WeeHands classes in Newport Beach

Layla Guerrero holds a Master’s degree in Education from Chapman University. She has over four years of American Sign Language (ASL) education taken at College of the Desert. To broaden her experience of ASL, Layla has participated in multiple ASL workshops offered through the Love 2 ASL School. Layla is a loving wife and mother with an entrepreneurial spirit. When she is not busy teaching sign language or being a mommy to her daughter, she is running her own online boutique, Tulle and the Dragon.

Layla became a certified WeeHands Instructor so she can share all the tips and strategies she has learned.

For more information about Layla's baby sign language classes, call (949) 287-1052 or email: layla@weehands.com

Driven, purposeful & grateful...we like that!

WeeHands allows us to meet both parents and professionals who are incredible. Today, we get to highlight one of those professionals, Jacquelyn Ward, who is an Administrator at PleasanTime Child Care Center in Cambridge, Wisconsin.

Jacquelyn, where did you grow up? 

I grew up in Sun Prairie, WI . I lived in town and the privilege to walk or bike everywhere was super cool. Especially when I was old enough to go alone ( grocery store, dentist, doctor) school was just up the street so that was no big deal. I am the middle child and six total in our family. Having a older sister, younger sister and younger brother there was lots of sharing and occasion fighting. I was a shy, happy gal and enjoyed caring for my baby dolls and then caring for real children when I was older. I was always right by the side of my aunts when they cared for their little ones.

Describe what & how your work serves parents & families 

I am the Administrator/Owner of a group child care center serving children 6 weeks to 12 years, we are licensed for 84 children & opened our doors August 31, 1992. I have been in the Early Childhood field for over 30 years in which I wore many hats of assistant teacher, teacher , head teacher, assistant director and now Administrator /Owner.

What three words best describe how your work? 

Driven , Purposeful & Grateful

What's the biggest lesson learned you've learned

Maintain an attitude of gratitude and continue to be my best. To be extraordinary within the services that are provided to our clients and customers. Maintain the integrity of a program that provides memories that will be in the hearts of the children and families we touch for a lifetime. Be a life long learner by keeping up with reading,  maintaining  & creating connections and education( attending conferences or other training events).

What keeps you interested in what you do?

I feel truly blessed to do something that I feel purpose. I will receive a warm hug ( sometimes from the back . . . which is spontaneous and unexpected), hear my name for the 1st time by a young child learning to speak, or shouted as I enter the room. Also receiving a complement from a customer that PleasanTime Child Care Center, Inc.. is a perfect fit and the excitement of a great decision. This ripple effect of gratitude fills my bucket to overflowing.

The baby resource/product invented: 

Swaddle blanket, nuk both find the special calm for a child when crying. I am not truly impressed by all the noisy toys etc. I do believe the best part of caring for a baby is time spent holding, rocking, playing on the floor

Welcome to Katherine!

Welcome to one of our newest WeeHands Instructors...Katherine Fisher!

Katherine has more than five years’ experience as an Instructor Therapist. She studied Autism Behaviour Science at St. Lawrence College in 2008 and earned a B.A. in Social Sciences at the University of Lethbridge in 2004. Katherine has been studying American Sign Language since 2004.

Katherine's work with Morneau Shepell's Children's Support Solutions focuses on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In her role she helps children with Autism Spectrum Disorder learn communication and other skills that help them become more independent. Her approach is to recognize each child is different and find a way to unlock their potential. 

Katherine comes from a family of teachers and scientists so this profession came naturally to her. She loves to play the guitar, watch old movies and cook vegan food. She also has a valuable ability to calm down upset young children. Katherine shares, "Helping parents tap into their baby’s capabilities not only exercises these mental pathways but reduces frustration for both the child and the caregivers. As WeeHands says, “Why wait to communicate?” Working with children who have autism, I have seen how augmentative communication opens a new world for them. I am so excited to have this opportunity to help all parents learn to connect and communicate with their little ones!"

For more information about Katherine's baby sign language classes for new parents in the Greater Toronto Area or for child care staff training information, call 1.866.653.2397 or email: childrensupportsolutions@morneaushepell.com

Welcome to Kayla!

