Baby Signs® by Bryn

FYI Baby Signs Tag Sale date changed to OCT 15TH


Rain date OCT 22ND.



Tell your friends!

Leia Mais…

It's with a sad heart I have to say goodbye to Baby Signs by Bryn.  It's been very fun teaching these past few years, getting to know the moms and their babies.  There are many things that I will miss but I realize that I have to say goodbye.  I am teaching preschool this year and I really wanted to make preschool and Baby Signs work but it's too much for me and my family.  BUT all is not lost.  There is a wonderful Baby Signs instructor in Waterbury, CT.  Please feel free to look up her website: http://www.babysignsprogram.com/byadilen/  or her Facebook Page: www.Facebook.com/Babysignsbyadilen.

I know for some of you she will actually be closer and for some it's farther away. 

I will be teaching my last class, the Tummy Time class this Saturday.  Then I will be having a "Tag Sale" on Oct 22nd at my home (90 Overlook Rd South Windsor) from 9AM until Noon.  I will be selling all my Baby Signs inventory at cost - meaning you'll pay what I paid for it.  Plus some of the items I used in my classes like the yoga balls (I don't need 3 of them) and some of the toys.  There will also be some of the regular tag sale type things in the mix as well.  Hope to see some of you then! 

HAPPY SIGNING!

Leia Mais…

It is that time of year, the time when parents are packing lunches again and the requests for food signs are steadily coming in.  One of the most frequently requested food signs is the sign for GRAPES. Enjoy this healthy snack with your children.

Leia Mais…

It seems whenever one turns on the TV these days there’s news of another disaster, whether hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, floods, forest fires—or foreclosures and unemployment. Given how sensitive children are to the emotional atmosphere at their home, it’s very important for parents to be aware of the impact these traumatic occurrences can have on their little ones and to understand what they can do to mitigate the emotional consequences.



One of the blessings of the internet age is that help for many problems is at one’s fingertips (assuming you have power and the internet), and that includes advice on how to help children deal with disasters. In culling through a number of the sources, many of the tips rang true based on our own knowledge of development. We’ve listed these below and then, at the end, included addresses for a few specific websites that might be useful.

How anxiety manifests itself:

• Increased separation anxiety

• Reluctance to go to sleep

• Nightmares

• Reluctance to go to school/babysitter

• Regression to less mature behavior

• Acting out (e.g., sibling spats; tantrums)

• Physical symptoms (e.g., tummy aches, head aches, etc)

• Inability to concentrate

• Withdrawn behavior and sad countenance



Helping children coping with disasters

• Children detect parental anxiety, so admit your concerns while stressing your confidence in being able to cope with the problem.

• Emphasize the sources of support the family has received during the disaster, is currently receiving, and can count on down the line (e.g., extended family, friends, community resources, etc.). The goal is to help the child feel taken care of.

• Encourage your child to talk about the situation and his/her feelings

• Treat expressed fears with respect rather trying to reduce them by being dismissive.

• Reassure them over and over that they are safe.

• Provide information about any ways you will try to avoid such traumas in the future if possible.

• Congratulate them on any behaviors that were helpful during the crisis or helpful in its aftermath.

• Understand that it’s natural for children to focus on how the disaster affected THEM (e.g., lost toys) rather than understanding the magnitude of the problems the adults face.

• Answer questions honestly, including admitting “I don’t know.” In age-appropriate detail, describe the steps being taken to deal with any losses.

• Re-establish routines as soon as possible, even if they have to vary from those in place before the disaster. Children are comforted by being able to predict events.

• TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. Children can detect parental distress, so finding ways to make yourself feel better will pay off in dealing with your children—including helping you be patient with them.

• Find some fun things to do—movies, playdates, trips to the park. Such occasions will not only distract your child from his/her anxiety and fear, but also provide evidence that life goes on and can still be joyful.

• Avoid exposure to newscasts or printed materials that show frightening images.

• Keep promises.

