With Mothers Day fast approaching and one of the most popular baby signs to introduce into a home being the sign for Mum, I thought I would talk through the two signs we use at Baby Hands in our baby sign products use for Mum and the differences between them and when we use them.
The first sign for Mum is the one which we include in all our material and it is the simplest for a baby to reproduce. This sign is created when you tap the flat palm of your dominant hand on the side of your head.
Now a lot of people ask me why I have not included the AUSLAN sign for Mum in my products. I have included the AUSLAN sign for Mum but what they are referring to is another more formal AUSLAN sign for Mum.
When working with Deaf Children Australia, the team there highlighted that a lot of Deaf parents do not introduce the more formal sign for Mum initially when a baby is young as it is a difficult sign for a baby to replicate. For this reason, some Deaf parents introduce a more simplistic AUSLAN sign for Mum. Once their baby is older and more physically capable, they may then upgrade the sign.
You may feel more comfortable introducing the more formal sign for Mum from day one and that is perfectly fine. You will just need to remember that your baby’s attempt at signing this back may not be 100% accurate due to their physical limitations.
To create this sign, you need to have a flat non-dominant hand and tap three fingers from your other hand off the non-dominant hands palm. To get an understanding of how this is done, see the image below.
Remember the process of baby sign language is to make this a fun educational journey for your baby. By using these simplified versions of the signs, you are using signs that your baby can reproduce.
So how do you introduce the sign for Mum?
Start by pointing at yourself and saying and signing the sign for Mum. Anytime you say the word Mum, be sure to sign the word. You can point at photographs and say and sign the word. Again, the same rules apply.
The more examples you can give your baby and the more consistent you are with your signing, the easier it is for your baby to pick up what it is you are trying to communicate. Remember repetition is key. Try to encourage others, such as your baby’s Grandparents to also sign Mum when they are referring to you.
I have received many baby sign stories from Mums who are so excited the first time their baby signs and then the first time they sign the word Mum. It is a beautiful moment and a moment you will cherish.
If Mum is a sign you have included in your signing vocabulary, I hope you experience the joy of receiving this sign back in the not too distant future.
If you are still wondering how to start make sure you download a copy of our free baby sign language chart with 6 introductory signs, including Mum so you can begin today.
Happy Mothers Day everyone!