Infants and toddlers may have difficulties communicating their desires because they have yet to learn how to talk. Therefore, baby signing has developed to assist families better communicate with their children because infants are able to learn hand signals representing simple everyday words such as "hug," "sleep," "eat," and "more," before they are able to begin speaking.
Being unable to understand an infant or toddler may result in tantrums; but, baby signs help to bridge this communication separation. Baby signing can also help youth develop verbally quicker and make them more proficient with signing later in life.
In order to help families learn together Cornerstone Family and Youth (CFY) will be holding a clinic in conjunction with the Carlyle Public Library on May 25 between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the Library.
"It will be great for caregivers as well as parents," Brigette Carley, Early Childhood Coordinator at CFY, explained.
The clinic aims to assist parents and caregivers learn how to better communicate with their baby. It is a free session, which includes reference guides to be taken home. If the clinic is found to be a fit for the lives of the parents and caregivers, they will be able to order a complete starter kit.
"The baby signs clinic will give parents and caregivers approximately 20 signs to help communicate with their baby," Carley stated.
The idea first developed for CFY when Jenn Sedor, School Age Learning Coordinator, discovered it at a tradeshow she had attended. Thinking it was a great opportunity for families and a very interesting approach to communication learning, CFY organized a clinic. They have held a few in the past, but as families grow and new families created it is important to revisit helpful parenting tools.
"[T]hey [have] been very successful so some of the moms from playroom had been requesting it again."
"I feel the baby signs is a great way to get a head start communicating with your baby. Many times, both baby and parent, become frustrated when the baby can't communicate their needs or why he/she is crying. Hopefully, this class will help to alleviate some of the frustration. It's also a head start to vocabulary."To register for the free clinic, contact CFY at (306)453-2666. People are welcome to attend without registering; but, it is highly encouraged so the instructor will have enough materials for all.
