Deaf-friendly morning routines
Mornings can be busy. Visual cues, simple signs and predictable routines help deaf children feel calm, informed and ready for the day. Here are some tips to make mornings run more smoothly: Create a visual morning checklist: Use photos or symbols for each step, such as getting dressed, breakfast, brushing teeth and packing the school […]
Choosing and starting childcare
A quality childcare or preschool experience supports children’s learning, social skills, confidence, and wellbeing. It also gives parents valuable time for work, appointments, and self-care. What to look for Look for services where your child will feel safe, happy, respected, and valued. When choosing a service, consider the physical environment, staff, and approach to inclusion, including: […]
Creating a sign language booklet
Make a simple booklet of the Auslan signs your child uses most often. This is a great tool for family and friends who may not be confident signing yet. For example, grandparents can refer to the booklet and communicate more effectively with their grandchild when babysitting, or practice their signing at home. If you’re considering […]
Asking for help from family or friends
It’s okay to ask for help. The first few weeks or months after a hearing loss diagnosis can be challenging and overwhelming. Practical and emotional support from family and friends can make a big difference during this time. Here are some things you might ask for help with, or suggestions you can gently offer to […]
Using assistive technology at home
For parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing, creating a supportive home is key. There are many assistive listening devices designed to help your child navigate daily life more easily. Some you might know from school, but they are just as helpful at home. Here are a few devices that can make […]
Deaf-friendly family activities
Here are some engaging and inclusive games and activities for families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. These activities promote communication, social interaction, and fun for everyone involved. Remember to choose activities that include visual cues and other adjustments, such as good lighting, sitting in a circle and minimising background noise. 1. […]
Making your home deaf-friendly
As parents, we are constantly advocating for our child who is deaf or hard of hearing. We want our children to have equal access at daycare, in the classroom, and in public spaces. But what about in our own homes? Here are some tips for making your home more deaf-friendly, including some if you are […]
Connecting with other families
From sharing tips, exchanging advice or being a support network to one another, connecting with others going through similar experiences can be invaluable. Parents, carers, children and young people will benefit and feel less isolated when connecting with other families on their journey of childhood deafness. There are many ways to connect, so choose what […]
Decisions – it’s okay to change them
As parents, we want to make the best decisions for our children. We gather information from various sources and then make our educated choices. When it comes to young children who are deaf or hard of hearing, there are big decisions to be made – method of communication, whether to aid or implant, choosing a […]
Couch potato or bookworm
Parents need to consider how much they influence the future behaviour of their children by setting an example. Children tend to copy their parents’ behaviour. If parents are readers, their children will be apt to read. There is strong evidence that children raised in families that enjoy reading and writing as an activity are inclined […]
Remember to enjoy time together over Christmas
The festive season is the perfect time for families to take a break from the stresses of everyday life and spend quality time together. So, don’t forget to take some time to create positive experiences and find joy in the little things, and in each other’s company. Download the Real Life Tips infographic.
Making Christmas deaf friendly
Christmas is an exciting time for children, but for deaf and hard of hearing kids, it can also be very stressful and tiring due to being surrounded by more people and more noise. Here are some of the adjustments you can do to make Christmas deaf friendly: Use tablecloths to minimise the sound of cutlery […]
Turning 18
As your child who is deaf or hard of hearing approaches adulthood, important actions may need to be taken to assist them in moving forward as an independent adult. Individual Transition Plan – for school leavers is a tool used in some states to assist students with disabilities and additional learning needs in preparing for […]
Self-advocacy
Self-advocacy means looking out for yourself, knowing what you need, and communicating your needs effectively to others. Self-advocacy is a skill that your child can learn from an early age with help and practice. Self-advocacy will provide your child with an important skill that supports lifelong success. There are three key elements to teach your […]
When you change routine
When planning activities like holidays that are not part of your family’s regular routine, take the time to share the information with your child who is deaf or hard of hearing. They are unlikely to learn what’s happening from overhearing your conversations. Download the Real Life Tips infographic. More information: Building a routine | NDCS […]
Turn on the light
Turn on the light or use night lights in your child’s bedroom when saying goodnight! Your child is unlikely to be wearing any hearing devices in bed and will be better able to see you and lip read. Download the Real Life Tip infographic.
Smile often
Have a look at our tips on growing up with hearing loss, which include… Smile as often as possible – because a smile means much more to a child with a hearing loss. Download the Real Life Tip infographic. More information: Growing up with a hearing loss
Siblings
Healthy sibling relationships can be a wonderful source of love and support. Siblings help each other to learn about fairness, cooperation, kindness and caring – often the hard way. Sibling arguments are a normal part of learning. Brothers and sisters of children who are deaf or hard of hearing can feel like the forgotten ones […]
Multilingualism – family language strategy
Multilingualism is a SUPERPOWER! Don’t be discouraged from teaching your child a second or third language just because they are deaf or hard of hearing. There are strategies families can use to help their children with hearing loss to be successful multilingual learners. These include planning and goal setting, developing family language strategies and keeping […]
Keep on loving
Keep loving, dreaming and expecting great things for your child! Download the Real Life Tip infographic.