7 Great Signs for the Holidays: #5-7 (Gift, Please, Thank you)

7 Great Signs for the Holidays: #5-7

Click here to watch a short video that will teach you the signs for GIFT, PLEASE AND THANK YOU.

Need a last-minute gift?
The 25 Days of Christmas Final Deal is still happening: Get 25% off your entire purchase at BabySigns.com.

Promo Code: 25off
Good through 11 p.m. PST 12/25/2009.
Instructions for using codes

Holiday Greeting Video for YOU!

Baby Signs, Inc. Holiday Video Card 2009

Thank you for making 2009 a wonderful year.
We wish you and your family the best this holiday season!

Linda Acredolo, Co-Founder
Susan Goodwyn, Co-Founder
and the staff at Baby Signs, Inc.

25 Days of Christmas!

Saturday, December 19

Today's Deal: Save $25 on the Baby Signs Complete DVD Series

The Baby Signs Complete DVD Series is a complete boxed set of 7 DVDs:

• My Mealtime Signs (Teaches the signs for Eat, Drink, More, Milk, Cereal, Bib and All Done.)
• My Bedtime Signs (Teaches the signs for Stars, Moon, Book, Light, Sleep and Love.)
• My Bath Time Signs (Teaches the signs for Bath, Bubbles, Water, Toothbrush, Frog and Duck.)
• My Pets Signs (Teaches the signs for Cat, Dog, Bird, Bunny, Fish and Turtle.)
• My Park Signs (Teaches the signs for Ball, Butterfly, Slide, Flower, Tree and Swing.)
• My Getting Dressed Signs (Teaches the signs for Hat, Coat, Shoes, Socks, Comb and Diaper.)
• Bonus DVD: Welcome to the Baby Signs Program Parent DVD with 100-sign Video Dictionary

Today's Code: DVD25
Extended! This code is good through 9 a.m. PST 12/21/2009.
Instructions for using codes

Today's Freebie:
Health and Medical Signs Video Dictionary and Posters

Baby Signs 25 Days of Christmas: Get promo code for 25% off Bedtime Signs DVD (and free poster)

Today's Deal: Get 25% off My Bedtime Signs DVD or Fun Pack

My Bedtime Signs DVD teaches important signs for bedtime and naptime: Stars, Moon, Book, Light, Sleep and Love. Total run time: 23:14

The My Bedtime Signs DVD Fun Pack includes the DVD shown above plus the My Mealtime Signs book and 6 chunky flash cards that teach the same signs introduced in the DVD.

Today's Code: Sleep25
Extended! Good through 9 a.m. PST 12/20/2009. Instructions for using codes

Tomorrow's Deal: Get 25% off the Baby Signs Complete DVD Series!

Today's Freebie:
Baby Signs Poster: SLEEP

25 Days of Christmas! 25% off Bath DVD and Free Bath Poster

Today's Deal: Get 25% off My Bath Time Signs DVD
Baby Signs DVDs do more than entertain, they actually teach infants and toddlers how to sign using baby-friendly pacing, repetition, signing babies, animated characters, puppets and engaging music.
My Bath Time Signs DVD teaches the signs for Bath, Bubbles, Water, Toothbrush, Frog and Duck.(Total run time: 22:15)

Today's Code: BATH25
Extended! Good through 9 a.m. PST 12/19/2009. Instructions for using codes


Today's Freebie:
Baby Signs Poster: BATH

25 Days of Christmas: Day 16, Get 25% off Signing Flash Cards

Wednesday December 16

Today's Deal: Get 25% off the Baby Signs Concept Flash Cards

Concept Flash Cards Set 1

Concept Flash Cards Set 2

Today's Code: CC25

Extended! Good through 9 a.m. PST 12/18/2009.
Instructions for using codes

Today's Freebie: The Sleepytime Song (great for bedtime!)

25 Days of Christmas: Day 15

Today's Deal: Get 25% off the Baby Signs Circle Time Books

Circle Time Books Set 1

Circle Time Books Set 2

Today's Code: CTB25

This code is good through 9 a.m. PST 12/16/2009.
Instructions for using codes

Today's Freebie:

Article by Dr. Linda Acredolo:
Impact of Signing on Literacy

25 Days of Christmas: 25% off your entire order!

Monday, December 14

Today's Deal: Get 25% off your BabySigns.com order!

Today's Code: 25off
This code is good through 9 a.m. PST 12/15/2009. Instructions for using codes

Today's Freebie:
Baby Signs Coloring Pages: Bedtime Routine
These coloring pages show 5 signs to use during your baby's bedtime routine: MORE, ALL DONE, BOOK, DRINK, and SLEEP. Involve older siblings by asking them to color these pages and post them in your baby's room.

25 Days of Christmas: Day 13

Back by popular demand!


Get 25% off the Baby Signs Potty Training Kit!