Welcome to our newest Instructor, Kayla Brissette!

Kayla Brissette holds a graduate certificate as a Communicative Disorders Assistant from Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario as well as a Bachelor of Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from Wilfrid Laurier University. She has been working with children of all abilities since 2012 and has been studying American Sign Language since 2015. Kayla is excited to share her signing skills, and much more, with families in the community!

Morneau Shepell’s Children's Support Solutions helps children reach their full potential by providing accessible and trusted professional support for children who experience difficultly in development. We work in collaboration with families, childcare centres, preschools, daycare providers, and private and public schools. We listen to help identify individual issues and focus on facilitating development, and social and academic growth.

Do you have a group of moms who want to take a signing class but can’t find a location to suit your needs? You may be interested in hosting your own class! Just let us know! Call 416-229-0749 or email: torontofamilyrelations@morneaushepell.com

WeeHands in Peterborough

WeeHands classes are coming back to Peterborough, Ontario!

Robin Omdahl is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and has worked with preschool children of all abiliites since 1997. She also holds an American Sign Language Certificate from Sir Sandford Flemirg College. As a graduate of Loyalist College's Early Childhood Education program, Robin knows that a child's experiences in their first five years are critically important to their future success.  Robin is a kind and patient teacher who is excited to share her love of American Sign Language and early education with families in Peterborough.

Robin shares, "I have seen how early signing can help reduce a child's level of frustration when he/she is trying to communicate something but doesn't yet have the spoken vocabulary to articulate it. I want to be able to teach others how to enhance their communication with the children in their care."

Do you have a group of moms who want to take a signing class but can’t find a location to suit your needs? You may be interested in hosting your own class! Just let Robin know! Call 705-740-5443 or email: robin@weehands.com

WeeHands in Connecticut

Welcome to our newest, wonderful WeeHands baby sign language Instructor, Amy Anderson Moncy!

Amy Anderson Moncy is a speech language pathologist who holds a Doctorate in Speech Language Pathology from Nova Southeastern University as well as a Master of Science (M.S.), Speech-Language Pathology from the University of the District of Columbia. 

Amy shares, "I currently work as a speech language pathologist in an early childhood magnet school. I began using sign language at church in children songs and have incorporated signing into my practice in speech pathology. I've seen how a little one signing "more" has made such a big difference in their interaction with parent. I'm excited about WeeHands and the opportunity to help children and parents share special moments together."

For more information about Amy's baby sign language classes in New London, CT visit her webpage: http://www.weehands.com/profile.php?id=300 

Top Signs to Use with Your Baby

Becoming a parent is one of the most exciting times of your life. Those first few years can be some of the most overwhelming times as well. Your baby is learning all about the world and all that it has to offer, while you are trying to figure out this thing called “parenting”. 

Baby sign language is something that you've heard about and you are thinking about trying it. By adding key signs to the spoken words that you are saying to your baby, you can give her a way of understanding and communicating about her world. Her first signs will most likely come before her first spoken words...much earlier!

You may see things in a whole new light as you teach your baby that she can use her hands to communicate as well as sounds, and eventually spoken words. Signing with your baby can be an incredible experience when you see your baby learn about everything as she sees, feels and experiences things for the very first time. To get started all you need are a few basic American Sign Language signs.

Which signs should you start with? How many signs should you use? Keep in mind that signing with your baby should be fun and that we don’t want you to feel overwhelmed. You'll want to start with a handful of signs to use get you and your baby on the way to communicate clearly with each other. Start with about 3-5 signs and then add more as you get more comfortable and as your baby’s interests grow. 

Which Signs Should We Start With?

One of the first baby sign language books published recommended starting with only 3 signs to use with your baby: "milk", "more" and "eat".  Joseph Garcia in his book, Sign with your Baby, suggested that parents start with these three signs and add more when their baby is using these three. 

Depending on how sleep deprived you are, I believe you can start with more than that. My son's first sign was not on the list - his first sign was "fish". It was something that very motivating to him - he loved "goldfish" (the swimming sort, not the cracker. Now I suggest that parents add the sign for "finish" to the above list - it's a powerful one - and  a sign (or signs) for something that is really motivating to your baby, for example, "fish" or "dog".



