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Potty Train with Sign Language
These 5 sign language signs may help get your toddler out of diapers more quickly.
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Phillip Graybill
If you're eager to get your toddler out of diapers, you may want to consider teaching her sign language. Parents advisor Linda Acredolo, PhD, who first developed sign language for babies 20 years ago, has released a new Baby Signs Potty Training program, which comes with a parent guide, a DVD, and a lift-the-flap picture book. "Contrary to popular belief, toddlers are often ready to start training as early as 12 to 18 months," says Dr. Acredolo. "Signing helps them indicate that they have to go before they have the language skills." It's also much easier to teach children to use the potty before 24 months, while they're still less stubborn, Dr. Acredolo says. By the time she's 12 months, your baby should be able to start learning the following five signs.
The Sign: Potty
Shake your fist when you're changing your baby's diaper and later encourage her to do it when she needs to use the potty.
My daughter is a "normal" developing 16 mon old.I have been doing sign language with her since she was 7 mon old.She started signing back to me at abt 10 mon.With signs there is less frustration because she is able to tell me what she wants. At 15 mon. the average is 10-15 words.She is now signing over 25 words as well as over 15 spoken words.She can also put two signs together.Signing will not delay speech.As they learn the spoken word the sign will fade out.I am seeing this in her.
10/9/2009 12:53:52 PM Report AbuseThe common issue with potty training early is the communication barrier and signing breaks that. I've signed with all three of my kids. It's not about making them extraordinary (in my eyes every child is born extraordinary) it's about being able to communicate with them and better understand their world so I can better attend to their needs, making for a happier baby.
10/9/2009 12:43:21 PM Report AbuseYou do not have to start early, but there are benefits to starting earlier when they are in the stage of development that makes them eager to learn new skills rather than waiting for that wonderful stage of development where they challenge every suggestion we have :)
10/9/2009 12:43:15 PM Report AbusePotty training early is not about doing everything for your child. It's about teaching them how to do something they will need for the rest of their lives. We can't expect them to just figure it out on their own, we are parents to teach our children and of course Love them!
10/9/2009 12:42:13 PM Report AbuseWe aren't trying to make your child "extraordinary" by teaching them to sign. We are simply showing our child a more effective and easier method of communicating what he/she wants rather than whining, crying, and throwing temper tantrums until the adult figures it out. It truly does make for a happier baby/toddler and a less stressed parent when communication is a more of a "two-way" street.
10/9/2009 12:40:18 PM Report Abuse