Promo Code: Potty25

25 Days of Christmas: Day 12

Today's Deal:
Save 25% on the Baby Signs Board Books!
Retail price $8.99, with coupon just $6.74 with promo code

Favorites

Time to Eat!

Today's Code: BB25
This code is good through 9 a.m. PST 12/13/2009.

Today's Freebie:
Take a Baby Signs 101 Lesson Free at Knoodle.com
This free introductory lesson will introduce you to the benefits of the Baby Signs Program - presented by co-founders Dr. Linda Acredolo and Dr. Susan Goodwyn.

25 Days of Christmas: Day 11

Friday, December 11

Today's Deal:
Save 25% on the MORE Sign, Say & Play Kit
Retail price $69.99, with coupon just $52.49

BeeBo is the star of the show in this fun package of Baby Signs products that teach important safety, feelings and birthday signs, as well as signs for going outside, to the farm or the zoo. Kit includes:

• BeeBo's Playhouse
• Baby BeeBo Plush Toy
• Sign Along with BeeBo DVD
• BeeBo's Big Birthday Surprise Book
• Music CD and Songbook

Today's Code: MORE25
This code is good through 9 a.m. PST 12/12/2009.
Instructions for using codes

Today's Freebie:
Audio file and Lyrics Poster for "Here at the Zoo,"
a song from the music CD in the MORE Sign, Say & Play Kit shown above.

25 Days of Christmas: Day 10 Get $25 off Complete DVD Series

Today's Deal:
Save $25 on the Baby Signs Complete DVD Series

The Baby Signs Complete DVD Series is a complete boxed set of 7 DVDs:

• My Mealtime Signs (Teaches the signs for Eat, Drink, More, Milk, Cereal, Bib and All Done.)


• My Bedtime Signs (Teaches the signs for Stars, Moon, Book, Light, Sleep and Love.)


• My Bath Time Signs (Teaches the signs for Bath, Bubbles, Water, Toothbrush, Frog and Duck.)


• My Pets Signs (Teaches the signs for Cat, Dog, Bird, Bunny, Fish and Turtle.)


• My Park Signs (Teaches the signs for Ball, Butterfly, Slide, Flower, Tree and Swing.)


• My Getting Dressed Signs (Teaches the signs for Hat, Coat, Shoes, Socks, Comb and Diaper.)


• Bonus DVD: Parent DVD with 100-sign Video Dictionary
  

Today's Code: DVD25
This code is good through 9 a.m. PST 12/11/2009.
Instructions for using codes


Today's Freebie:
Article by Dr. Acredolo: Babies and TV: What do we know?

25 Days of Christmas: Gift Suggestion for your Childcare Provider - and Free Poster!

Wednesday, December 9

Today's Deal:
Save 25% on BeeBo the Baby Signs Bear

Looking for a great gift for your child's caregiver or child care center? BeeBo the Baby Signs Bear is the perfect fit. Just sit BeeBo on your lap, slip your hands inside his gloves, and you are ready for signing fun and imaginative play. BeeBo makes it easy to provide enriching, playful, and heartwarming learning experiences for your child.

Today's Code: beebo25
This code is good through 9 a.m. PST 12/10/2009. Instructions for using codes


Today's Freebie:
Baby Signs Poster: BEAR

25 Days of Christmas: Save on the new Value Pack!

Tuesday, December 8

Today's Deal: Save 25% on the Baby Signs Value Pack
Save on this already discounted bundle
of 37 great products!

Today's Code: Value25
This code is good through 9 a.m. PST 12/9/2009.
Instructions for using codes

Today's Freebie:
Baby Signs Video Dictionary DVD
with 150 ASL signs and 35 baby-friendly signs.

25 Days of Christmas: Day 7 Snuggle with Baby BeeBo

Monday, December 7

Today's Deal: Save 25% on Baby BeeBo!
Regular Price $19.90, with code just $14.99.

Your baby will love Baby BeeBo, the "baby" version of the Baby Signs character that stars in all the Baby Signs DVDs. This soft and lovable 12" teddy bear makes a great companion for your baby while signing along with a Baby Signs DVD or book, or simply as a cozy friend for cuddling at nap time or bedtime. (Hat not included.)

Today's Code: baby25
This code is good through 9 a.m. PST 12/8/2009.
Instructions for using codes

Today's Freebie:
Watch this video with your baby and learn the sign for LIGHT!

7 Great Signs for the Holidays: LIGHT

Watch this video with your baby and learn the sign for LIGHT!

Visit us at www.babysigns.com

25 Days of Christmas: Day 6

Sunday, December 6

Today's Deal:
Save $25 on the Baby Signs Deluxe DVD Fun Pack!
Regular Price $100, with code just $75.

