When children are deaf or hard of hearing, they can miss out on information around them. Imagine your child is having a great time playing with blocks. There is a light knock on the door, and you get up to answer it. It can help to anticipate that your child probably did not hear the knock. You can “fill in the gap” by saying or signing, “I hear the door. I wonder who it is? I’ll be right back.” When you return, you can let your child know what happened. “It was the postman. We’ve got a parcel!” (show child the package). These small efforts to anticipate and fill in the gaps add up over time. Your child will feel included in family communication and it will help the world be more predictable too.
Download the Real Life Tips infographic.
- Getting ready to listen learn – Babyhearing.org
