Imagine feeling happy, sad, or scared and not being able to tell anyone. That’s what it’s like for children before they’ve mastered language. Signing changes all that, and gives babies and toddlers the skills to understand their own emotions and to recognize ours. Kids’ self-esteem will soar as they perform these very simple gestures and convey the fact that they’re tired, curious, hurt, bored, surprised, or in a very silly mood. Whether their baby’s smiling and making the sign for “love” or gesturing to say he’s feeling ill, parents will feel grateful to know!