Product Information:
Get all 6 DVD Fun Packs! Each of the 6 Packs includes three integrated products that work together to teach your baby to sign: a book, DVD and flashcard set - that's a total of 6 videos, 6 Books and 37 flashcards that teach the following signs:

• Mealtime Signs DVD Fun Pack (Eat, Drink, More, Milk, Cereal, Bib and All Done)
  
• Bedtime Signs DVD Fun Pack (Stars, Moon, Book, Light, Sleep and Love)
  
• Bath Time DVD Fun Pack (Bath, Bubbles, Water, Toothbrush, Frog and Duck)


• Getting Dressed DVD Fun Pack (Hat, Coat, Shoes, Socks,Comb and Diaper)


• Pets DVD Fun Pack (Cat, Dog, Bird, Bunny, Fish and Turtle)


• Park DVD Fun Pack (Ball, Butterfly, Slide, Flower, Tree and Swing)
  

Today's Code: deluxe25
This code is good through 9 a.m. PST 12/7/2009.

Instructions for using codes

Today's Freebie:
Downloadable Health and Medical Signs Poster

25 Days of Christmas: Day 5 is 25% off EVERYTHING (one day only)

Saturday, December 5

Today's Deal:
Get 25% off your entire order at BabySigns.com!

Today's Code: 25off

Good through 9 a.m. PST 12/6/2009.

Instructions for using codes

Today's Freebie: Article: Impact of Signing on Attachment

This article by child development experts Dr. Linda Acredolo and Dr. Susan Goodwyn will tell you how signing can help you establish a closer bond between you and your baby.

25 Days of Christmas: 25% off Birthday Book

Every day until December 25th, we'll be posting special Promo Codes for www.BabySigns.com. Get products for $25, save 25% or get $25 off.

December 4th: Get 25% off BeeBo's Big Birthday Surprise board book - regularly $9.99, with code just $7.49.
Today's Code: HAPPY25

Click here for more information - and a FREE Birthday Song download.

PS: Tomorrow's code is for 25% off EVERYTHING (one day only!)

7 Signs for the Holidays: #3 LOVE

Watch this video with your baby and learn the American Sign Language (ASL) sign for LOVE!
Click here to download a FREE signing poster!

25 Days of Christmas!

Every day until December 25th, we'll be posting special Promo Codes for www.BabySigns.com. Get products for $25, save 25% or get $25 off.

Today's Deal: Get the Baby Signs Potty Training Kit for just $25 (regularly $39.95)
Today's Code: Potty25

Click here for more information.

7 Great Signs for the Holidays: Learn the sign for TREE

Watch this video with your baby and learn the ASL sign for TREE!
Happy Holidays from Baby Signs, Inc.

Baby Signs Doctors in Asia: Spreading the Good News

You’ve heard us say it and seen it on our web site: “The Baby Signs® Program is the World’s Leading Sign Language Program for Babies.” Well, after the three week visit to Asia that Dr. Susan Goodwyn and I made in late October, the statement rings truer than ever!

The trip had many goals, but one of the most important was to work with local partners to establish Baby Signs Taiwan and Baby Signs China. We are so excited to be able to welcome these wonderful new team members to our world-wide Baby Signs® family!

Another highlight of the trip was the chance to introduce the Baby Signs® Program to students and faculty at four major universities in Taiwan, as well as to share information about early intellectual development drawn from our second book, Baby Minds. The response to these presentations was overwhelmingly positive. In fact, based on the number of photos taken and autographs given at the end of our talks, we began to feel like “rock stars!”

Our stay in Taiwan was followed by seven wonderful days in Japan, the home of our very first international partnership. Established in 2005, Baby Signs Japan is justifiably proud of its instructor network which is flourishing.

Through it all, we couldn’t have been treated with more warmth, respect, and enthusiasm. However, the most important gift was the perspective it gave the two of us on the incredible impact the Baby Signs® Program is having on families on the other side of the world. All in all, a fascinating and tremendously rewarding trip!

-Linda Acredolo, Ph.D.

Co-founder, Baby Signs, Inc.


Here we are with Ann Supanklang, Director of the Baby Signs Institute and Hannah from Baby Signs Taiwan at Tapai 101, reportedly the world's tallest building.

Baby Signs Family Newsletter November 09

Baby Signs Family Newsletter, November 2009

New video from Baby Signs: Join our Team!

Baby Signs in the Funny Pages

Great Baby Signs article in November Parents Magazine!

There's a great article on pages 164 and 166 of the November issue of Parents Magazine about signing with babies! Dr. Acredolo is quoted throughout the article.

Baby signs "more" to ask her daddy for more . . . of his time!

A Baby Signs Instructor shared this heartwarming story from a mom in her Sign, Say & Play class:

"A. usually sees her Daddy at breakfast, he stops in at lunch, and she sees him again at dinner, but this last week he's had a big project that hasn't allowed him to come in for meals. He came inside for tools, and stopped to quickly kiss A, on his way back out the door- and she began to sign "more" while saying the word "Da-Da." Daddy responded by taking a break for an hour, to spend time with his little girl.

