Teaching Big Feelings Before Big Words
How the Baby Signs® Program Supports Social-Emotional Development
Babies and toddlers experience big feelings long before they have the words to explain them.
Frustration, excitement, sadness, and joy are all very real emotions for young children. When they cannot express what they are feeling, those emotions often come out as tears, tantrums, or withdrawal. This is where early communication can make a powerful difference.
Big Feelings Start Early
From the very beginning, babies are wired to connect. They feel hunger, discomfort, delight, curiosity, and attachment. What they lack is a way to clearly communicate those experiences.
When adults recognize and respond to a child’s emotional cues, children feel safe and understood. Adding simple signs gives babies a concrete way to express their feelings before spoken language develops.
How Signing Supports Emotional Expression
The Baby Signs® Program teaches families how to use simple signs alongside speech to support early communication. Signs such as HAPPY, SAD, ANGRY, MORE, ALL DONE, HELP, and PLEASE give babies tools to express needs and emotions in the moment.
Instead of guessing what a child is feeling, caregivers can respond with empathy and clarity. Over time, children learn that their feelings matter and that communication is effective.
Seeing the signs in action can help caregivers feel more confident using them in everyday moments. Here is an example of common feelings signs demonstrated clearly and simply.
Using simple signs to express feelings supports emotional development and helps reduce frustration before spoken language emerges.
Reducing Frustration Builds Emotional Security
One of the most common benefits families notice when using Baby Signs® is a reduction in frustration. When children can communicate what they want or how they feel, they are less likely to resort to crying or tantrums.
This early success with communication builds trust and emotional security. Children learn that adults listen and respond, which strengthens attachment and supports healthy social-emotional development.
A Foundation for Social-Emotional Learning
Social-emotional learning does not begin in preschool. It starts in infancy, through everyday interactions.
By teaching babies how to express emotions, caregivers are helping them:
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Recognize and name feelings
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Develop self-regulation skills
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Build confidence in communication
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Strengthen relationships with trusted adults
These early experiences lay the groundwork for empathy, resilience, and emotional intelligence later in life.
Supporting Feelings, One Sign at a Time
Teaching big feelings before big words is not about rushing development. It is about meeting children where they are and giving them tools that match their abilities.
When babies are able to express themselves, they feel understood. And feeling understood is one of the most powerful gifts we can give a child.
Interested in learning how to support emotional development through early communication?
Find a Baby Signs® class or workshop near you: babysigns.com/find-a-class.