This list of 5 American Sign Language (ASL) signs can be some of the most effective words you want to start with and emphasize for your baby. The signs for "milk", "eat" and for example, "dog" will represent items that your baby will typically want and be interested in, while "more" and "finished" are very powerful signs. Items of interest and the vocabulary to control their environment gives your baby some very powerful communication tools. 

When you can, say the word as you sign it to your baby. Make it natural through the day...when you say "milk", show your baby the sign. Don't worry about overwhelming your baby, you won't.  As you can more comfortable signing and saying the word, you can add more signs as your confidence grows and as your baby's interests grow.

Be Consistent As Possible

When you are interacting with your baby, sign and talk with your baby. Try to show your baby a sign for what is occurring before, during and after the activity. Before you give your baby milk, sign and say "milk". While your baby is drinking milk, sign and say "milk". After your baby is finished drinking milk, sign and say "milk finished". 

@WeeHands "more," and "all done" were the first two signs we used. 👐

— Faye Sherer Stillman (@FayeSLPATP) May 20, 2015

Be patient with your baby. You'll be doing this over and over again. Be patient with yourself. There will be times you'll forget to sign, that's okay. There may be times during your first year with baby, you'll be tired to speak. Try not to be hard on yourself. You are doing a great job!  You may find out "Signs to Start With" handout may be helpful to help you understand how a sign is made. You can get this handout by signing up for our e-newsletter here. 

Signs to Start With

Our "Signs to Start With" handout or poster shows you eight (8) American Sign Language signs to use with your paper and is available as a PDF for all our e-newsletter subscribers. I recommend that you print out a few copies. Post one on your fridge so that everyone at home can learn the signs. Post one on the wall above your baby's change table to remind to sign during changing time and post one on the wall behind your baby's high chair. This way you'll see the signs when during baby's mealtime and the poster will remind you to sign with your baby!

Have you printed your copy of our "Signs to Start With" poster? Where have you posted it in your house?

Since 2001, WeeHands has been an industry-leading children's sign language and language development program delivered through interactive, fun classes, as well as a line of tailored products. In 2014, WeeHands became part of Morneau Shepell’s Children's Support Solutions, an organization that provides health-centered and educational services to children with differences to help them reach their potential. 

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How On Earth Do I Get My Baby to Sign Back to Me?

Many new parents learn the signs for “milk”, “more” and “eat” when they start signing with their baby.  You might see other parents using these signs and some of the earlier baby sign language books recommended starting with just these three. The big question at this point that many parents ask is, “How on earth do I get my baby to sign back to me?”

Your Starting Signs

Most parents (and child care educators as well as nannies) begin with signs that are based on their baby’s needs, such as the signs for: milk, eat, more, sleep, diaper change, etc. Some parents and caregivers start signing with their baby with signs that represent items that interest their baby like “cat” or “light”. Still others begin with the basics like teaching the signs for “mommy” and “daddy”. One grandmother I met told me she was only going to use the sign “grandma” with her granddaughter!

What signs you choose to start with when you are signing with your baby is completely up to you. I do suggest that you begin with a few signs that represent both “motivating items” as well as “frequently occurring activities”. Maybe start with motivating signs, such as "milk", “dog”, “fan” and “more” and add signs for activities that you do each and every day with baby, for example, “sleep”,  “eat”, “change”, “bath” and “play”.

I've got my list of signs to start with….now what?

It's always best to try to use the sign, while saying the word, before, during and after an activity every time you do that activity. For example, when using the sign for “milk”….

• BEFORE: Say the word and show the sign for “milk” right before it’s time to give your baby milk.
• DURING: Then once your baby is nursing or getting a bottle, say the word and show the sign while they are drinking. Do this a few times during the activity and the association will come pretty quickly to your baby. 
• AFTER: when the activity is finished, this is a great time to show the sign for “milk” again and pair it with the sign for “finish”. Remember, always say the word when you sign it.

