Having a child with hearing loss can be overwhelming at times. Between the therapy appointments, new jargon to learn, and keeping those hearing aids/cochlear implants on, it’s easy to drown in the routine of each day. In the early stages, it often seems like an impossible dream that your child will one day learn to listen and talk. Things can feel really tough.
It’s okay.YOU CAN DO IT.
Here are ten suggestions of quick and easy things that you can do today to help grow your child’s communication. You don’t need money, special training, or any expensive equipment — just you, your child, and a desire to help her soar!
Read a book.
Go outside and take a “Listening Walk” — point out sounds that you hear in your environment and talk about them.
Turn off the radio and television to create a better auditory environment for new listeners.
Sing a song and dance along.
Draw a picture, write a card or a letter.
Let your child help you cook a meal or snack. Talk about the sights, smells, tastes, textures, and sounds of cooking. Talk about the names for the ingredients and all of that great cooking vocabulary.
Say a nursery rhyme.
Recycle “tired words” that your child already knows with more difficult synonyms. Try “magnificent” instead of “good” or “scrumptious” instead of “yummy.”
Take a deep breath and a minute or two for yourself. Remember that happy, healthy mothers lead to happy, healthy babies.
Give your child a hug and tell him how much you love him. Communication skills are essential, but a foundation of good self-esteem lasts forever.
Elizabeth A. Rosenzweig 