Signing

When Erin and I began doing sign language with Nina, there were two schools of thought:

1) Terrible twos occur primarily because the child has a desire but is unable to communicate or convey his/her intention. Therefore any communication is good to minimize the temper tantrums and whining that is so characteristic of this age. In summary, Sign Language is good.

2) Teaching a child sign language will delay speech development because the child will be so dependent on signs that they will be reluctant to learn how to speak. In summary, Sign Language is bad.

The following article from Parents Magazine discusses a study that shows that children who learn how to sign typically learn how to speak earlier!