• Find ways to help others who have experienced losses. Helping others reinforces the idea that people help each other, thereby increasing a child’s sense of security.



For more information, check out these websites.
• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry:

http://aacap.org/page.ww?name=Helping+Children+After+a+Disaster§ion=Facts+for+Families
• FEMA: http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/cope_child.shtm
• Mental Health America: http://www.nmha.org/index.cfm?objectid=e2a880ae-1372-4d20-c886e4e4aa69eea1

Leia Mais…

There are times when the only thing to say is "I am SORRY." Although the concept is hard for children to understand, using the sign, SORRY, can make idea easier for children to grasp. Remember to use the sign along with the word to promote greater understanding.

Leia Mais…

It is back to SCHOOL time! The requests for this sign have been flooding in from both teachers and parents.  Use this sign to talk to your child about going to SCHOOL, to explain that big sister is at SCHOOL, or to help label the big yellow SCHOOL bus.




https://www.babysigns.com/pdf/School.pdf

Leia Mais…

Do you find yourself saying "Don't touch that. It is DIRTY!" to your child? Using the sign along with the word, DIRTY, can help to place emphasis on what you are saying. Many children will even tell parents when their diaper is DIRTY with this sign.

Leia Mais…

Dance! Children love to dance. Is it too hot to go outside? Try putting on some music and see how creative your little one is moving to the music!

Click on the picture to download your FREE poster!

Leia Mais…

Hey everyone! I'm back from my vacation!  LOVED IT!  I only get to see my family (my mom and my sisters, nieces and nephews) once a year, which is very sad, so I'm glad I got to have a nice long visit with them. I will resume the "Sign of the Week" this coming MOnday and hopefully will have the fall class schedule up next week too. 

And if you were wondering this is me and my kids at Bridal Veil Falls.  Pay no attention to the man in the background walking....he was just the lucky winner of "Random guy in someone else's picture" contest.  :)

Leia Mais…

The sign for CRACKER has been requested by many parents and educators. This sign originates from the way CRACKERS were first made. A baker would use his elbow to "crack" a large sheet of cracker into small pieces called CRACKERS. Enjoy this sign at your next snack time!

Leia Mais…

This is the last week to sign up for my July Summer Signing Series classes.  Registration Deadline is Saturday July 2nd.  Check out the classes being offered on my Class Schedule Page!

To register please fill out the Registration form found on the Class Schedule page or email me at Bryn.chandler@babysignsprogram.com.

Send payment to:
Bryn Chandler
90 Overloook Rd
South Windsor, CT 06074

Leia Mais…

A friend of mine shared this on Facebook and I thought I would re-share it here on my blog.  It's a long article but an excellent and important one to read.  I must admit that it kicked me in the pants a bit.  I've always considered myself to NOT be a helicopter mom (the kind that hovers over their children to ensure they don't experience any pain and discomfort)  "I'm not as bad as other mom's I would justify myself."  But after reading this....perhaps I am a bit of a helicopter....I think of my behavior in regards to my children's birthdays, Christmas, holidays, etc....and how I try so hard to make everything perfect and full of happiness.  I have to resist the urge to buy them everything they might possibly like (I don't have the money to buy them everything but that still doesn't stop my urge to just get them everything).  The streamers, balloons, cakes, invitations, decorations, food...blah blah blah blah.  It really is all meaningless and the kids don't notice.   After reading this article, it reminded me that, things don't bring happiness.  That sometimes it is better for us to pass to sorrow so that we can know the good.  My childhood was not full of things, lessons, or any of the other luxuries and choices we give our kids (catering to what they want for dinner, lunch, where they want to go) but I can say with no doubt in my mind that I have turned out happy.  My life has not been perfect, and some look at it and say that it's full or sorrow...but I've been able to deal with the big sorrows and the small bumps in the road...so that, when you boil it all down, I'm truly happy.