How wonderful that she could let her parents know that she missed her Daddy and wanted him to spend more time with her!"

Baby Signs is Amazing: Guest post from Nicole Borza Koch

A Sacramento, CA mom felt compelled to share her thoughts about the Baby Signs Program on Facebook today. We enjoyed reading her signing story so much so we're sharing it with you.

-----------------

I feel compelled to write a testimonial because signing with Lily & specifically the Baby Signs program has totally changed our lives for the better!

We started signing to Lily as soon as she was born. We only knew about 10+ signs, but we would make them every time we could, especially signs like "milk". When Lily was 4 months old . . . she started signing "milk" when she wanted to eat! It was amazing! By the time she was 8 months old, she also knew "more", "hot", and "dog".

When Lily was 11 months old, we started our Baby Signs class. The class was amazing. In the babies eyes, the class is taught by Beebo, the Bear. What an ingenious idea! What a great way to capture their attention! Each child is given the spotlight during the class. We socialize, we sign, we sing, we play with toys, we read, we experience. It utilizes every possible method of learning and it WORKS! Within 1 week, Lily knew about 5 more signs. Now . . . she knows 40+ (I just counted the other day) and she's only 14 months old. She's talking also, so signing is definitely not a deterant for talking, but she makes her signs while she tries to say words.

Being able to communicate with her is SUCH a blessing. I love knowing that not only does she want to eat, but specifically that she wants cheese . . . or eggs . . . or milk. As a first time mother, being able to communicate so clearly with my child at such a young age is very comforting because I feel like I can truly meet her needs.

We have signed up for our second series of Baby Signs classes & we can't wait. Lily LOVES Beebo, the Bear. She doesn't watch any TV, except for her Baby Signs DVD. We have tried other shows like Sesame Street a few times, but she specifically askes for "Beebo . . . on!" She gets SO excited when the DVD comes on. She points & smiles & laughs & dances & signs. We also listen to our Baby Signs CD in the car. A few weeks ago, I was driving & tired, so I wasn't signing and singing like I normally do. I looked in our baby mirror & saw Lily concentrating very intently . . . and signing! Every word that a person was supposed to sign, she was!!! "Eat, eat, eat some food, eat some food, I say . . . "

Baby Signs is amazing! I HIGHLY recommend it to all parents of babies & toddlers :)

-Nicole

Thank you!

On behalf of Dr. Acredolo, Dr. Goodwyn and all of the staff at Baby Signs, Inc., we want to thank you for your endorsements of the Baby Signs story for our Shine A Light nomination. Our story received the required number of endorsements to move on to phase two of this small business award competition; however we were not selected for the final 3 contestants.

If you would like to vote for one of the three outstanding finalist, you can visit http://shinealight.ivillage.com/

Thank you for your continued support of the Baby Signs Program.

-Linda Easton-Waller
Director of Marketing,
Baby Signs, Inc.

How to Go Diaper-Free and Save $$ | News10.net | Sacramento, California | News Featured

Elimination Communication: Woman Teaching Moms How to Go Diaper-Free | News10.net | Sacramento, California | News Featured

Shared via AddThis

Endorse our story and help Baby Signs win!

We've been nominated for the American Express Shine A Light small business contest. You can help Baby Signs by endorsing our story!

How To Raise A Reader

Check out this great article from Parents.com featuring Dr. Linda Acredolo

By Kim Ratcliff

Settling into a comfy chair with your child to read a story is one of the best things about being a parent. And if you haven't already made reading a daily habit, you need to start now, since books benefit kids in so many ways. "First of all, reading with your child is a wonderful bonding experience," says Parents advisor Linda Acredolo, PhD, coauthor of Baby Minds. Your kid gets to bask in your undivided attention, which makes storytime truly magical. Reading every single day also helps your child learn to talk, expand her vocabulary, build her imagination, and get prepped for school. Our expert tips will get your child hooked on books for life.

Reading with Babies
You can't start the reading habit too early. At 3 to 6 months, your baby will be more interested in chewing her board books, but by the end of her first year, she'll probably pick out favorites.

What They Learn
When you turn pages with your baby in your arms, she'll associate books with snuggling. "As an infant, she's learning to value books because it means she gets to cuddle with her mom or dad," says Dr. Acredolo. But most important, reading to a young baby ultimately helps her learn to talk. She begins to connect pictures with words. At 9 months, she'll be able to home in on your tone of voice, cadence, and the length of sentences. "Parents help a baby learn language by speaking to her often, with varied vocabulary and about topics she finds interesting," says Parents advisor Kathleen McCartney, PhD, professor of early-childhood development at Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Make Reading Fun

• Go for the right touch (and taste!). Babies learn through their senses, so buy cardboard or cloth books that they can put in their mouth.



• Face it. Infants love looking at pictures of faces, especially those of other babies.



• Be silly. Is there a phone in the story? Say, "Ring, ring. Hello? I'm sorry Olivia can't take your call; she's in a meeting."



