---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Sign Language: Young Kids Know More Than…"
description: "\"“Sign Language: Young Kids Know More Than They Can Say When you think about it, it’s not so easy”\" — Harvey Karp"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/29e/harvey-karp-39261_children_sign-language-young-kids-know-more-than_1865913.jpg"
---

#  Sign Language: Young Kids Know More Than They Can Say When…

![“Sign Language: Young Kids Know More Than They Can Say When you think about it, it’s not so easy” quote by Harvey Karp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/29e/harvey-karp-39261_children_sign-language-young-kids-know-more-than_1865913.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/29e/harvey-karp-39261_children_sign-language-young-kids-know-more-than_1865913.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/29e/harvey-karp-39261_children_sign-language-young-kids-know-more-than_1865913.jpg)

> ““Sign Language: Young Kids Know More Than They Can Say When you think about it, it’s not so easy””

[Harvey Karp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-karp/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Children often understand more non‑verbally than they can articulate, highlighting the limits of spoken language.

**In simple terms:** Kids grasp more than they can say.

Key Takeaway

Pay attention to non‑verbal cues.

Themes

communication development language

Mood

thoughtful observant

Type

advice insightful

When to use this quote

- parenting
- education
- family interactions

Key Concepts

nonverbal intelligence early childhood learning

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you notice unspoken needs?
- What signs do you miss?

A Different Perspective

Non‑verbal understanding can be misinterpreted without context.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Sign language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sign-language/) [Youth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/youth/)

## Related quotes

> [As evolutionary time is measured, we have only just turned up and have hardly had time to catch breath, still marveling at our thumbs,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-thomas/as-evolutionary-time-is-measured-we-have-only-just-turned-up-and-have/)

[Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/)

> [It is much easier to learn another language when you are young, enthusiastic and unembarrassed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-jacques/it-is-much-easier-to-learn-another-language-when-you-are-young/)

[Martin Jacques](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-jacques/)

> [I've always thought that speaking a foreign language from a young age makes you a little bolder when it comes to speaking and doing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-strong/i-ve-always-thought-that-speaking-a-foreign-language-from-a-young-age/)

[Mark Strong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-strong/)

> [Don't underestimate me: I know more than I say Think more than I speak And notice more than you realize.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/unkown/don-t-underestimate-me-i-know-more-than-i-say-think-more-than-i-speak/)

Unkown

> [Suddenly, I don't know what to say. It happens often to me. I know what I want to say, I think about whether it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/suddenly-i-don-t-know-what-to-say-it-happens-often-to-me-i-know-what/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [“Loretta’s shoulders slumped in defeat. With numb hands she lowered the rifle to the dirt. A nasty grin twisted Hunter’s mouth. “So it is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/catherine-anderson/loretta-s-shoulders-slumped-in-defeat-with-numb-hands-she-lowered-the/)

[Catherine Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/catherine-anderson/)

> [Hey Hater sign language middle finger, middle finger let me tell you now intergalictical I see you rockin with oh i see them 3…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kid-cudi/hey-hater-sign-language-middle-finger-middle-finger-let-me-tell-you/)

[Kid Cudi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kid-cudi/)

> [In the deaf community, we give people name signs based on their quirks or characteristics. So it means you can't really give someone a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lauren-ridloff/in-the-deaf-community-we-give-people-name-signs-based-on-their-quirks/)

[Lauren Ridloff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lauren-ridloff/)

> [ When Marlee \[Matlin\] won her Oscar, she said, "and I just want to thank my parents." When I was saying those words for her,… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-jason/when-marlee-matlin-won-her-oscar-she-said-and-i-just-want-to-thank-my/)

[Jack Jason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-jason/)

> [“Mom turned to me, puzzled. In sign language, she asked, “What was Grandpa saying in the kitchen?” My heart froze.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-ann-walker/mom-turned-to-me-puzzled-in-sign-language-she-asked-what-was-grandpa/)

[Lou Ann Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-ann-walker/)

> [If you are to reach masses of people in this world, you must do it by a sign language. Whether your vehicle be commerce,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-jay-chapman/if-you-are-to-reach-masses-of-people-in-this-world-you-must-do-it-by/)