Here is my favorite quote from the article:

How to Land Your Kid in Therapy - The Atlantic

Leia Mais…

STOP is an important safety sign.  Teach the sign for STOP by playing "STOP and go" games; for example dance to music then STOP, move to the music again, then STOP.  Teaching your child the sign for STOP while playing games can help him to appropriately respond to the command, STOP, when there is a dangerous situation.  This is especially relevant in the summer months: "Stop! Don't go near the pool!" and "Stop! don't go in the road!"

Leia Mais…

Come to the South Windsor Strawberry Fest and enjoy yummy strawberry shortcake, burgers and fries, and lots of other yummy foods. Shop among all the vendors (mine included), get the kid's face painted or let them ride the train. There'll even be a petting zoo! It's a lot of fun and they hold it rain or shine. I'm hoping for shine! I'll have a booth with information on Baby Signs and I'll also be selling my flower hair clips for girls. You can also enter your little cutie into the Miss Strawberry Shortcake pageant. Entries for girls birth up to age 8. The fair goes from 10:00 until 5 pm.  Stop by my booth at 10:30 for a storytime with Beebo!

Check out http://www.swstrawberryfest.org/ for more information!

Leia Mais…

This is the time of year with lots of celebrations.  I know my calendar is full of them:  preschool graduation, end of the year pool parties and Father's Day, the list goes on, and my calendar is almost full! There's bound to be balloons at one if not all the parties.  Use these opportunities to teach the sign BALLOON to your child.  And enjoy your parties, BBQ's, and other celebrations!!

Leia Mais…

I read somewhere that banana peels help bug bites not itch. I got a couple of mosquito bites while grilling tonight and I thought, "meh, why not try it out?" So I took the slimy side of the peel and rubbed it on the bites. IT WORKED! It wasn't instantaneous but after a few moments it stopped itching. Banana peels. Whoda thunk?  Of course now I have dried banana slime on my leg BUT they don't itch.   So if you or your baby suffered many a bug bite this weekend (or for future reference) give him a banana and rub the peel on his bites. 

Leia Mais…

Even the bravest child will find situations which create uncertainty.  Dogs, cats, people can bring on fears in children but also situations like fireworks or swimming. Giving him a way to express this feeling with the AFRAID sign will help you to recognize these situations and provide appropriate comfort.

Leia Mais…

Teaching your little one to brush his teeth is one of the routines that you enjoy with your child.  Adding simple signs to your daily routines will help your child learn what comes next and will ease transitions from one activity to another. Try making TOOTHBRUSH part of your routine today.

When Do I start brushing my babies teeth?
Even before your baby sports his first tooth, it's a good idea to get into the habit of wiping his gums with gauze or a soft wet washcloth during bath time. You don't need to use any toothpaste yet. Simply wrap the cloth or gauze around your index finger and rub it gently over the gums.


What's the best way to start bruthing their teeth after they come in?
As your child's teeth start to appear (generally around 6 months), look for a baby toothbrush with a small bristle head and larger grip suitable for your hand. (If your child is healthy and still hasn't sprouted his first tooth by the end of his first year, don't worry — some children don't start getting them until 15 to 18 months.)


As long as you're cleaning your child's teeth regularly, you don't need to use any toothpaste yet. Just brush the teeth gently on both the outside and inside surfaces twice a day. Brush his tongue as well (if he'll let you) to dislodge the bacteria that can cause bad breath. One quick swipe is enough. Replace the toothbrush as soon as the bristles start to look worn or splayed out.

Leia Mais…

Manners, Mealtime, and More Class! 
    Good manners do more than impress people. They also express gratitude and promote positive interactions.


Help your child learn important social skills while learning simple signs for favorite foods.
Come learn about Manners, Mealtime, and More in this one-time class! The children will enjoy songs, games, and crafts while exploring the topic of manners.  To learn more go to my class schedule page.

Also coming up....

Girl's Night Out Spa Party
Come get pampered at my spa party.  We will be doing footsies and facials! There will be a fun raffle with Baby Signs products and all Arbonne products that night will be 50% off.  So come relax and have a night out.
Friday May 20th @ 7:00 pm
My home in South Windsor
Email me @ bryn.chandler@babysignsprogram.com if you'd like to join the party!