• Point out things in the real world. When you're taking a walk, talk about stuff you've read about in books. "See the doggie?" This will help her begin to associate the word "dog" with her picture book and the live creature in front of her.

----------------------------

• Go to original Parents.com article.
  
• Read about how signing impacts early literacy.


• See video of a baby signing and "reading!"
  
• Visit BabySigns.com

Congratulations to our V.Smile Baby Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Carol at http://ceeceeblogger.blogspot.com/ who won our v.Smile Baby Giveaway contest.

Carol, please send your mailing address to me at lindae {at} babysigns {dot} com.

Thank you to all who participated. Watch this blog for more contest announcements.

-Linda Easton-Waller
Director of Marketing,
Baby Signs, Inc.

Get Ready for Cold and Flu Season: Part 2

Click here to see a video dictionary of health
and medical signs on the Baby Signs website.

How to Prepare Your Baby for Cold and Flu Season

As children go back to school, they become exposed to new viruses and bring them home to share with the family. If you have an infant in the house, there’s a good possibility that you’ll be caring for a sick baby at least once during the upcoming cold and flu season.

Sometimes it’s hard to know when a baby is sick. Your baby might have a low-grade fever, but when she can’t talk, there’s no way for her to tell if her throat hurts or her ears ache. With the H1N1 “swine flu” virus looming on the horizon, it’s especially important for parents to know that they CAN communicate with their baby when it comes to health issues.

We encourage you to start now to each these simple signs that will help your baby:

• tell you if he’s feeling (HOT, COLD, SICK)
• tell you where he’s feeling pain (HURT)
• know what to expect during a visit to the doctor (HELP, DOCTOR, MEDICINE)
• understand when pain will end when getting an immunization (ALL DONE)
• communicate about health-promoting activities (WASH)

Download your free Health Signs Poster!

Have you had experiences using these signs (or others) to talk with your baby about health issues?

Can earlier potty training help prevent child abuse?

The Problem
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “…more abuse occurs during toilet training than during any other developmental step.” (Source: Schmitt, B.D. Toilet Training your child: The basics. Contemporary Pediatrics. 2004; 21 (3): 120-122. As quoted in AAP Potty Training Guide http://www.aap.org/practicingsafety/module7.htm) (See also www.childdeathreview.org/reports/FL_2007CADRrpt.pdf)

Examples: Some recent cases reported in the Wichita Eagle (KS) - July 08, 2009

*Summer 2008: A little girl was severely beaten for soiling her diapers. She was then stuffed in a pillow case and trash bags and placed in the attic. A medical examiner said the girl was likely still alive and suffocated over the course of several hours.

*Summer 08: In Memphis, police say a 2-year-old girl was beaten to death by her father over a potty training issue.

* June 09: In Sacramento, Calif., a 27-year-old man was arraigned on murder charges for allegedly throwing his girlfriend’s 4-year-old son against a wall after the boy urinated in his diaper in the night.

*June 09: A husband and wife in Phoenix were accused of severely beating their 4-year-old daughter because she had not gone to the bathroom.

* And in Columbia, S.C., a father is in jail after being accused of kicking his 3-year-old daughter in the head and stomach, critically injuring her, over potty training issues.

WHY the problem?
These are examples of out-of-control parents who obviously lack the knowledge and skills to handle potty training. However, even the most educated and savvy parent will tell you than potty training is challenging.

The basic problem is that, all too often, parents assume that “waiting until a child is ready” means waiting until the child volunteers to learn to use the potty. Unfortunately, that seldom happens. The result is that too many parents keep waiting—as their child turns 2, 3, or even 4!

But at least children this old can talk and, therefore, tell you when they need to go. Isn’t that critical? The answer is no. According to child development expert, Dr. Linda Acredolo, “the age at which children become really verbal (around 24 months) is also likely to be when they also are beginning to strongly assert their independence. As a result, delaying potty training until they can talk all too often ends up involving a huge battle of wills.” Instead, parents who begin potty training before age 2 can tap into a period of development when toddlers are still relatively complaint and are naturally more inclined to imitate parents and siblings.

But if they can’t talk, how can they communicate their need to go? Here’s how.

Signs for Success
Babies love to use sign language to help them communicate before they can talk. By teaching babies the sign for “potty” (make fist with thumb between first two fingers, shake), they can easily communicate to their parents when they have to go. With the use of simple potty-time signs, babies can take advantage of the physical and emotional readiness that develops around their first birthday—and before their favorite word is “no.”.

Early potty training may not work for all children due to individual differences, health factors or developmental delays, but it will work for most – and it offers the promise of reducing parental frustration and protecting children from potential abuse.

Happy Signing!
--Linda

Linda Acredolo, Ph.D.
Co-Founder, Baby Signs Program
and the Baby Signs Potty Training Program

The Baby Signs Program and Autism: Exploring the Benefits

Hello!

