Get Kids Talking About Their Hearing Loss
Children with hearing loss often don’t know how to ask for help. They’re busy being kids! The goal of this activity is to find areas of focus for your child’s journey adapting to their hearing loss. It’s a nice way to spend some quality time together. You’ll also learn valuable information to share with your child’s teachers, pediatrician, audiologist and other supportive adults in their lives.
You and your child will separately answer five questions, then discuss your child’s answers together. (Sharing your answers is encouraged, but optional.)
What You Need
- 20 minutes in your day when your child is relaxed. Good options include mealtimes, a car ride and right after your child is ready for bed.
- An open mind
- Something to take notes with
Keep it Positive
Children can respond strongly to your body language and tone. Stay calm as your child shares their answers with you. No matter how you feel about what they say, always guide the conversation in a positive direction. Do this by incorporating praise, gratitude or follow-up questions into your responses. Use phrases like:
- “Your answers matter to me. I would like to give that one more thought. Let me take some time and get back to you.”
- “Sharing that was very brave. We will find a way to address it.”
- “Thank you for sharing that. Would you tell me more about why you feel that way?”
Things to DO
Keep your responses simple
Encourage more sharing
Focus on support instead of immediate solutions
Things to AVOID
Inviting comparisons to other children or families
Dismissing your child’s answers
Sounding alarmed
Things to DO
Keep your responses simple
Encourage more sharing
Focus on support instead of immediate solutions
Things to AVOID
Inviting comparisons to other children or families
Dismissing your child’s answers
Sounding alarmed
Your child is working through a lot of complex feelings and circumstances. They may not know how to express themselves clearly. Keep them talking and let them know that there are no right or wrong answers. The goal is to make them feel supported for being honest.
When you’re ready to get started, click on either of the buttons below.
