on. Research into this subject, however, shows that children taught baby sign in infancy go on to develop superb language skills. In some cases, they may learn to speak earlier and often have an increased ability to learn a second language.

There are other benefits to introducing baby sign language - studies indicate that children who sign often develop a higher than average IQ. The major advantage for parents, of course, is to be able to identify their babies' needs and respond appropriately -- easing the frustrations that can lead to tantrums. Once this channel of communication is open, many parents feel that a deeper bond with their child is formed, creating a great sense of harmony.

There are various methods by which you can learn to sign with your child -- no prior knowledge is needed, so learning along with your baby is part of the fun! It is important to remember to say the word when introducing any signs to your baby and to use the signs consistently - both in the home and outside it. Also, try to familiarise anyone who cares for your child with the signs they are using.

Some people like to invent their own signs to use with their babies, whereas others prefer to use conventional signs based on formal sign language -- the advantage of using these is that they are recognised by a wide group of people. There are many books, DVDs and flashcards available, based on formal signing, that make learning this new skill both simple and enjoyable.

Taking into account the benefits that this simple communication can bring, it's no wonder that more and more parents are using baby sign language -- and achieving a fascinating insight into their babies' minds!

Christine Albury is the author of http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com, helping you become head chef for a very special little customer.

For more information on learning and using baby sign language, visit Teaching baby to sign

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Creative Baby Can We Teach Creativity Can We Observe It

Writen by Eliane Leao

Yes!!!!!!!

To the Creative baby, Creativity can be taught, and creativity can be tested.

It can be viewed as a product, but it is also a process… An intellectual process! And the most important information about creativity we have when the subject of creation is baby is that the child creates his/her knowledge about the world inside himself/herself. S/he uses his/her own organization through creation, affectively and cognitively. S/he is in action creating internal schemes, structures and systems. We are only the ones who intermediate! And we have a better information: - That we can help him/her to create special knowledge about the world by stimulating him/her to learn everyday!

If the baby is generating and inventing his/her knowledge about the world by facing problems and approaching problems that stimulates him/her, his/her inner motivation grows towards more involvement with his/her surroundings, context and circumstances.

YES, s/he has creative brain, with power to look at everything and look to bits of information form fresh perspectives. What are the paths and new ways s/he has to put patterns experience together? By experiencing, acting upon and creating from reality s/he is involved with. And who are the intermediaries between the baby brain and the world? We, the parents!!!

The best you can do for your baby brain is to promote experiences of touching, smelling, hearing, listening, observing; it is to perform and to let the baby perceive learning as an adventure! Guide the Creative baby to seek wholes, patterns and relationships in objects and people! Expose him/her to music, art, drama and language. Remember, let the baby try! THIS…THE BRAIN UNDERSTANDS!!!!

Dr. Eliane Leao is a native of Brazil, South America. She has a background in Education from Purdue University (Masters) and a PhD in the Department of Educational Psychology from the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)/Purdue University (Ph.D.). Dr. Leao has also three Bachelor's degrees, one in Piano, another in Musical Education, and a third in Voice. Dr. Leao is currently a professor of Music Education and Music Therapy conducting research on the influence of Music in Early Childhood Learning. Her 'babies' have grown to become productive members of their communities. Dr. Leao hopes that the trials and successes of her family may inspire and convince other parents to stimulate their children during early childhood so that they may enjoy a rich, stimulating, integrated, and happy life always. *Visit our website for free articles, homeschooling tips, ebooks, and drawings for baby books! at http://www.baby-can-read.com*

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Things I Would Have Changed During My Babys First Year

Writen by Amy Cummings

1. Tried All Things Generic. I would have started with the generic brand diapers (store brand) and moved up to the more expensive brand only if they proved to be ineffective. Many times, packaging is the major difference between name brand and generic. This would have saved me hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars during the diaper years. Same thing applies to formula. I find that the Wal-Mart brand is just the same and much cheaper.

2. I would have turned the volume lower on the monitor. I found I could actually hear my daughter sucking on her little fingers as she slept. Therefore, I woke up at every whimper or sigh. I never got good rest. Have it loud enough to hear them cry, but not loud enough to hear them think about crying!

3. Do not let them in your bed. The worst sleep ever is when you are scared of rolling over on your baby or waking up at every whimper. Everyone will be more comfortable in his or her own beds!

4. Do not go crazy buying "developmentally appropriate toys." What babies need most in the first year is to develop language skills and interact with others. Enjoy them being babies! They will grow up and develop at their own pace. A lot of times, they will find interest in the everyday things around the house.

5. Do not waste your money buying fancy outfits for special occasions. They'll only be worn once and younger siblings may not fit into them. Just focus on quality clothing that can be washed and worn every day.

6. Scour yard sales for gently used baby items. I would not have insisted on paying full price for things I could have found slightly used at a garage sale or thrift store.

7. I would not have been so focused on all the different "milestones." I would not have been so eager for them to walk, drink from a cup and potty train. I would just let them be babies for as long as possible. I think I was so eager for them to do everything I rushed right through the "baby stages!"

8. I would have taken better care of myself. I would have taken the time to shower, exercise and see my friends. Being a mother doesn't mean forgetting to take care of your own needs.

9. I would have realized that my new role as "mom" does not replace "wife," "friend," etc. It is easy to forget that you are other things to other people (including yourself) that do not disappear when you have a baby.

10. Trust your gut feeling. Make decisions that will allow you to sleep at night. You're a mom now. Trust yourself.

Amy Cummings is currently a stay-at-home mom who takes care of her two daughters. Amy is a special education teacher by trade. She created the "Knot Me" which helps eliminate knots and bald spots from riding in the car seat or stroller. They are available at http://www.theknotme.com/. In addition, she has numerous other "Mommy Inventions." She also has a blog at: http://www.momsbuzz.com/blogs/amyleah.

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