I have a request. Over the years, Dr. Susan Goodwyn, co-founder with me of the Baby Signs Program, and I have received emails from Baby Signs Instructors, from parents, and even from our academic colleagues, all commenting on the potential benefits, not just of signing, but specifically of the Baby Signs Program, for autistic children and urging us to take a closer look. Given the severe problems so many autistic children have with verbal language, we believed they were right, but there always seemed to be other initiatives taking priority—until now. For some reason the frequency of such comments has increased recently, and one email in particular from a Baby Signs Instructor this week has caused us to really sit up and take notice. Here’s what she told us:

“I got a call from someone who teaches autistic children. She thanked me for teaching the Baby Signs® Program and shared that she uses signs with the older kids she works with and it really helps them. She went on to say that our teaching signs to parents of babies is a wonderful thing for autistic children because parents often do not get a diagnosis until they are older, so they are getting some intervention before they even know there is a problem. I have heard the same thing from other parents. A relative of my sister was told by her intervention team that having her baby in a preschool that used signs really helped him escape some of the detrimental affects of his autism. With 1 out of every 150 children being diagnosed with autism, it is more important than ever that we reach families and children early, and your program is doing this.”

What startled us into action was the insight that by teaching young babies to sign, we are providing parents of autistic children “…some intervention before they even know there is a problem.”

With this email as our inspiration, Susan and I have began to explore the research literature more closely. What we have already learned strengthens our hypothesis that our program, including our DVD-based potty training program, holds the promise of being especially beneficial to families with autistic children, both before and after they are diagnosed. What we are hoping now is that, by posting this message, we can reach individuals who might have relevant observations to share—both parents and professionals—about the impact of signing in general and/or of our program in particular on autistic children.

So, if you do have any insights to share, we’d really appreciate hearing from you!
• What have you observed?
• What has worked—and why?
• What hasn’t worked—and why?
• Would you be able to help us to conduct an informal study of the effectiveness of our program?

These children—and their parents—deserve any help we can provide. Feel free to comment here or contact me personally by email at dracredolo@babysigns.com.

Happy Signing!
Linda

Linda Acredolo, Ph.D.
Co-Founder, The Baby Signs® Program

Welcome to our Baby Signs Blog!

Everyone at the Baby Signs home office was thrilled to see all the comments in response to our contest! We especially loved reading about favorite products. My own personal favorite is BeeBo, our teaching puppet. I remember the very first set of 10 BeeBos we created in Susan Goodwyn's (co-founder with me of the Baby Signs Program) living room. We had purchased 10 big Teddy Bears, 10 sweatshirts, and 10 sets of gloves at Walmart. We then had to cut all the bears' arms off and cut wholes in the backs of the sweatshirts so that the human's arms could become BeeBo's. It was quite an assembly line! Even those first make-shift BeeBos were a big hit--and the rest, as they say, is history.

Happy Signing!
Linda

Linda Acredolo, Ph.D.
Co-Founder, the Baby Signs Program

BeeBo then . . . and today!

Contest! Win a V.Smile Baby™ Infant Development System from Baby Signs, Inc.

Win a V.Smile Baby™ Infant Development System for your baby!

V.Smile Baby provides fun and enriching ways for parents to interact and learn with their babies. Parents plug the console into the TV and insert their baby's favorite Smartridge™ (Learn & Discover Home Smartridge™ is included). Together, parent and baby play with the activity panel to interact with the delightful learning environments they see on the TV screen. With V.Smile Baby, you can share the joy and excitement of learning as you watch your baby grow.

V.Smile Baby Infant Development System teaches numbers, shapes, colors, animals and signs. Dr. Susan Goodwyn and Dr. Linda Acredolo, authors’ of Baby Signs: How To Talk With Your Baby Before Your Baby Can Talk, have helped VTech provide a great start for signing with your baby.


How to Enter

MANDATORY ENTRY:
Visit the online store at BabySigns.com.
Post on this blog to tell us which product you would love to have.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
For additional entries, post a blog entry when you:

• Follow/Subscribe to this blog


• Subscribe to BabySignsTV


• Follow us on Twitter


• Friend us on Facebook


• Blog about this contest (include link to your blog in your post)


• Tweet about this contest. You can tweet the following daily:
  Win a V.Smile Baby Infant Development System for your baby! Sponsored by Baby Signs, Inc. http://babysignsinc.blogspot.com
  

CONTEST RULES:
Due to shipping restrictions, this contest is only open to readers in the United States. Giveaway will end 8/31/2009 at 10:00 am PST. Winner will be chosen using http://www.random.org/. If winner does not respond within 5 business days, an alterate winner will be chosen. Please allow 10 business days for shipping. Baby Signs, Inc. reserves the right to revise the terms and conditions of this contest at any time.

