Social anxiety
Social anxiety is common for young people with hearing loss, often because social situations take more effort and can feel unpredictable. Your child may worry about missing what others say, feeling different, or making a mistake in a fast-moving conversation. Here are some tips for managing social anxiety: Acknowledge their feelings. Let them know it’s […]
Helping your child build social and emotional confidence
Social and emotional skills – like recognising feelings, managing behaviour, and understanding others – are essential for all children. For deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children, building these skills takes early access to language and lots of opportunities to connect with others in meaningful ways. Some DHH children may feel shy or unsure in […]
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 […]
How to frame success for your child
As parents, we often use rewards to help our children reach their goals. But if we want to raise lifelong learners who are self-motivated and emotionally resilient, research suggests there are healthier ways to approach success. For children with hearing loss, focusing on effort and the process is especially important as they navigate their unique […]
Dealing with people who stare
Responding to people who stare at your child who is deaf or wears hearing aids or cochlear implants can be challenging. Here are some practical tips on how to handle such situations gracefully: Stay calm and positive: Keep your own emotions in check and model a calm, positive attitude. Children often take cues from their […]
7 Positive childhood experiences
Research demonstrates that both positive and adverse experiences shape brain development and health across the life span. Studies on child development show that Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) lay a foundation for optimal childhood development and flourishing adult mental and social connectedness despite co-occurring adversities. The 2019 study at Johns Hopkins University identified 7 Positive Childhood […]
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 […]
Teens dealing with social isolation
It is quite normal for our teens who are deaf or hard of hearing to feel isolated at times. However, if they are experiencing persistent feelings of loneliness, it’s important to seek solutions. There are things your teen can do to feel less isolated: 1. Talk Encourage them to reach out to you (parent/carer) or […]
Social model of disability
As parents of children with hearing loss, we want to protect our kids from discrimination and ensure they have equal access in society. Deafness and hearing loss are complex issues that affect each child differently. A social model of disability accepts their individual differences and removes barriers so they can participate in their community and […]
How youth can develop social capital
Social capital refers to the value and benefits that arise from an individual’s relationships, connections, and networks with others in a community or society. For most young people, having social capital is beneficial in transitioning to postsecondary education and employment. For adolescents who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), social capital can help them […]
I don’t like being deaf
As parents of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing, we often have to answer tricky questions or have difficult conversations with our kids. They may not like their hearing devices or being different from other kids and struggle with their sense of self and identity. Dr Bianca Birdsey is a mother of […]
Managing listening fatigue
Children with hearing loss have to concentrate more than their hearing peers to hear, comprehend and respond effectively. There is a lot of energy required in lip reading, interpreting expressions, and filling in the gaps in conversations. It is no wonder our kids are in a state of exhaustion when they get home from school. […]