I first came across Makaton years ago, long before my youngest was born.
My oldest son didn’t speak until he was four because of a developmental delay, and those early years were… honestly, a lot. He understood everything perfectly, he just couldn’t say it.

And watching your child know exactly what they want but not be able to express it?
It sticks with you.
It stays in your chest.
You feel their frustration almost as much as they do.

Back then, every nursery drop-off felt like a knot in my stomach.
I kept thinking:

• Will they understand him?
• Will he be able to ask for help?
• Will he be able to tell someone if something’s wrong?

Those are the fears that only parents really understand.

When we were introduced to Makaton, everything shifted for us. It gave him a simple way to tell people what he needed — without having to force words that just weren’t coming yet.

And slowly, you could see the confidence build in him.

• He could sign “drink” when he was thirsty.

• He could sign “help” when he was stuck.

• He could sign “finished” when he’d had enough.

Those little signs made him feel safe.
They made me feel safe.

Suddenly, I didn’t feel terrified leaving him with teachers, support staff, or family members.
He had tools, not just feelings trapped inside him.

And the best part?

Eventually, he started talking — beautifully.

You would never know he’d struggled at all.

He is nine now, chatty, funny, expressive… the complete opposite of those silent early years.

And do you want to know what melts me?

He still remembers his Makaton signs.
And he LOVES using them with his little brother, who’s nearly three and despite the fact he has age-appropriate speech.

It’s like watching him pass down something that helped him so much.

They’ll be playing, and he’ll sign “share” or “play” or “more,” and his little brother copies him — not because he needs to, but because he thinks his big brother is cool.

It feels like this full-circle moment I didn’t know we’d ever have.

And every time I see them signing to each other, even casually, I’m reminded of how far he’s come… and how something as simple as a sign can make a child feel understood in a world that sometimes moves too fast for them.

For us, Makaton isn’t just a tool.
It’s part of our story.
It’s part of what helped my son find his voice — long before he could speak.

What Makaton Actually Is (Explained Simply)

If you’re completely new to it, here’s the simplest way to understand Makaton:

• You say the word

• You make the sign

That’s it.

It’s not full sign language.
It’s not replacing speech.
It’s just giving your child another way to communicate while they’re still developing language.

Many children use Makaton before they speak, which reduces frustration and builds confidence.

Why Makaton Helps (Even If Your Child Has Age-Appropriate Speech)

My youngest doesn’t need Makaton — but he loves it.
Kids love copying older siblings, and honestly? Signing makes communication fun.

And even if your child is speaking well, Makaton can:

• boost social confidence
• support early learning
• make routines smoother
• reduce tantrums
• strengthen understanding
• help during moments of overwhelm
• help them communicate with peers who may struggle

Sometimes speech disappears when kids are tired, upset, or overstimulated.
A sign can step in when a word gets lost.

How to Start Using Makaton at Home (No Pressure, No Perfection)

Here’s exactly how we started — and how you can too:

1. Begin with just a few signs

Pick the ones you’ll use daily:

• more
• help
• drink
• finished

Don’t try to learn everything at once.

2. Say the word and sign it at the same time

Makaton supports speech.
It doesn’t replace it.

3. Use signs during routines

The more natural it feels, the faster your child picks it up.

4. Don’t force your child to copy you

Understanding always comes first.
Signing comes later.

5. Celebrate ANY attempt

A tiny movement counts.

The Signs That Helped Us Most

These made the biggest difference in our home:

• more
• eat
• drink
• help
• finished
• no
• bath
• bed
• please
• thank you

These signs alone can transform daily routines.

How Makaton Fits Into Our Everyday Life

Here’s what it looked like for us — nothing formal, nothing stressful.

During Meals

“More.”
“Drink.”
“Finished.”

During Play

“Help.”
“Stop.”
“Play.”

During Bath & Bed

“Bath.”
“Bed.”
“Sleep.”

During Tantrums or Big Feelings

Sometimes the sign for “help” or “stop” is easier than trying to talk.

Kids feel safer when they have another option besides crying or guessing.

The Biggest Myths About Makaton (Debunked)

“It will stop my child talking.”

Not true.
It usually increases speech because frustration decreases.

“It’s too complicated.”

You only learn what you need.

“You need training.”

You don’t.

“It’s only for children with delays.”

Not at all.
It supports all children.

Where You Can Learn Signs for Free

These helped us the most:

• Singing Hands (YouTube — brilliant with kids)
• Mr Tumble on CBeebies
• The Makaton Charity website
• Printable symbol sheets
• Simple Google image searches

You can learn everything you need without spending anything.

Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Better Than You Think

If you’re considering Makaton, or you’re in the middle of communication struggles, please know this:

There is nothing wrong with your child.
There is nothing wrong with you.
You’re not behind.
You’re not failing.
You’re navigating something that is emotionally huge — and you’re doing it with so much love.

Makaton didn’t just give my children a voice.
It gave me peace.
It gave our family confidence.
It gave us connection.

And if you’re ready, even one sign today can make a difference tomorrow.

You don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to begin.