Good luck to all entrants!

www.sweepsadvantage.com

www.contesthound.com

Reflections on Being a Grandma

I wrote a few days ago about my new twin grandbabies and how I’m taking care of little Nathan during the nights as Mom and Dad (Jim and Julie) struggle with Olivia’s feeding issues and colic. In the process, I’ve noticed something astounding about myself. Normally I am a multitasker extraordinaire and feel very impatient about “wasting time.” I can’t even watch TV without doing something else—even if it’s a jigsaw puzzle! In sharp contrast, I can hold little Nathan for hours--feeding him, burping him, looking into his eyes, and just cuddling--and the time whizzes by! It’s such a lovely, lovely feeling! I’m sure I felt the same way 23 years ago with my own children—but maybe not. Maybe the relief of being a grandparent rather than the “one in charge” lowers the anxiety level--and the work load--just enough to allow pure sensations of love to reign supreme. I wonder. . .

Happy Signing!
Grandma Linda

Linda Acredolo, Ph.D.
Co-Founder, The Baby Signs Program

Using Baby Signs to fight a global pandemic? What do you think of this?

This BBC news report surprised us!

What you think about using baby sign language in the fight against swine flu?
We'd love to hear your opionions.

Linda Easton
Director of Marketing,
Baby Signs, Inc.

Two Future Baby Signs Babies!

I’m a bit tired these days—but a happy tired. My step-son, Jim, and daughter-in-law, Julie, finally have both their twin babies home from the NICU (known as the “nick-you” by parents of premies). They were born at 31 weeks and just over 3 pounds each and had to stay in the hospital for several months. Because the little girl, Olivia, is still having some feeding issues, I’ve been taking care of the little boy, Nathan, at night since they both came home about 10 days ago. Fortunately, he’s a great eater even if he doesn’t have the sleeping part down yet. I'm delighted to say, however, that he's even adorable at 2AM (and 4, and 6 AM)! My husband, Grandpa Larry is pitching in, too. He loves to cook, so he’s been bringing dinner for all of us every night.

You can bet I’ll be modeling signs—starting with SLEEP and PLEASE!

Anybody out there have experience with newborn twins? How have you coped? Have they used baby sign language with each other? I can't wait to see for myself!

Happy Signing!
Grandma Linda

Linda Acredolo, Ph.D.
Co-Founder
The Baby Signs Program

New! Free Baby Signs Poster "6 Summer Signs"

We hope you are enjoying your summer.

Click on the poster or on the link below to download this free Baby Signs poster that features 6 fun sign for summer: Hat, Hot, Water, Play, Ice Cream and Outside.

Happy Signing!

-Baby Signs, Inc.

Signs for Summer

One Family's Baby Signs Experience

When I visit a blog myself, I often read the main entry but only rarely follow through and also read the comments. Because anyone doing that here would miss the wonderful comment contributed by Shawna about her daughter's enchanting experience with baby sign language, I've decided to just go ahead and reiterate Shawna's comment myself. I think you'll see why the word "enchanting" fits so well!

Shawna said...
"I was thinking more about how signing went beyond meal times and really impacted our lives. There are three specific things that came to mind.

One is related to the "decrease in tears and tantrums", HELP. When Madison learned to sign HELP she would work on something, a puzzle or climbing a step, and I would wait for her to sign HELP before stepping in. I learned quickly to do this because it allowed her to ask when she was ready for help and avoided a potential "fit" because she wanted to do it. While she doesn't sign it, I know she asks for help when she needs it because the concept was taught to her so early.

Second are the comments I have received about how polite Madison is. Folks are so surprised when she signs/says THANK YOU, PLEASE, YOU'RE WELCOME. We started these signs when she was only 6 months old at the end of each Sign Say and Play class. Once they took hold, they were there to stay. It warms my heart now when she says "Tissue Please" or we are playing and I hand her something and she says "Thanks". Waitresses are always commenting when they ask her something, not even thinking she is old enough to speak and she says "Yes Please" unprompted. She is articulate and polite because of signing.

Third is my favorite. I think the feelings signs we learned in the first class of More Sign Say and Play have taught her to have compassion for others. The feelings and the colors taught in that first class are my all time favorite, while the most difficult for us to master, once we did, we had a great time exploring our world with them. At a mere 11 months old while flying on an airplane she heard a baby crying and immediately looked worried, signed CRYING BABY and wanted to stand up and look around for him. Now at 21 months she extended this compassion to a pinata at a birthday party. She was not pleases that the kids were beating up this perfectly pink tiara and while she had no idea there was candy involved, she cried when they finally busted it open, not from fear but from being upset. She kept saying "Broke it" over and over. She picked it up and tried to put it back together. She showed more compassion for this object than some people do for other people. I am so PROUD (She loves this sign too especially during potty time)

I am so very proud of her, proud that we were able to experience this signing adventure with our Baby Signs Instructor Beth Roland. Madison still signs everyday even though she can say everything she can sign now. At 12 months she had over 150 signs and wasn't speaking much. Boy when the words came they flooded in and now she is a chatterbox. Sometimes we play a game where I do the sign and she says the word. It is fun. Sometimes she will just out of the blue do a sign she never did as a baby, like DADDY. She started saying it before she was able to sign it so we stopped that one. Then one day I went in her room and she signed DADDY. I LOVE YOU took a long time too, difficult I think, but we never stopped that one and she finally got the pinky involved!

