All Done

Nolan has finally made a real connection between the hand movements of signing the words "all done" and what it actually means.

We've been consistently reinforcing this for a while. Some time ago, he started mimicking the sign language when we'd do it, but it was also clear he didn't really understand what was going on. He was just doing what we were doing. 

We've been sick since our trip and he's really had a low appetite. Feeding times are full of tricks and treats just to get him to eat at least half of his serving. 

Alas, he figured out that moving his hands in the correct way and hearing mom ask, "Are you all done?" followed by a head bob meant he moved on from the high chair.

I've been honoring all of his "all done" signs too, to secure his understanding of their meaning. 

The thing about Nolan finally learning how to independently (with no prompts) sign "all done" is that now he's using it as soon as meal time starts. 

I'm stuck wondering if I ruin any progress towards our sign language by ignoring the signs with a verbal response as to why he has to eat (that, of course, he won't understand) or to continue letting him be all done when he requests it. 

For now, as soon as he requests it I let him get down. I time about 5 minutes and we go try again. I know it seems like a hassle that many probably wouldn't mess with, but it's also an opportunity to let him learn. 

The other part of me wants to pull out that parent card that says, 'Suck it up. Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do.' Not that he'd understand that either, but, so goes child life...