I once attended a Child Development Professional Conference that featured the author of an Infant/Toddler Sign Language Resource Book. I absolutely loved the presentation that included ways to incorporate sign language into music classes for Infants and Toddlers. The author was interactive and offered compelling reasons to use signing...a concept I fully embrace.
We discussed the value of using American Sign Language (ASL) to ensure consistency for implementation. We also learned that sometimes children make up their own signs, and that this is ok. It's important for parents and teacher to keep each other informed when they identify a new use for a sign. I commented that babies often wrinkle up their noses during diaper changes. I noticed that if you wave your hand in front of your own nose for a "stinky" diaper, babies will laugh and wave their hand in front of their noses too.
Well...the teacher did NOT advocate for this type of sign. Apparently we have become so concerned about a child's self esteem that we are no longer allowed to comment on the state of a child's diaper. We don't want them to feel "ashamed" that they have produced a "BM." Wow! I was speechless. Not sure what that author's children are like or what makes them laugh, but even babies see the humor in a super stinky diaper.
I have three children of my own and was the oldest of seven children in my family. I have over 20 years of experience working with children ages birth - school age. Although I have yet to conduct formal research on the topic of "Infant Humor" I can provide anecdotal reference to this fact: When I have used the sign "waving hand in front of nose" to ask if a baby has a "stinky" diaper (A "BM" for those so inclined to be more "PC") that baby has known immediate what was going on. I would often get a response that included baby signing back to me, lifting arms to reach for me to pick him/her up, and baby pointing to their diaper cubby. Communication was complete and baby smiled during the entire process.
Babies have a sense of humor. They appreciate honesty. They have noses. They KNOW that darn diaper is stinky. Let's just call it like it is...stinky! As they get older, we will teach them how to make sure they clean up so they do not have post poop butt odor. Seriously...acknowledging the situation will enhance their self-esteem and prevent embarrassing issues later in life.
So I will continue to use humor, honesty, and the sign for "poop" with a wave of the hand in front of my nose. Rest assured, that baby will giggle back and repeat the sign...which is a lot easier for a baby to use than the ASL version....that's more for an older infant/toddler. And if you are totally honest with yourself you will admit that bodily functions can be pretty darn funny. I say, give babies more credit for being able to understand the nuances of language. They pick up on your tone of voice, presentation, and the feeling of love they receive every time they see that you understand their attempts at communication.
As children get older and begin to learn to use the toilet, then you can determine what tone and style is appropriate. Sometimes toddlers become serious when it comes to the business of potty time. Maintaining a laid-back approach may serve you well during this stage of development. Do not discount the value of keeping a sense of humor while preserving the feelings of your toddler. For example: If there is a potty accident, reassure child "It's ok. That even happens to grown-ups sometimes." That might illicit a giggle and help child move on from there.
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