I sure wish I had more videos. I do know that seeing is believing because 3 families have already done the SSP classes because of seeing Madison (one in a restaurant, a lady came up to me and said "Are you talking to her? Is she talking to you? I explained what we were doing and how and she signed up that very week!) and three more are planning to when the babies get older.

My Dad thought we were crazy when we started but when he was able to actually talk to her about things she was interested in, butterflies, birds, trucks, worms, colors, he was hooked!

I am a believer for sure and appreciate this opportunity to share my story with you. Thank you so very much for all your dedication and research and passion for our babies. Your work has truly impacted the relationship I have with my only child.

Sincerely, Shawna and Madison"

Now, wasn't that lovely?
Happy Signing!

Linda Acredolo, Ph.D.
Co-Founder
The Baby Sigsn Program

Today's Headline: Parents Going Ga Ga Over Baby Signs Class

Read this news story about Baby Signs Instructor Lorraine Hazel and find out why families are "going ga ga" over her Baby Signs class!

Watch the video, too.

Thanks, Lorraine, for helping families discover the joys of the Baby Signs Program.

Baby Sign Language in Action!

A few days ago (Monday 7/20/09 is be exact) I wrote about the wide variety of signs that babies use—that they love to communicate about lots more things beyond wanting more milk or being hungry. Several parents responded with lovely examples from their own experiences with the Baby Signs Program, including Baby Madison using signs to indicate that she understood that it was too COLD to go OUTSIDE and, therefore, not pitching a fit when Mom said she had to wait until later. I really love stories like this one because they demonstrates how baby signing enables two minds—the baby’s and the parent’s—to meet, if you will, on an even playing field and achieve an understanding. No wonder the most frequent advantage parents mention is a decrease in tears and tantrums.

Madeleine, another mom, included a link to her own blog where she not only describes in words some of her daughter Darcy’s fun times with signs, but also a wonderful video of Darcy signing. I love the video because it shows lots of different contexts in which signing occurs—mealtime, book reading, “out and about” with a great hat on! Over the years I’ve learned that many people don’t “get it” about baby sign language until they see it in action. That’s why videos like these are so valuable. Thanks Madeleine!

I’d love to hear more stories and see more videos. We need to PROVE it's not just "parlor tricks" for babies!

Happy Signing--

Linda Acredolo, Ph.D.
Co-Founder
The Baby Signs Program

Happy Friday!

Follow us on Twitter and get a coupon code to use at BabySigns.com.
Happy Friday!

Baby Sign Language—A Boon to Multilingual Households

One of the most frequent questions I get is the following: “My baby is exposed to two languages at home. Won’t adding the Baby Signs Program just make her task more complicated by adding a third?”

The answer is a strong and resounding “No!” The truth is that, no matter what form bilingual input takes, adding signing to the mix actually makes the child’s job easier, not harder. Here’s why.

In a bilingual household, babies hear two words being used to label objects, and what they need to figure out is that both words are equally valid—in other words, that they mean the same thing. For example, if a baby hears both the word “leche” and the word “milk,” he or she needs to understand that the words are equivalent.

And that’s where signing becomes helpful. Quite simply, signs act as mediators between the languages, making the equivalence of words obvious to the baby. For example, when the baby hears “leche” from Mom and “milk” from Dad and both parents pair the word they say with the MILK sign, the parents are making the job of connecting the object with the meanings of both words much easier for babies.

In other words, rather than confusing your bilingual child, baby sign language will help smooth the road to understanding and speaking both spoken languages.

Happy Signing!

Linda Acredolo, Ph.D.
Co-Founder,
Baby Signs Program

A Window into the Infant Mind

Much to my delight, the good news about baby sign language has spread far and wide—especially in contrast to how few people knew anything about it when Dr. Susan Goodwyn and I published our first article about babies and signing in 1985.

I do find, however, that many parents and child care providers focus almost exclusively on the signs around mealtime—like EAT, DRINK, MILK, MORE, ALL DONE. What a shame! Yes, babies want and need to communicate these things, but many of them are even more interested in communicating about the exciting things they see in the world around them.

Babies want to tell those they love that they see a doggie, a bird, a butterfly, or a truck. They want to request to read a book, blow bubbles, or go outside. Providing babies with signs for these things, as we do in the Baby Signs® Program, gives them a chance to share their worlds with adults—and gives adults an amazing window into the infant mind.

Happy Signing!

Linda Acredolo, Ph.D.
Co-Founder
The Baby Signs® Program