NATIONAL AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE DAY!! Hey, I’m Laura @mybaby.signs I share about sign language and how it can be a game changer for your baby / toddler’s early communication skills. I’m honored Kate reached out for today’s post! Toddler tantrums. Does anything make your hair crawl more?! Double tap if you’ve been there. In one split second, your toddler can go from angelic and funny to out right Tasmanian devil. And then right back to as things were, as if nothing happened. With my 2 year old daughter, we are experiencing the range of emotions as any toddler would… except I am able to decrease the severity of them by using sign language. Right as she pops, I immediately start signing simple, repetitive signs that meet her where she is emotionally, and help bring her back to a rational mindset. It’s crazy how powerful it is. Sign language doesn’t only help during a tantrum, but it also helps PREVENT them by expanding current language skills. If she is just pointing at something, I provide her with not only the word but also the sign for it. If she uses 1-2 words or signs, I expand it into a short sentence so her message is more clear (mama, Elsa ️ mama, Elsa music). This increases her vocabulary, reducing her frustrations of not being able to communicate her needs and wants and as a result, increasing the likelihood it doesn’t snowball into a tantrum. I recommend you also use sign language with your toddler: while engaging in learning and fun activities while reading books ? during meal time ? during new experiences. When are you signing with your toddler? Are any of them listed above?? Come on over to @mybaby.signs and follow along!
