Advice for D/deaf parents of hearing children

Parenting isn’t an easy task for anyone, even in the most favourable environment. Deaf parents of hearing children have unique challenges. The interaction between a deaf parent and a hearing child ultimately requires two languages – one signed, the other spoken.

Benefits of using sign with hearing children

Many deaf parents are unsure whether to use sign language with their hearing children. Research shows that language acquisition in children from 0-3 is absolutely vital to the psychological development of the child.

American research shows that hearing babies can learn to communicate using simple signs from the age of 6 months old. It reduces the frustration felt by babies who can’t tell you what they want, but it can also increase a child’s IQ.

Many children of deaf adults (CODAs) report that learning the languages and cultures of both the deaf and hearing worlds helped them gain responsibility, maturity and the ability to empathise with others.