Do you think it's too late?

The only one I have used so far is "eat." Do you think it is too late to start teaching them to sign some other words like, "more," "thirsty," or any other words?

For those of you who have tuaght signing words, when did they start actually using the signed words to communicate their needs and wants? What do you feel are the most important and helpful words for them to know?

Thanks

 

I don't think it's too late at all. I had only used more and all done up to about the age your girls are now and added things like help, eat, cookie, etc since then. They will pick them up more quickly now and it will really help them communicate their needs with you. I would take the needs they were struggling with, find the sign and teach them that each time they needed it. I'd say, do you want "help" and do the sign at the same time. Then I was say, can you say "help" and have them repeat the sign. Usually after a few times of that the sign stuck.

 

Not too late at all. We didn't start until 15 months and now mine are 20 months. It's incredibly helpful!
Mine took about a 3 weeks of me and DH signing to them to really pick up on using it themselves. DD loves to sign and knows about 40 signs while our DS will only do about 10. He just isin't into it as much. I think every child is different. Good Luck!

 

We started using signs when the girls were around 9 months but they really didn't start using them until they were about 12 months. The thing that helped the most was this video. We also used this one. They were the only ones that kept their interest. They would get so excited every time the DVD started and they loved to copy the signs. Now that they're talking so much, they still use the signs when they say the words. What's really funny is they haven't watched those videos in a long time but the other day, Alana started signing and saying "Share" out of the blue. She uses it when she wants to switch what she has with what Alexis has. :wub:

 

Although my babies are much younger than yours, I just wanted to say the book I am reading about signing to them says it's good to start around 6-9 months BUT you can start anytime. I say go for it! I have heard such positive results from SO many people. Good luck!

 

It's definately NOT too late!!! We started around nine months and the babies were able to really start using the signs at about 12 months. I wouldn't hesitate to get started! HAVE FUN

ETA...

Some of our most helpful words at that age...

Just about any food word: apple, banana, cookie, water, milk, bread.....
STOP
Dirty
Play
Sleep/tired/goodnight
Baby (that's what they call their loveys)
Manners words...please, thank you, share, my turn/your turn
Like & Don't like

 

I don't think it's too late to learn. Mine are still learning and using the signs. They love to watch the videos.

Jakki