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Former I'm a Celebrity star Peter Andre learns baby sign language from TinyTalk teacher

Peter Andre exchanged parenting tips with a super mum who teaches baby sign language.

The TV presenter and his wife, Emily, are on a search for parents around the UK with distinctive talents as part of a new campaign.

Their first stop in Kent was to visit Rebecca Oakley, 33, from Dartford, a mother of two who says sign language allows her to talk to her babies.

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Rebecca Oakley taught Peter and Emily Andre about the sign language she uses with her own baby. Picture: npower
Rebecca Oakley taught Peter and Emily Andre about the sign language she uses with her own baby. Picture: npower

She said: “Signing enables you to ‘read’ babies’ minds.

“I love that I can talk to her as another person and not treat her like a baby.

VIDEO: Peter Andre swaps singing for signing

“She can tell me useful things like she’d rather have milk than water, wants a sleep or a biscuit, but also I love having an insight into her mind.”

She said that from as early as six to nine months old, babies can begin to tell you what they want and the pre-verbal communication can help.

Mum Rebecca Oakley teaches baby sign language through Tiny Talk. Picture: npower
Mum Rebecca Oakley teaches baby sign language through Tiny Talk. Picture: npower
Peter Andre tries out the new signing skills he learnt after meeting Rebecca Oakley. Picture: npower
Peter Andre tries out the new signing skills he learnt after meeting Rebecca Oakley. Picture: npower

It helped her develop a solid relationship with her children, she said, and she went on to become a TinyTalk teacher to help other parents.

After sitting down with Ms Oakley, Peter was keen to give it a try with his new baby.

Peter Andre swaps singing for signing with help from wife Emily. Picture: npower
Peter Andre swaps singing for signing with help from wife Emily. Picture: npower

He said: “I’m definitely going to be giving it a go.

“It is fascinating the results that can come from this unique superpower, allowing parents to fully understand how their baby is feeling.”

Peter and Emily Andre learn about baby signing. Picture: npower
Peter and Emily Andre learn about baby signing. Picture: npower

Emily also opened up about her own experience as she and Peter welcomed their son, Theo, to the world late last year.

She is a mother of two and a fully qualified doctor but said: “Having just had a baby myself I understand the lack of confidence that often comes with looking after a young child.

The famous couple are keen to try out the technique with their own son Theo. Picture: npower
The famous couple are keen to try out the technique with their own son Theo. Picture: npower

“I am looking forward to practising signing with baby Theo when we get home.”

The campaign, run by the energy company npower, is asking parents with unique talents around the country to upload videos to their website.

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