When it comes to parenting, everyone seems to have an opinion. As a mom of three, you’d think I’d be immune to the unsolicited advice, but no. Just yesterday, while picking up my 4-year-old from preschool with my little one snug on my hip, a woman I barely know asked if I planned to teach my baby sign language. Really? Is this a new parenting trend?
Sure, I get that some parents use sign language, but that’s not my style. I have a good grasp of what my baby needs without needing to learn a whole new language. Plus, let’s be real—when would I find the time to pick up sign language? Maybe in my spare time, I’ll also learn how to juggle or speak Portuguese. Yeah, right!
Besides, not everyone in our lives is going to know sign language. Is my baby supposed to communicate with Grandma or Dad using gestures? It’s just not practical. Instead, I’m opting for signs that will actually be useful throughout his life—gestures that everyone understands. With these signs, he can express himself without needing a dictionary, and I can feel accomplished.
Here are the top 10 signs that I’ll be teaching my little one:
- The Finger – The classic “Forget You!” gesture. If he’s anything like me, this one will come in handy more than once.
- The Bite Me – A cheeky crotch grab is always a hilarious option. Bonus: it works perfectly if you’re channeling Michael Jackson!
- The Hang Ten – Known in Hawaii as the Shaka, this sign is all about keeping it chill. A great reminder to relax when life gets hectic.
- The World’s Smallest Violin – Rubbing your thumb and forefinger together like you’re playing a violin? Pure sarcasm, and we love it in this household.
- The Thumbs Up – Universally recognized, this sign gets the point across that everything is good—whether you’re a doctor or a trucker.
- The A-Okay – Just like the thumbs up, this gesture tells everyone you’re doing just fine.
- The Cuckoo Sign – Pointing to your temple and making circles? We’ve all done it when someone is talking nonsense. I’m sure he’ll use this on me one day!
- The Blah-Blah-Blah – This sign mimics that annoying coworker who just won’t stop talking. A must-have in any family.
- Loser – Make an “L” shape with your fingers and place it on your forehead. A classic that never gets old.
- Talk to the Hand – My 4-year-old already excels at this one; he’ll probably pass it down to the baby!
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In summary, while teaching sign language to my baby may be a popular trend, I’ll be focusing on practical gestures that will serve him well throughout his life. After all, communication is key, and a few universal signs will make all the difference!