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Parent Question: Independence for a Deaf Child
By caroline | November 30, 2007
A few parents have asked how their deaf child can be made more independent.
In fact, deaf children can be educators, as a recent blog post noted!
These ideas will get you started.
Young children:
* Let them do things for themselves and don’t spoon-feed
* Arrange play-dates with local children or go to a toddler group
* Enroll in local arts/play/sports activities (with siblings if applicable)
* If another parent is concerned about communicating with your child, offer practical tips
Chances are that you’ll be amazed how your son / daughter copes without you.
Let them work things out and learn!
Older children:
* Teach them to have self-respect and self-confidence
* Everyone has a talent: find and nurture theirs
* Encourage everyday objectivity and consideration for others
* Sport is a great leveller and builder of self-esteem
* Offer weekends away with sports or youth groups
* Allow time with friends to hang out / watch DVDs, etc
* Typing skills will enable email/webchat/textphone use at a later stage
* At an appropriate age, get a mobile phone for texting and making plans
Independence for deaf teenagers will be discussed in a separate post.
For now, we’d love to hear your questions, tips or comments!
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