Start with a Few Signs and Be Consistent

As with any parenting strategy that you’ll use, being consistent is most important. Try and remember to use the starting signs you’ve chosen each and every time they can be shown based on your daily activities. Consistency is very important but don’t be too hard on yourself.

@WeeHands just be consistent she will get it

— Kirsten Payne (@PayneKpayne3876) June 16, 2015

This is a time that you are learning new skills, new routines. You may be feeling very anxious and you are most likely feeling tired…very tired.  Remember that no one is perfect.  Just remember to sign as much as you can…using the list of signs that you've chosen for your baby and to be as consistent as you can. 

How Will I Know If He Is Understanding Me?

You've got your list of starting signs. You are showing these signs to your baby before, during and after activities related to these signs as consistently as you can. How can you tell if your child is understanding what you are doing?

Most babies will sign back to you between 9 and 11 months of age, but even before then, he may understand what you sign to him. Even if he doesn't sign back to you immediately, after two to three weeks of signing to your baby he may just understand some of what you sign and say to him. How can you tell? Watch his eyes – do they seem to light up with excitement. Does he seem to kick his feet and move his hands in anticipation? If the sign you are using is related to food, does he start moving his tongue and his lips? Signs of understanding can be that simple…and that exciting!

From Understanding to Using Signs

After understanding comes expression. After your baby has learned to understand a few signs, you may notice him signing back between 9 and 11 months of age, especially if you have chosen a starting list of signs that are really motivating to your baby. My son’s first sign was at 9 months of age. His second sign came along 3 weeks later; his third sign came along 3 weeks after that. His fourth, fifth and sixth signs came 2 weeks apart and there was about a week between his seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth sign.  

That’s roughly just over 4 months to learn 10 words – between the ages of 9 and 13 months of age.  After his first 10 words his language learning seem to explode! By the time he was 18 months of age he had a total of 20 spoken words and 60 (yes, sixty!) ASL signs that he would use to communicate expressively!

So What Signs Will You Start With?

We’ve created an easy getting started sign poster that you can use with your baby. Just subscribe to our e-newsletter to get your copy!

Since 2001, WeeHands has been an industry-leading children's sign language and language development program delivered through interactive, fun classes, as well as a line of tailored products. In 2014, WeeHands became part of Morneau Shepell’s Children's Support Solutions, an organization that provides health-centered and educational services to children with differences to help them reach their potential. 

Want "more"? Subscribe to our mailing list 

It's that time...it's BabyTime!

We’re excited to announce that we will be at The BabyTime Show, coming up on April 24–26 at the Mississauga International Centre. WeeHands alumini and subscribers will receive a 2 for 1 coupon code. Watch your email to receive your coupon and invite a friend!

The BabyTime Show is the GTA’s biggest baby and toddler show, and will feature more than 250 exhibitors showcasing the latest and greatest in spring/summer must haves! Learn from top pregnancy and parenting experts, discover new and innovative products, check out special performances at the Toddler Time Stage and much more!

New and hot this year – a car seat safety and installation seminar and a “sleep” seminar with Nanny Robina, one of North America’s leading parenting experts. With an average 95 per cent success rate for putting babies to sleep, you won’t want to miss this talk!

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Be sure subscribe to our e-newsletter to get and use your exclusive 2 for 1 coupon code from WeeHands! Click here to subscribe!

#WeeConnect Weekly Twitter Chat

2015 Twitter Chats

Date	Time	Topic	Co-Host
April 7, 2015	9 pm EST	Busy Families, Organized!	@themommamamom
April 14, 2015	9 pm EST	New Mom Sleep Survival	@sugarplumsleep
April 21, 2015	9 pm EST	Sensory Play Ideas	@playingschool
April 28, 2015	9 pm EST	Newborn Baby Routines	@bandbbyanna
May 5, 2015	9 pm EST	Managing Family Schedules	@JenniferSMiller
June 2, 2015	9 pm EST	Parenting Through the Storm	@anndouglas

When Can We Start Teaching Our Baby to Sign?

We know that signing with your baby adds visual information that helps your baby learn language and baby sign language also helps to enhance bonding between you and your baby.  Now raise your hand if you’ve ever wondered, “When should I start signing with my baby?”

