How to sign “Parents” in ASL
BSL and ASL are different languages — this is the American sign. See the BSL sign for “Parents” instead
Step by step
- Hold both hands open with fingers spread and thumbs sticking out to the sides.
- Touch both thumb-tips to your forehead, marking the father part of the compound.
- Slide both hands straight down until the thumb-tips touch your chin for the mother part.
- Keep your palms angled toward each other and your fingers relaxed through the slide.
- Pair the slide with a small nod — you are naming a respected relationship.
Practice tip
Plural of “Parent” — sign the base sign (often repeated) for more than one.
Fingerspell “Parents”
Letter by letter — a handy backup if you forget the sign above. This is not the sign itself.
Text-based guide researched from established ASL references (Lifeprint, university and public-health materials) and rewritten in original words. Signer-created photos and videos are a planned future upgrade.