Family - Real Life Tips

Below are some real life tips we have been sharing on social media. Check them out by clicking on the image or topic heading!

  Bath time with your baby or child who is deaf

Tips for when you are bathing your baby or young child who is deaf or hard of hearing.

More information:

• https://www.ndcs.org.uk/blog/bath-time-with-your-deaf-baby-or-young-child/
• https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/learning-through-play.html#02
• https://auslan.org.au/dictionary/words/bath-1.html
• http://www.signplanet.net/TeacherTrainer/TTSearchBrowse.asp?SubCatID=74-Bath%20Time

  Cleaning time

Tips for cleaning and storing your child's hearing equipment.

  Couch potato or bookworm

Children are more inclined to become good readers and writers if they see their parents reading.

  Decisions - it's okay to change them

It is important to remember that you do not have to make a choice for life. Decisions can be changed based on your child's needs and preferences.

More information:

• https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/making-choices-about-communication.html
• https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/decisions.html
• https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/choosing-a-school-for-your-child.html
• https://www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/language-and-communication/choosing-an-approach?

  Donating or recycling old hearing aids

Rather than throwing out your child's old hearing aids or storing them in a drawer, they can be recycled or donated.

More information:

• Hearing Aid Banks - hearingservices.gov.au
• https://www.bayaudio.com.au/what-to-do-with-old-hearing-aids/

  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.

More information:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZW-Ku1IsnA&t=23s

  Keep on loving

Keep loving, dreaming and expecting great things for your child!

  Keeping hearing aids on babies

Some babies love to pull off their hearing aids and some also put them in their mouths. Some tips for keeping them on.

More information:

• https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/using-hearing-aids-with-babies-aged-0-6-months.html
• https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/build-a-bonnet.html

  Making informed decisions

There are 4 important steps to making an informed decision.

More information:

• https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/making-informed-decisions

  Managing listening fatigue

Children with hearing loss have to concentrate more than their hearing peers to hear, comprehend and respond effectively.

More information:

• https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/managing-listening-fatigue

  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.

More information:

• https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/courses/courses/setting-up-children-who-are-dhh-to-be-successful-multilingual-learners/
• https://bilingualfamily.eu/resources-for-parents/
• https://www.plantinglanguages.com/

  Self advocacy

Self-advocacy will provide your child with an important skill that supports lifelong success.

More information:

• https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/self-advocacy
• https://www.understood.org/en/articles/the-importance-of-self-advocacy
• https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/raising-independent-kids/self-advocacy-strategies-ages/
• https://drc.ucsc.edu/general-resources/resources/online-resources/self-advocacy.html

  Siblings

Brothers and sisters of children who are deaf or hard of hearing can feel like the forgotten ones and experience resentment and jealousy.

More information:

• https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/brothers-and-sisters-and-communication.html
• https://www.handsandvoices.org/comcon/articles/siblings.htm
• https://siblingsaustralia.org.au/
• https://www.deafchildrenaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/brothers-sisters.pdf
• https://www.firstfiveyears.org.au/child-development/growing-up-with-a-special-needs-sibling
• https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/courses/courses/supporting-siblings-of-children-who-are-deaf-or-hard-of-hearing/

  Smile often

Smile as often as possible - because a smile means much more to a child with a hearing loss.

More information:

• https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/growing-up-with-a-hearing-loss.html

  Teaching your D/HH teen to drive

Learning to drive can be a stressful time for both parent and student, especially if they are deaf or hard of hearing. However, don't let this deter you as they are just as safe on the road as hearing drivers.

  Travelling with cochlear implants

Family holidays are a time for fun! However, travelling with kids who wear cochlear implants needs some planning before you set off on your adventure.

More information:

• https://tinyurl.com/3huajta5
• going-on-holiday - NDCS UK
• https://hearandnow.cochlear.com/hearing-solutions/cochlear-implants/traveling-with-a-cochlear-implant/
• https://www.adelaideairport.com.au/travellers-guide/special-assistance/hidden-disabilities/

  Turn on the light

Turn on the light or use night lights in your child's bedroom when saying goodnight!

  When you change routine

Your child who is deaf or hard of hearing is unlikely to learn what’s happening from overhearing your conversations.

More information:

• NDCS UK - building a routine
• https://www.perkins.org/home-based-routines-for-children-with-diasabilities/