Parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing can be a wonderful source of support. Most parents tell us that meeting with experienced families is meaningful and helpful things they did. The specialist coming into your home can put you in contact with those families within your community. Experienced families have “walked in your shoes," and they have much to offer in terms of support, encouragement, and information.
Seek Out Opportunities to Meet Other Parents
You might feel hesitant at first. This is natural. Meeting with other parents can be a big reality check. However, there are many benefits to making those contacts.
- Experienced parents can listen with understanding and give you helpful ideas.
- New parents can share immediate experiences and tell you about their own.
- Connecting with other families gives you the opportunity to introduce your child to other babies and toddlers who communicate and learn in similar and different ways.
Your Community Offers Support Too
Many of the people in the places where your family visits will be happy to make changes to accommodate your baby, and later your child.
Find programs in your community to help your family support your child's development and growth.
Activities, Classes & Teams
Take note of things that interest your child and encourage participation in social activities. Mommy or Daddy and Me playgroups, soccer teams, dance class or music lessons are some examples of extracurricular activities that you can try. Some cities have classes, troops and teams that are organized for children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Some have mixed groups, and some provide an interpreter to allow a single signing child to participate.
Places of Worship
If you attend a church, mosque, or synagogue, you can encourage the staff and congregation to get acquainted with your baby and to become a part of his or her spiritual growth.
Community Helpers
If you live in a small community and know people who will see you and your baby often (grocer, librarian, mail carrier, etc), start early to make them a part of your baby's life, just as you would your hearing children.
Activities, Classes & Teams
Take note of things that interest your child and encourage participation in social activities. Mommy and Me playgroups, soccer teams, dance class or music lessons are some examples of extracurricular activities that you can try. Some cities have classes, troops and teams that are organized for deaf or hard-of-hearing children. Some have mixed groups, and some provide an interpreter to allow a single signing child to participate.
Support Services
Many communities also have support services that you can explore and experience while your baby is still young. For example, an active Deaf community, a cochlear implant support group, or a parent support groups affiliated with Hands and Voices or other organizations. A branch of Hearing Loss Association of America may advocate for local movies to be captioned to supplement hearing devices. These groups may have other social gatherings that include families. Experienced parents in your community may be a great source of information about these opportunities.