Leia Mais…

I love flowers.  They're the best.  I get fresh picked flowers every day from my kids - albeit they're dandelions...but STILL! I love them! 

Whether celebrating Mother's Day or just enjoying a spring day, children love to talk about FLOWERS.  Use this simple sign to give your little one a way to talk about the FLOWERS she sees and smells. Many children will add a sniffing gesture to the sign.

Leia Mais…

                                                     My Dad with my son Bryce

Leia Mais…

  Thank you all for your patience and understanding during this time of struggle for me and my family.  As many of you know, my father passed away suddenly April 18th and I have been absent from the playgroup and classes since then.
  I flew back last night after being with my family for a while. There WILL be class tomorrow for the More Sign, Say and Play class at my home @ 10:00...hopefully I can get my house clean in time.  Please just ignore it if it's not :)
I will be re-arranging my schedule a bit so please check back for updates.

Thank you all again.
Bryn

Leia Mais…

With the Spring holidays coming quickly, the requests for the sign BUNNY have increased!  So back by popular demand, here is the sign for BUNNY. Look for opportunities to share this popular sign with your child.  You may be surprised how many bunnies are in your child's favorite books.

Leia Mais…

As more and more parents learn the value of exposing their children to second and even third languages early in life, the number of babies being raised in “bilingual homes” is rapidly increasing. Just what does this mean? In many cases it means that one parent speaks one language to the child while the other parent speaks a second. In other cases, both parents may speak the same language to the child while a trusted caregiver (grandmother or nanny) speaks another.



So, what happens if we add signing to the mix? Will it just add to the child’s confusion?

The answer is a strong and resounding “No!” The truth is that, no matter what form bilingual input takes, adding signing to the mix actually makes the child’s job easier, not harder. Here’s why.


When children first start learning about language, they quite naturally look for one-to-one correspondences between words and the objects (or actions) they label. For example, babies in an English-only environment, upon hearing the word “milk” in the presence of white stuff in their bottle, will eventually learn to associate the two together:


CHILD: “Hmmm....I get it! The white stuff in my bottle = ‘milk’“

However, life gets more complicated in a bilingual household. In this case babies consistently hear two words in association with the white stuff in their bottle, a situation which can be very confusing.


CHILD: “Hmmm….Sometimes I hear “milk,” sometimes “leche.” What’s going on?”


Clearly, what children hearing two languages need to figure out is that both words are equally important labels for milk. And that’s where signing comes to the rescue. By adding a sign to the mix so that the same visual symbol (sign) accompanies both words (“milk” and “leche”), parents make the job of connecting the object with the meanings of both words much easier for babies. In other words, when the baby hears “leche” paired with sign and then also hears “milk” paired with the sign, the pieces fall into place:


CHILD: “Aha! These words mean the same thing!
 

In summary, rather than confusing your bilingual child, signs will help smooth the road to understanding and speaking both languages.



Of course, signing has another advantage in bilingual settings, especially in child care classrooms where teachers and families speak different languages: The signs provide a common language so that toddlers who are learning the family language can still make themselves understood. Just such a situation exists at the Center for Child and Family Studies at the University of California, Davis, where graduate students from all over the world routinely enroll their infants and toddlers. In the 18 years since the Baby Signs® Program was first introduced, teachers and parents alike have been amazed at how much more smoothly daily life in the classroom proceeds, with data specifically showing that the teachers are more responsive to the needs of the children. In addition, the signs have enabled children who speak different languages to communicate with each other. In one case, for example, a toddler from Israel and a toddler from Taiwan were observed reading a picture book together—with the first girl turning the pages and pointing at objects while the second girl made the appropriate signs!


Bottom line? Signing is clearly a boon to children facing the challenge of hearing multiple languages, whether at home or in the classroom.
 
Visit babysigns.com for more information about Baby Signs® resources to help you and your baby enjoy all the benefits that signing can bring.