[John Jay Chapman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-jay-chapman/)

> [American Sign Language is my native tongue. That's the first thing that I learned to communicate with.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-raci/american-sign-language-is-my-native-tongue-that-s-the-first-thing/)

[Paul Raci](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-raci/)

> [ He pointed toward the silhouettes on the side of the \[bathrooms\] instead--black cutout man, black cutout woman. The man had his legs apart, the… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-king/he-pointed-toward-the-silhouettes-on-the-side-of-the-bathrooms/)

[Stephen King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-king/)

> [While taking sign language in high school, one of our assignments was to go out and participate in the deaf community, so I really…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zach-lavine/while-taking-sign-language-in-high-school-one-of-our-assignments-was/)

[Zach LaVine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zach-lavine/)

> [In the hearing world, I'm constantly having to lip-read and trying to understand what's going on. Sign language is so beautiful. It gives you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rose-ayling-ellis/in-the-hearing-world-i-m-constantly-having-to-lip-read-and-trying-to/)

[Rose Ayling-Ellis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rose-ayling-ellis/)

## More by Harvey Karp

> [Simple, practical, brilliant. What a wonderful world it will be when all families give their children the gifts presented in Dr. Reznick’s book. Joy,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-karp/simple-practical-brilliant-what-a-wonderful-world-it-will-be-when-all/)

[Harvey Karp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-karp/)

> [“Here’s one more bit of consolation for you: Toddlers save their biggest meltdowns for their parents. We’re the people with whom they feel the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-karp/here-s-one-more-bit-of-consolation-for-you-toddlers-save-their/)

[Harvey Karp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-karp/)

> [“Dogs yawn … and cats and monkeys … and even three-month-old fetuses (but not chickens).”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-karp/dogs-yawn-and-cats-and-monkeys-and-even-three-month-old-fetuses-but/)

[Harvey Karp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-karp/)

> [“Shari, I know Richard took your block and you’re mad, mad, mad! But, no scratch! No scratch! Stop now!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-karp/shari-i-know-richard-took-your-block-and-you-re-mad-mad-mad-but-no/)

[Harvey Karp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-karp/)

> [There is a lot of advice on baby feeding, but almost nothing on how to help crying babies.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-karp/there-is-a-lot-of-advice-on-baby-feeding-but-almost-nothing-on-how-to/)

[Harvey Karp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-karp/)

> [“Remember, there’s a huge difference between angry feelings and angry actions. Yes, you have to discourage misbehavior, but it’s superimportant that your child know…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-karp/remember-there-s-a-huge-difference-between-angry-feelings-and-angry/)

[Harvey Karp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-karp/)

> [“Avoid mixed messages. Speaking too sweetly or smiling while you set a limit confuses kids. It unintentionally gives a green light to your toddler’s…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-karp/avoid-mixed-messages-speaking-too-sweetly-or-smiling-while-you-set-a/)

[Harvey Karp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-karp/)

> [“We gain weight and suffer problems from pimples to cancer.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-karp/we-gain-weight-and-suffer-problems-from-pimples-to-cancer/)

[Harvey Karp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-karp/)

> [“During the months after a child’s first birthday, I recommend doing time-outs several times a week. That helps your tot learn your I’m not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-karp/during-the-months-after-a-child-s-first-birthday-i-recommend-doing/)

[Harvey Karp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-karp/)

> [Your top job as a new parent is to love your baby like crazy. After showering her with affection, your next two important jobs…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-karp/your-top-job-as-a-new-parent-is-to-love-your-baby-like-crazy-after/)

[Harvey Karp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-karp/)

[Explore all 11 Harvey Karp quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-karp/)

## More Children quotes

> [I am certain that children always know more than they are able to tell, and that makes the big difference between them and adults,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jacques-lusseyran/i-am-certain-that-children-always-know-more-than-they-are-able-to/)

[Jacques Lusseyran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jacques-lusseyran/)

> [Behind every successful child is an adult who believed in him.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-warren/behind-every-successful-child-is-an-adult-who-believed-in-him/)

[Rick Warren](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-warren/)

