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May 9, 201614 invaluable pieces of advice from moms of children with hearing loss
Parenting a child with a hearing loss can be very similar, but also very different to parenting a hearing child. There can be challenges – big and small – and I am starting to realise a lot of these challenges can be met with frustration, for both myself and for Harry.
When I first found out that Harry had hearing loss, I loved reading advice from other mothers. So, in celebration of Mother’s Day, I asked mothers of children with a hearing loss for their best piece of parenting advice.
Here’s what they have to say:
“The first thing to remember is that your child is a child before they are a deaf child.” Judi, mum of Alex (7)
“The difference is mainly that there is more emphasis on the visual side of things. Otherwise bringing up a deaf child isn’t much different.”- Sarah, mum of Alby (11)
“Repitition, repetition, repetition! The more you repeat words and language the more your child will pick it up.” – Lucy, mum of Zach (2)
“Don’t put too much pressure on language and let them guide you with what they are most interested in. Our son is car crazy so he was quicker to learn the names of car parts and tool than anything else!” – Ellen, mum of Ben (3)
“Learning to swim is crucial for a deaf child. If they get into trouble in the water they might not be able to hear people or sounds around them.” – Ashleigh, mum of Lilly (7)
“Sometimes we have to spend more time with our child when in social situations as it can be overwhelming. I often have to encourage her to join in by getting down at her level and joining in myself!” – Mandy, mum of Isabel (2)
“There are so many books around that are so visually stimulating they will help immensely with language and sign skills. A lot of children’s books are repetitive and involve actions that your little one will pick up really quickly.” – Sarah, mum of Teddy (2)
“A lot of emotions can come with being a deaf child. Try to be understanding and sympathetic without letting them get away with murder!” – Laura, mum of Henry (15)
“Learning some basic sign language really helped us to relieve some communication frustrations with our toddler.” – Monika, mum of Loren (1)
“We put sticky labels on various objects around the house so that our daughter can see the word written as well as the actual object, to give her a helping hand with what sign or word it is associated with.” – Natalie, mum of Robyn (8)
“Try to encourage your little one to say or sign what they want rather than just pointing, to encourage them to communicate.” – Laura, mum of Harry (2)
“I have made a scrapbook for our 2 year old daughter with pictures of all our family and friends to show her who they all are to her and their names. I will then show her using the book who we will be seeing that day so she knows exactly what we will be doing.” – Frances, mum of Elsa (2)
“Try to be very patient and do not get frustrated when you need to repeat something to your child. They may need more time to process what you’re saying than a hearing child” – Orla, mum of Ellis (5)
“Bear in mind that hearing can be very tiring for a child with a hearing loss. Our little boy is so tired after a day at school and we trying to get him tucked up in bed early to get some well needed rest!” – Rebecca, mum of Alex (7)
What is the best piece of advice you have received? I’d love to read them in the comments!
