How to Convince your Skeptical Spouse to Learn Baby Signing

Opposites attract … and before you knew it, you became parents. It’s why one of you balances the checkbook, while the other one fixes things. It’s also why one of you may need to convince the other that baby signing is a good investment.

Often, it’s the husband who is skeptical, as men are considered “logical thinkers.” Learn the solutions to your spouse’s pain points and s/he just might become your biggest supporter:

1. Baby signing will delay speech

This is one of the top myths of baby signing. Solution: Counter logic with logic, like the positive research on babies who are exposed to sign at 6-7 months old. Encourage your spouse to sit in on class, ask other signing parents questions, and read our Research page.

2. We’re already sleep-deprived. Why add this to our to-do list?

In your tired spouse’s mind, learning another language is a Herculean task. Solution: Frame baby signing as a convenient part of baby bonding – at a dinner table, in a bath tub and on the potty. It only requires a minimum of 3 signs to get started, and can become as instinctual as a high-five.

3. I see what’s in it for our baby. But what’s in it for us?

It’s exhausting when life revolves entirely around the baby’s needs. Solution: By baby signing, a less frustrated child adds more harmony to the family. Siblings and skeptical parents can become intrigued by a “secret language” in action – especially after seeing “Daddy” signed for the first time!