> [I believe in freedom to do what you want if you aren't hurting others, but pictures of obese protesters giving their children big gulps.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/philip-defranco/i-believe-in-freedom-to-do-what-you-want-if-you-aren-t-hurting-others/)

[Philip DeFranco](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/philip-defranco/)

> [If the audience likes your work, if they like you, they don't think whether you are married or have children or not. I made…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dimple-kapadia/if-the-audience-likes-your-work-if-they-like-you-they-don-t-think/)

[Dimple Kapadia](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dimple-kapadia/)

> [It doesnt seem to me strange that children should like the macabre, the sensational, and the forbidden.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-hecht/it-doesnt-seem-to-me-strange-that-children-should-like-the-macabre/)

[Anthony Hecht](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-hecht/)

> [Let children support their parents or be imprisoned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/let-children-support-their-parents-or-be-imprisoned/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [Gratitude isn't just a feeling, it's an action. Expressing gratitude by writing in a journal, taking a photo, or shooting a video creates a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janice-kaplan/gratitude-isn-t-just-a-feeling-it-s-an-action-expressing-gratitude-by/)

[Janice Kaplan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janice-kaplan/)

> [My embarrassing confession is that my father is a 'Camelot: The Musical' obsessive. So as a child, when we were going to visit relatives…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-chibnall/my-embarrassing-confession-is-that-my-father-is-a-camelot-the-musical/)

[Chris Chibnall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-chibnall/)

> [I have many who keep me going, I am very fortunate in this sense. There is nothing like a child who knows more about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/floyd-cooper/i-have-many-who-keep-me-going-i-am-very-fortunate-in-this-sense-there/)

[Floyd Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/floyd-cooper/)

> [My school was one of the most beautiful places a child can grow up in. You are surrounded by nature - cats, dogs, birds…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amala-akkineni/my-school-was-one-of-the-most-beautiful-places-a-child-can-grow-up-in/)

[Amala Akkineni](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amala-akkineni/)

> [A lesser complaint: hair extensions. There are moments on 'All My Children' when half the women actors, young and old, seem to be afflicted…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/camille-paglia/a-lesser-complaint-hair-extensions-there-are-moments-on-all-my/)

[Camille Paglia](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/camille-paglia/)

> [As a child, I had a lot of older gay men taking care of me. There's a trust there. I feel like little girls…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-cho/as-a-child-i-had-a-lot-of-older-gay-men-taking-care-of-me-there-s-a/)

[Margaret Cho](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-cho/)

> [If my child had prejudice in his head, I'd be ashamed. I would see it as my failure as a parent.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salman-rushdie/if-my-child-had-prejudice-in-his-head-i-d-be-ashamed-i-would-see-it/)

[Salman Rushdie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salman-rushdie/)

> [“Children's lives are always beginning and adults' lives are always ending. Or is it the opposite? Your childhood is always ending and your adult…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alison-espach/children-s-lives-are-always-beginning-and-adults-lives-are-always/)

[Alison Espach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alison-espach/)

> [As a child I was very involved with sports and I knew at age 9 that I wanted to be an Olympic champion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marion-jones/as-a-child-i-was-very-involved-with-sports-and-i-knew-at-age-9-that-i/)

[Marion Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marion-jones/)

[Browse all 62,396 Children quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "“Sign Language: Young Kids Know More Than They Can Say When you think about it, it’s not so easy”",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Harvey Karp"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-karp/sign-language-young-kids-know-more-than-they-can-say-when-you-think/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Children"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-karp/sign-language-young-kids-know-more-than-they-can-say-when-you-think/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/29e/harvey-karp-39261_children_sign-language-young-kids-know-more-than_1865913.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/29e/harvey-karp-39261_children_sign-language-young-kids-know-more-than_1865913.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/29e/harvey-karp-39261_children_sign-language-young-kids-know-more-than_1865913.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“Sign Language: Young Kids Know More Than They Can Say When you think about it, it’s not so easy” — Harvey Karp",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Harvey Karp",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harvey-karp/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "“Sign Language: Young Kids Know More...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-karp/sign-language-young-kids-know-more-than-they-can-say-when-you-think/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harvey-karp/sign-language-young-kids-know-more-than-they-can-say-when-you-think/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
