Mary Smith, a Licensed Educational ASL Interpreter and founder of Sign ‘n Grow, shares her expertise on using sign language for mealtime communication with babies. She debunks myths around signing delaying speech, revealing that it can actually enhance verbal skills. Mary discusses the right time to start signing and practical words to use at the table beyond just 'more' and 'all done.' Tune in to learn how sign language fosters better understanding and reduces frustration during mealtimes!
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insights INSIGHT
Sign Language Boosts Speech
Using sign language with hearing children does not delay speech development.
Research suggests it may actually help advance childhood speech.
insights INSIGHT
Early Communication Benefits
Babies can communicate needs earlier through sign language before verbal skills develop.
This reduces frustration and strengthens bonding between parent and baby.
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Start Simple with Signs
Learn just a few signs and incorporate them into daily routines with your baby.
Use signs simultaneously with spoken words without needing to master full ASL grammar.
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#162: Curious about communicating with your baby… especially during meal time? Today’s guest Mary Smith shares how sign language can be a fun and educational learning experience for both parent and baby!
Mary Smith @signngrow is a Licensed Educational American Sign Language Interpreter in Colorado with a degree in Deaf Studies. She is the founder and instructor at Sign ‘n Grow where she teaches parents how to communicate with their babies early.
Listen to this episode to learn:
Signing does not delay speech; using sign language with hearing children will not cause them to delay speech and in fact, research suggests it may advance childhood speech
Benefits of signing at mealtime and which words to use beyond “more” and “all done”
The best time to start signing with your baby and when you should start expecting your baby to sign back
Not sure about which foods to offer your baby next? Get your copy of my original 100 FIRST FOODS list on my free online video workshop called BABY-LED WEANING FOR BEGINNERS.
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Want guided help on how to make all of the 100 FIRST FOODS™ safely for your baby? My program BABY-LED WEANING WITH KATIE FERRARO has a 100 FIRST FOODS daily meal plan and everything else you need to start solid foods safely with baby-led weaning. CLICK HERE TO JOIN.
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Baby-Led Weaning with Katie Ferraro