When Samuel Spencer was a 1-year-old, he was taught how to do baby sign language by his mom, Kerry Spencer. The mother did so that her children would know how to communicate even if they couldn’t speak, yet.
However, the mom never imagined that Samuel would utilize signing to signal to her that he needed assistance while sitting on Santa’s lap.
As a photographer took a picture at Provo Town Center Mall in Utah, the scared little boy used the baby form of ASL to let his mom know he needed her.
“Poor buddy didn’t love Santa very much, ever really. So we didn’t try to get him to do much after that,” the mother said.
Years later, Kerry still posts the funny photo online. “We all laugh at the photo now. Posting it is one of our favorite family traditions,” she said.
The mom also noted that Samuel’s sign was mispronounced. “Strictly speaking, his thumb should be up not sideways. Babies learning to sign often mispronounce words, but it is the sign he always made when he needed help.”
