Discovering that your child is deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) will affect you, your other children, and your extended family members. People may experience a wide range of emotions in the days, weeks and months afterwards, confusion, sadness, worry and jealousy are common. Part of adjusting to your new normal involves working with your wider family to become more deaf aware.
Explaining the news
- Pick a way that works for you, tell your other children in person, and let extended family know by phone or text, for example.
- Use books, games and online resources to aid understanding.
- Be open and honest, discussing your child's diagnosis in a straightforward way is usually best.
In Australia, three to six children in every thousand have some degree of hearing loss.
Building communication
Babies and children need plenty of family interaction to build the communication, social, and emotional skills they'll need throughout life. Your family can start building deaf-friendly communication skills by looking at the child when you speak, responding when they interact with you, creating a good listening environment, and using lots of non-verbal communication.
Supporting siblings
Siblings of a deaf child may experience additional challenges, such as feeling jealous of the attention the DHH child needs. Support your other children by giving them a chance to express their feelings, being patient, encouraging them to learn more about deafness, and setting aside special time for each child.
Other ways to strengthen your family's deaf awareness
- Learn as much as you can about deafness.
- Join online communities and forums for DHH kids and families.
- Take part in events and activities for DHH kids and families.
- Take part in our free Parent Mentor Program.
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