Your baby didn’t come with instructions and so far you’ve figure out how to change a diaper, when she likes to eat and you’ve almost figured out this sleep-thing. You’ve heard about baby sign language, actually you’ve heard great things about it, well, except from your dear old Aunt Alice. She’s shared, “Why would you want to sign? Don’t you want her to ever talk?”

First, let's get rid of that myth right away:  A common (and understandable) concern that some well-meaning relatives might ask is if baby sign language will delay speech skills?  The short answer is “no”.  

There’s more good news: baby sign language doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right resources, you’ll be able start signing with your baby as soon as today!

Studies have shown that rather than delaying verbal language, babies who are signed to have larger vocabularies, both when they first began talking and even much later when they were in school, than their non-signed-to peers! 

So When Should I Start?

You can start signing with your baby at any time. Most babies in our classes are between the ages of 5 and 10 months when they start. You can though sign earlier and later with your baby – it’s up to you!

Typically most babies will sign back to you between the ages of 9 and 11 months of age, but many will understand a lot that you sign to them before 9 months of age. For example, before a baby is able to show you the sign for milk, they will show you that they understand the sign when you make. If a baby is fussy and hungry, they may calm down (for a bit!) when you show them the sign for milk to let them know “milk is on the way”!

Since 2001, WeeHands has been an industry-leading children's sign language and language development program delivered through interactive, fun classes, as well as a line of tailored products. In 2014, WeeHands became part of Morneau Shepell’s Children's Support Solutions, an organization that provides health-centered and educational services to children with differences to help them reach their potential. 

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Yes, "Moose" is a Motivator!

I remember the first day that I met Soham. I was working in Pickering, Ontario at a group home for children who are medically fragile. One of our residents had just passed away and we were told that we would be getting a new little boy in the next couple of days. From the moment he came in the door he was a little ray of sunshine. I knew then that there was a special bond between us. It wasn't long until my husband met and fell in love with him and we adopted him.

Soham was born in Toronto, Ontario in 2008. His birth parents were unable to care for him due to his many medical needs and diagnosis of Down syndrome. He spent much of his early years in and out of hospitals and foster homes. When he was three years old he was moved into the group home where I worked. He was unable to express himself through verbal communication as his many medical needs had been more of a priority over anything else. He often became frustrated and would hit people because was trying to communicate but had no tools to do so.

I took it upon myself to get some books from the library on American Sign Language (ASL) and to start teaching him the signs for animals (something he loved). He picked them up right way. His first sign was “moose” soon after he could sign “monkey”, “fish”, “elephant”, “pig”, “dog” and so many others. He was so happy that he was able to communicate with me about the things that he loved! I knew I was going to have to learn sign language.

I took to the internet to research where I could learn. I quickly came across WeeHands and took all of the online classes. I was amazed at how quickly he was learning to sign! At times he knew more signs than I did. He would sign something and I would have to look it up. I continued to learn and build vocabulary based on things he was learning at the time, potty training and feeding, playing, etc.

Soham is now seven years old and is starting to communicate using sign language to form complete sentences, “I want __________ please mommy” “Thank you for __________ mommy”. Another important thing to note is that when Soham signs, it slows down his thought process and he is able to say the word as he signs it. It is not always clear but he definitely tries to verbalize every word he signs.

I can’t imagine where we would be today without ASL.  Thank you WeeHands for giving my family the tools to communicate with our sweet little boy, Soham!

Sheena Lane is Soham's mom and is now also a WeeHands Instructor teaching in southwestern Ontario. Since 2001, WeeHands has been an industry-leading children's sign language and language development program delivered through interactive, fun classes, as well as a line of tailored products. In 2014, WeeHands became part of Morneau Shepell’s Children's Support Solutions, an organization that provides health-centered and educational services to children with differences to help them reach their potential.

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What The Heck is Baby Sign Language?

Baby sign language...is it fad? Is it a trend? I've been teaching parents to sign with their children for over 15 years and WeeHands has been around since 2001. I'm not sure what the actual definition of a "fad" is but I'm pretty sure we've gone far beyond whatever length of time is attributed to a fad.

