The Top 10 Signs I’ll Teach My Baby

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When it comes to parenting, everyone has an opinion. As a mom of three, I’m pretty used to unsolicited advice. Still, it can be grating when strangers or even casual acquaintances feel the need to share their thoughts. Just yesterday, while picking up my 4-year-old from preschool with my little one snug on my hip, a woman I vaguely recognize asked if I planned to teach my baby sign language.

Seriously? While I know some parents swear by teaching sign language to their babies, I can’t help but wonder if it’s become some kind of trend. Is it really necessary for me to learn a whole new language just to communicate with my baby? I already have a good grasp of what my baby wants and needs. Plus, let’s face it: I don’t have the time to learn sign language on top of everything else I’m juggling.

And what about the rest of the family? If my baby learns sign language, will Grandma and Dad be able to keep up? I recently taught my 92-year-old grandfather how to use Facebook, so I think I’ll pass on becoming a sign language instructor just for my 11-month-old to make a request to be picked up.

Instead, I’m opting for gestures that will serve him well throughout his life—simple, universal signs that everyone will recognize. With these signs, he can effectively communicate without needing a whole vocabulary right away. Here’s what I plan to teach:

1. The Finger: The classic “Forget You” sign. If he’s anything like me, he’ll use this one frequently.
2. The Bite Me: A cheeky crotch grab that’s great for those playful moments.
3. The Hang Ten: This cool Hawaiian Shaka sign is all about chilling out—definitely a lesson worth learning!
4. The World’s Smallest Violin: A gesture for expressing sarcasm—something we have plenty of around here. Welcome to the family!
5. The Thumbs Up: Universally recognized, this sign means “all good” and will be handy for him in all kinds of situations.
6. The A-Okay: Similar to the thumbs up, it’s a quick way to say he’s feeling great!
7. The Cuckoo Sign: When someone is talking nonsense, he can point to his temple and make a circular motion—it’ll be a family favorite!
8. The Blah-Blah-Blah: This gesture mimics a boring monologue and is essential for those long-winded stories.
9. Loser: Forming an “L” with his fingers and placing it on his forehead will come in handy for the occasional jab.
10. Talk to the Hand: My 4-year-old has already perfected this, so I’m sure the baby will learn it fast!

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In summary, while some may advocate for teaching babies sign language, I prefer to focus on gestures that are straightforward and widely understood. My baby will learn practical signs that will help him communicate effectively from a young age!