Written by: Linda Acredolo, Ph.D. & Susan Goodwyn, Ph,.D.,


Co-Founders, Baby Signs, Inc.

Leia Mais…

I had a lot of fun at the LLL Conference and met a lot of wonderful people.  I'm definitely going back next year and if you missed it there's always next year!

Leia Mais…

Last week we learned the sign for brother.  This week it is time to learn SISTER. SISTER is another frequently requested sign by parents, teachers, and children. Childern love to "talk" about their siblings and now they can!

Click on the image to download a poster!

Leia Mais…

The Baby Signs My Park Signs DVD introduces your child to the signs for BALL, BUTTERFLY,  SWING, SLIDE, FLOWER, and TREE. Through fun animation, signing babies, puppets, and repetition your baby will be encouraged to sign these fun signs for a favorite activity: a trip to the park.
 
The Baby Signs DVDs have been developed by child development experts to help baby and caregiver learn simple sign through fun, engaging experiences.

Retail $19.99 NOW ONLY $10.00

Enter Coupon Code SPRING2011 at checkout. Shop Now!

Leia Mais…

My husband is too cute.  He is in the process of getting his MBA and the term started again last month.  He told me he had a dream a few nights ago that he was in a really advanced math class.  The teacher kept giving these really difficult math equations for the students to solve.  He said there was one girl in his dream who was really fast at figuring them out.  She was the best in the class.  When she was asked about how she learned to solve the problems so fast, she said it all started when she was a baby and her parents taught her baby signs.  HAHAHA! That' is too cute.  My husband's subconscious strongly believes in baby signs.  I'm so glad to have his support.  

Leia Mais…

Do you have a BROTHER? This sign is frequently requested by parents, teachers, and children.  Remember, younger children may have difficulty with this two-part sign so watch for the way your child modifies it.

Leia Mais…

If you have children then you know that they love MORE. They love MORE food, MORE tickles, MORE paint, MORE music and many, many MORE.  This sign will be used frequently as you ask if they want MORE and again as they tell you that they want MORE. Avoid unneccessary tears by teaching your child the sign for MORE.

Leia Mais…

I've just added a class for April: Mealtime, Manners, and More! Whether you've taken one of my other classes or you're just beginning, this is the perfect class for your toddler or preschooler to teach them manners as well as signs for some of their favorite foods.  We'll play games, sing songs, and make a craft.  For more information check out my class schedule page.

Leia Mais…

"La Leche League of Connecticut is excited to announce its 32 nd Annual Breastfeeding and Parenting Conference. In 2011 we will celebrate families with our theme: "Families Make the World Go Around." While all families are different in size and make-up, families are the reason for our mission.

Please take some time to browse through the Registration Brochure. You are invited to join us for sessions featuring speakers who will share informa-tion about breastfeeding and parenting, offer ideas about ways to offer your family tasty food, keep them safe, and find ways to enjoy the wonderful adventure called "parenting." You will be enter-tained by "JuggleJoy" with an interactive program following Saturday’s lunch. You will also have the opportunity to visit wonderful exhibits, buy timely books, participate in the Silent Auction, and may even round out your day by winning one of the wonderful Theme Baskets. "

For more information or to Register go to: http://www.lllct.org/conference



I'll be there as well exhibiting a Baby Signs booth. The speakers and topics look great! Topics on helping you teach your kids cooperation, a class just for Dads, and even a class on Mommy Brain syndrome! and they even have activities for kids to participate in while you listen to the speakers. I think it sounds like lots of fun. Wish I could attend a class :)

Leia Mais…

Leia Mais…

Many parents and teachers ask for the signs for manners.  One of the most commonly requested signs is the sign for THANK YOU.  Adults beam when a child says THANK YOU and this sign gives even the most reserved child a way to express gratitude.  Several parents have shared that this sign has even been used as a quiet reminder to their children to say THANK YOU for a gift from a friend or family member.

