NOTE: The information contained in this section does not replace the care of a health professional. If you are in any doubt about the health or well being of your child seek professional assistance.

Question: Does it matter that we had kinda made up our own sign language?

"Hi Jackie,
I have taught my 21 month old daughter a few signs like, food, drink, sleep, poo and wee and it works incredibly well. Especially when she can tell me whether she is thirsty or hungry. Thanks so much for the inspiration! I just wanted to ask if it mattered that we had kinda made up our own sign language? Just that she has sort of adapted it to what she can do with her little hands. Or should we stick to the universal signing?
Thanks for your help
Jo "

Jackie Answers:

Hi Jo,
Thank you for your email.

As long you understand your daughter, that is the most important thing.
The reason I encourage the use of Auslan is that is the national sign language of Australia and it is the sign system that the majority of child care centres are using.

By using an established set of signs, you have consistency and can ensure that your baby will be understood wherever they go.

If you have used abbrieviated or made up signs for some time, I would continue with these signs as you do not want to confuse your daughter.

Best of luck and let me know how your daughter progresses.

Jackie

Question: Can I use both the sign for drink and eat during the one feed, or will this confuse him?

"Hi Jackie
I have read your book and started teaching my 6 month old. He usually starts his feed with a bottle then has some solids, can I use both the sign for drink (with his bottle) and eat (when giving solids) during the one feed or will this confuse him. Do you repeat the sign if he takes a break and then goes back to the bottle.
Where can I go for other signs not included in your book.
Thank you for your help.
regards Jill "

Jackie Answers:

Hi Jill,
Thank you for your email.

When providing your son with a bottle, sign the word bottle and say the word and then give him the bottle. You can then sign and say it a couple of times to help reinforce the sign. When you introduce the solds, sign and say the word eat and then give him some food. You can re use the sign between mouthfuls if you wish, again which will help reinforce the sign.

We are actually adding a range of additional Auslan products such as nursery rhyme books and dictionaries to the Australian Baby Hands website.  This product will be live next week on the site. Best of luck and keep in touch and let me know how your son progresses.

Jackie

Question: My 15 month old crys so much he turns blue

"Hi Jackie,
I'm not sure who I ask this question to. My 15 month old crys so much he turns blue (because he takes to long to draw breath) and then passes out (sleeps for 1 second). I believe there is a name for it blue ??. What I want to know how do I communicate with a 15 month old? Not to touch.... time to get out of the bath... etc without him crying out his lungs?? He is very sensitive, stubborn and a temper (yes, he was born with it, I didn't believe this could happen). "

Jackie Answers:

Hi,
You could try to introduce baby sign language now, although it does take a bit of time, otherwise search through the Huggies Bookclub (or ask Brett on the panel) about any books that cover this topic for your son's age group.

Jackie

Question: Just wondering if she could be shy or what eles could it be?

"Hi not sure if this is the right place to ask this question, but my girl is just 3 months and i was just wondering if she could be shy or what eles could it be? She will only go to me and my partner,if we hand her to anyone eles she just screams until she is given back to me?? Thanks Nadia "

Jackie Answers:

Hi Nadia,
Sorry, this really isn't my area of expertise. Perhaps ask your CHN for advice, thay may be able to recommend a good place to go for advice.

Best of luck.

Jackie