What is Baby Sign Language?

Basically, baby sign language is a way for your baby to communicate with you - with their hands - before clear speech develops. Just as a baby learns to wave "bye-bye" a baby can learn to sign "milk", "mommy", "water", "dog" and even, "I love you"!

WeeHands teaches parents to use key American Sign Language vocabulary or signs, paired with their speech, when interacting with their little ones. For example, when a parent gives their baby a drink of water, that parent would sign and say the word, WATER. When giving their baby a bath, a parent would also sign and say the word, WATER. Eventually, the baby will learn to sign "WATER" either to make a comment about or to request water when they want some using the ASL sign for water!

Using motivating and functional American Sign Language signs to represent items, activities and even feelings, you and your baby can begin to communicate clearly, earlier than first spoken words, reducing frustration for both of you. In general, first spoken words come between 11 and 12 months of age while first signs can come between 9 and 10 months of age. Your baby wants to communicate well before first words come and baby sign language allows them to!

Benefits of Using Baby Sign Language

We asked recently on our facebook page the question, "Why do you sign with your baby?" and here are some of the benefits that parents shared:

1. baby sign language allows baby to be understood before speech develops
2. babies and toddlers learning to say have better fine motor skills
3. baby sign language is another wonderful way to be able to bond with your child
4. American Sign Language is a beautiful second language
5. babies and toddlers who are able to sign have fewer frustrations which means less stress for all!
6. communication using signs is so much easier for babies who can't speak yet

There you are just a few wonderful reasons to using sign language with your baby! Are you signing with your baby? What benefits are you seeing?

Sara Bingham is the author of The Baby Signing Book and the founder of WeeHands. Since 2001, WeeHands has been an industry-leading children's sign language and language development program delivered through interactive, fun classes, as well as a line of tailored products. In 2014, WeeHands became part of Morneau Shepell’s Children's Support Solutions, an organization that provides health-centered and educational services to children with differences to help them reach their potential.

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Learn Baby Sign Language from a SODA!

Okay we're actually not starting the "pop" versus "soda" debate here but we're talking about Karla's baby sign language classes in Toronto!

Karla Velasquez is the sibling of a Deaf adult (a SODA!), her younger brother Diego who was born deaf. She has grown up with American Sign Language as the third language in her household; English and Spanish being the first and second respectfully. After high school, Karla studied American Sign Language at the Canadian Hearing Society. She was accepted and graduated from the American Sign language and Deaf Studies program, after which she enrolled into the American Sign language - English Interpreter program. She soon realized that becoming an interpreter was not where she wanted to go career wise but rather, working with families/toddlers who want to learn ASL for communication purposes. Karla frequently volunteers with Deaf organizations/ associations, and Deaf events/festivals throughout the year within the the Deaf Community. 

Karla notes "having had the opportunity to learn the amazing benefits and possibilities that American Sign Language can do for overcoming communication obstacles; I want to bring awareness to other parents/families. I want to encourage and inspire others to learn this wonderful language. Whether for a fun pass time and bonding activity, or to relieve stress and frustration that can come from trying to guess your baby's wants and needs!" 

For more about Karla's baby sign language classes call 647-239-1568 or email: karla@weehands.com.

Preemie Parenting & All the Juggling that Goes With It!

Today I had the opportunity to chat with Deb Discenza, who is an author and is also the founder of PreemieWorld. Deb understands the need of today’s preemie parents to be able to grasp medical information in layman’s terms and to be able to create a “new normal” in the midst of the NICU chaos.On this show, we talked about parenting preemies and all the juggling that goes with it!

Some of the resources, Deb mentioned included:

• the book, "The Preemie Parent’s Guide to the NICU" available here: http://www.preemieworld.com/blog/?page_id=1240 

• "Little Man The Movie" also available here: http://www.preemieworld.com/blog/?page_id=1240

• Inspire.com: a website that allows you to connect and share in a half-million-member support community with others who know what you're going through.

• my book, The Baby Signing Book. Thanks Deb!

Just press play to listen to our wee little podcast!

Check Out Parents Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with Sara Bingham on BlogTalkRadio

How have you had to advocate for your child? 

