What does a child need to flourish? Everyone needs love, compassion, understanding, and support. For Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HoH) children—just like any other child—a positive influence goes a long way. However, some additional support to help them thrive in an environment that is often not on their side can help them grow into confident, healthy, resilient, and independent adults.
Supporting a Deaf or HoH child’s self-esteem is essential to ensure their well-being throughout life. It is critical to never apologize for a child’s Deafness—this simple action teaches them that there is nothing to apologize for, despite whatever additional challenges they may face due to inaccessibility barriers. At any stage in life, building self-esteem and developing habits that support confidence building throughout their life helps the kids begin with the strongest start possible. Allowing kids to answer for themselves teaches them independence they need for a happy life.
Encouraging children to have pride and advocate for themselves as Deaf individuals by being role models and setting an example early on is key. Teaching them to have a positive outlook about their Deafness—that it is a part of their identity to be proud of and what makes them part of an incredible, diverse, and open community. Without this, they can feel isolated and “less than” their other peers, which is not true in any capacity. Communication barriers may arise, but encouraging resilience and problem-solving in these situations helps ensure they feel understood and respected.
It can be unexpected and even a little scary for some parents to learn that their child is Deaf. However, there are a myriad of resources available by Deaf and HoH community members that can answer all their questions and concerns in a non-judgemental and understanding manner that describes all their child has to gain (see another QASL blog, “Is it Hearing Loss or Deaf Gain?” for more insight). These resources and understanding will go a long way in helping parents help their children grow and thrive!
Families should set the example for everything above; regardless of if the family also has other Deaf or HoH individuals, or if everyone is hearing, they provide the critical role models needed for a Deaf child to grow into their identities with pride instead of shame. Families are also the gatekeepers for a child’s next step into education. For primary, elementary, and sometimes secondary education, it is the family that oftentimes has the final say on which institution the Deaf or HoH child will attend. Ensuring they keep their child’s best interests in mind when selecting a school by picking an institution that is either Deaf & Hard of Hearing-specific or is mainstream but has support and resources available to best support one’s child is paramount.
Here is a video outlining some considerations parents may have when selecting a school for their Deaf child:
Additionally, parents have the crucial role of supporting the use of and education in sign language. Not only does it empower the child for their identity as a member of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, it also fights against audism (that is, the mistaken belief that hearing has superiority and that D/HoH individuals have the expectation of conformity and assimilation into a hearing society).
For any child, positive role models can make a huge impact on their development. For Deaf children, having Deaf role models can help instill a sense of confidence that Deaf people can and do succeed every single day. Seeing themselves represented in media, such as in Marvel’s the Eternals (as mentioned in another QASL blog here!), can be incredibly validating and provide them something they can identify with and see themselves in, giving the children an extra boost of confidence in that they are not alone. Being exposed to Deaf and HoH individuals who succeed and thrive teaches them that they can absolutely do the same! Deaf content creators, such as those on social media (such as Chrissy Marshall on Tiktok, or Jacelyn Fincher on Tiktok, etc.), provide accessible means to see inspirational and confidence-building material that teaches them how to navigate potential situations and be proud of their Deaf identities.
To support a Deaf child in the right way can mean the world to them—just like any other child, they are entitled to all of the love and support that they can be given. The education of all children to build a more inclusive environment for everyone and truly bridge the accessibility gap at a young age is a crucial task that can make very meaningful changes in the lives of so many!
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