Leia Mais…

The ASL sign for drink is a gesture where you act like your hand is wrapped around a cup.  The sign can be modified slightly for children, thumb lifted, to represent the spout of a sippy cup or a bottle nipple. Children easily and naturally transition to the ASL sign when the lid is removed from the cup.

Leia Mais…

Does your child love MUSIC? Whether wiggling to a song on the radio, bouncing to a theme song on the television, or swaying to a favorite lullaby, children enjoy feeling and hearing music. Give your child a way to share what she hears with this simple sign.

My favorite game to play with my kids is freeze dance.  I'll play some sort of up beat song and watch them dance around, pause the music and see what funny poses they make.  It's hysterical to me; they're so cute!!  Enjoy this weeks sign!

Leia Mais…

The sign for HURT can help your child share how he feels. One of the great things about this sign is that it is a "traveling sign." This means that the child will place the sign, HURT, in close proximity to the place where it hurts. Using the sign for HURT will help take some of the guess work out of caring for your child!

Leia Mais…

I just added a  session for the Tummy Time Class in BRANFORD, CT!  This will just be a 2 class session held on March 9th and 16th.  Cost is $30 for the session.  Check out my Class Schedule Page for more details or email me: bryn.chandler@babysignsprogram.com.

Leia Mais…

As I load my laundry in the washer I hear in the background "DON'T WASH MY BLANKIE MOM! NOOOOO!!" The sound of little feet running as fast as their legs can take them are coming toward me to rescue the poor blankie that is about to endure an unfathomable torture - being washed.

Most babies have some sort of comfort thingy: blankets, stuffed animals, etc.  Even odd habits or things like sucking fingers and twirling hair are a "comfort thingy."  Why? Why do babies have them?  Why is this dirty, stinky, tattered blankie so appealing to my child? The answer is this: it's a symbol of you and your affection.  It is an object that they can have with them and control.  Many parents fear these objects foster dependence but in reality they don't.  The object, or behavior, is your baby's way of finding confidence and comfort by herself.  It's a transition from dependence to independence.  This favorite blankie helps them find a way to make the world outside of their parent's protection a much safer place.   This is why comfort objects are common among children who spend long hours at day care.

You know what it's like to come home after a long day and you just want to get in your favorite jammies, or soak in the tub, snuggle up with your favorite book?  This sense of peace and well being that comes from a familiar ritual is how your baby feels when he snuggles his special comfort thingy.  He loves each and every tattered corner, the musty smell, it's color and feel is all very comforting.  So resist the urge to get rid of it.  It's not like there is a set time frame to get rid of it like a bottle, pacifier, sippy cup, etc.  (I highly doubt they'll be walking down the aisle with it.)  Use it when you're child will need that extra comfort and promise them their blankie will be safe while it takes a bath. :)

Leia Mais…

It really doesn't matter how you say it, just as long as you do.  Happy Valentine's Day everyone and I hope you have had a wonderful day and a wonderful week!

Leia Mais…

Leia Mais…

Children learn about their world through PLAY. Encourage your child to PLAY and by doing so you will be giving your child an important start to learning.

Leia Mais…

EAT is often one of the first signs children learn. Although it may begin as a way to tell you that they want to eat, it soon opens another world of sharing. From telling you to feed the fish, to letting you know the dog is eating her bone, your child will soon find lots to "talk" about.

Leia Mais…

Due to the blizzard headed our way, I'm cancelling class for tomorrow.  Let's hope that Mother Nature will get it all out of her system this time and it will be the last.  I'M SO SICK OF SNOW!!!

Stay safe and warm.

Leia Mais…

Whether trying to help your child sit in a high chair or the car seat, the sign for "sit down" can be very helpful! I know as I stroll through the grocery store I have to constantly tell my kids to sit down.  Teachers love this sign because it helps children focus on the direction being given. Share this sign with your little one today.

Leia Mais…

Does your child point to every plane that passes overhead? "Airplane" is a simple sign that you can use to talk about what your child sees and hears.  Download your poster today!

Leia Mais…