Why Sign? What Good Comes from It?

Today I'll be writing an article that's been requested regarding the benefits of using baby sign language (ASL vocabulary for us) with your little one. Just received this tweet which pretty much sums it up!

@WeeHands our 14 mo-old is having a signing explosion and it is a joy. His ability to communicate is wonderful for our relationship. Thanks!

— DeNae vanWestrienen (@BigLoveEpicFail) October 31, 2014

More WeeHands Classes in BC!

Heaven-Leigh Costa is a mom who first learned about WeeHands classes because her own mother has been a WeeHands Instructors since 2010.  Heaven-Leigh is excited about teaching with WeeHands because  she has seen the remarkable communication abilities that her own sister had by the time she was 10 months old!  Heaven-Leigh looks forward to being able to bring the joy of communication to parents and babies in her community. 

Heaven-Leigh shares, "It is never to earlier to start signing with your baby! The earlier you start to sign with your baby the earlier they will understand what your signing and be able to sign back. Start signing with your baby as soon as your feel comfortable. I started with my son right from birth and he was signing back " more " and "milk" by 8 months!"

WeeHands in Hamilton!

Andrea Moran graduated from the Personal Support Worker program at Mohawk College in 2006 and has been studying American Sign Language since 2011. Since becoming a mom in May of 2013, Andrea has been signing with her daughter and is excited to teach others the joy of signing! She is passionate about teaching others how to better communicate with their children before they can even speak. Andrea's classes will give you the skills and knowledge you will need to communicate with your preverbal, hearing baby! 

Andrea shares, "I have loved signing with my own daughter and teaching my family how to sign as well. I'm passionate about sign language and think it is a great way to communicate with your child. I'm excited to meet new familes in my community and be able to teach them how to connect with their child through sign language." Learning and teaching your wee one to sign with WeeHands has never been easier and more fun! 

For more information about Andrea's classes call 905-538-7335
andrea@weehands.com

Everything from Bottles and Breathing

Today, I got the privilege of chatting with with Diane Bahr, a speech language pathologist and author of "Nobody Ever Told Me (or My Mother) That! Everything from Bottles and Breathing to Healthy Speech Development". We discussed feeding, speech, and mouth development in children....and so much more!

Tell us a little bit about where you grew up and what you were like as a child.

I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. I am the youngest child of 3 children. My sister was on the autism spectrum which is probably one reason I became a speech-language pathologist. As a child, I loved to learn new things, and I still love learning.

You are introduced to someone at a child's birthday party. Describe what you do in two or three sentences. 

I’m a speech-language pathologist, specifically trained in feeding and motor speech disorders. I’ve authored two books Oral Motor Assessment and Treatment: Ages and Stages (a textbook) and Nobody Ever Told Me (or My Mother) That! Everything from Bottles and Breathing to Healthy Speech Development (a parent book). I’ve taught undergraduate, graduate, continuing education, and parent education courses.

How long have you been doing this?

I’ve been a speech-language pathologist for almost 35 years.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about what you do and the work you do with your company?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that therapists know a lot of secrets that typical parents never get to hear. This is the reason I wrote my parent book.

In my book, I give parents detailed information that they don’t see in other parent books about feeding, mouth play, and communication development beginning at birth. It’s a proactive resource where parents can look up and read about “specific things to look for and do” in these areasbefore problems arise.  While the book has information on mouth development through adolescence, it is mostly focused on the birth to 3-year period when the majority of feeding, communication, and mouth development is occurring.

Many health and development problems can be traced back to early feeding and mouth development issues. As one example: a significant amount of mouth development occurs during the first year of life (particularly in the first 6 months). This is when the mouth and nasal areas are being formed for life. Many children, particularly those who are bottle fed, develop high narrow palates (roof of the mouth) and small nasal airways during this time. Small nasal airways can lead to many upper respiratory problems including sleep apnea. I talk about how to avoid these problems in my book and what to do about them if they occur.

As another example: Many children are not introduced to food tastes, textures, and utensils on time and become “picky eaters.” I have seen this frequently in my practice. We have changed the timing of food introduction from 3 months to 6 months to give children’s digestive systems time to mature. However, parents now don’t seem to know when and how to introduce safe solid foods, because they usually don’t have access to the developmental information that therapists have. Baby food companies make an attempt to provide some guidelines. But, the fact is that 6-month-old children are ready to begin to learn to eat from a spoon, take sips from an open cup and/or straw-cup, and finger feed. I teach parents how to safely and properly introduce foods and utensils in my book.

What’s your key piece of advice for new parents?

BE INFORMED. Get a good resource with accurate developmental checklists, so you can look up information as needed. My book is not a cover-to-cover read. We have free parent book guides by age and topic on our website, so parents can look up information as they need it beginning at birth. It is overwhelming to be a parent. You are bombarded with information, so you need to get a resource that is accurate and that you can use as you need it.

What keeps you interested in doing what you do? 

I continue to do what I do because I have learned a lot during my years of practice. I have had the unique opportunity to focus on feeding, motor speech, and mouth development most of my career. I speak with parents and therapists everyday who are dealing with problems in these areas.

Last week I helped a family and their speech-language pathologist develop a plan to resolve a child’s persistent thumb sucking which can ultimately affect a child’s dental and airway development. I have an 8-step process in my book to help resolve thumb and pacifier sucking. Good airway development is crucial for overall health.

What parenting or baby resource/product do you wish you had invented? 

I am still in the process of inventing resources for parents and professionals, so I haven’t stopped to think about this.

I would love to see the multitude of checklists in my book as an APP, so parents can just “plug in” their child’s information to see if the child is “on track” and what they need to do next. In my book I have many specific checklists for feeding, mouth play and development, and communication.

I would like create “pay per view” videos to go along with the information in the book about:

·     When and how to introduce spoons, cups, straws, food tastes, and food textures

·     When and how to introduce pacifiers and then move onto mouth toys as appropriate

·     How to avoid problems like drooling, tooth grinding, and other health and development problems

·     How to track and encourage communication development, because communication development is the first area to go “off track” when a child is on the autism spectrum. I have even placed a checklist in my book with the early characteristics of autism.

I also recently developed an e-course which is ready to launch. The e-course is entitled Everything You Need to Know about a Baby’s Mouth for Good Feeding, Speech, and Mouth Development.While this course was developed as a continuing education course for professionals, it is presented in such a way that parents and care providers can understand it.

What do you do to help your family get and stay connected?

Ironically, my family has rallied around our Ages and Stages mission “to provide the best possible feeding, speech, and mouth development information for families and professionals” in order to “prevent problems in these areas” for all children. My husband is our business manager, and my daughter (who is also a speech-language pathologist) has helped with social media, blogs, Q & A’s, etc. We have a lot of free information on our website (www.agesandstages.net), and we encourage families and professionals to network with us. My daughter also has two young children who she has kept “on track” in feeding, speech, and mouth development by using the book. So, I guess that speaks well for the book.

Do you have inspirational quote or mantra for your family?

I always say, “Get the information you need WHEN you need it!” I recommend this for my own family and for parents.

Parents may not have the benefit of their own parents living close by to teach and show them what to do, so parents often find themselves guessing about information that many therapists know. My goal is to help parents find the information they need when they need it.

Share the title of a favourite parenting book. Why do you love it?

In my book, I provide parents and care providers with an annotated bibliography of parenting resources.  We also have an ever expanding resource list of related websites and companies on our website. However, I guess I would have to say that my own book is my favorite parenting book for feeding, speech, and mouth development. To my knowledge, there is no other book like it that gives parents the details of these processes for typically developing children. As previously mentioned, my book is a reference book loaded with checklists and specific techniques. The free parent book guides help parents navigate the information within the book as they need it.

Additionally, parents should always speak with their pediatricians about the methods and resources they are using. In my book I make it clear that I am educating parents and not giving medical advice. I also believe that parents know their children best and should trust their own judgment once they have the information they need.

Are you on Twitter? Facebook? Please share where we can find you.

I am on Twitter, Facebook, Linked-In, Pinterest, and Google Plus. You can find these connections on our home page. Go to www.agesandstages.net.