Using stories to explain the structure of the family

CODAs often act as interpreters for their deaf parents – something which can blur the roles of authority and power in the family.

It’s important that your hearing children understand that sometimes you may rely on them but that at other times they must rely on, trust and obey you.

Stories are useful in reinforcing your role as a parent – helping to explain, for example, why children sometimes have to do what their parents tell them even if they don’t want to!

They also help in explaining about danger and about the consequences of ignoring parental advice.

And your children may find stories a non-threatening way to explain your deafness to their friends – they can share how they communicate with you with others. You can make stories up between you that your children can then tell to their friends.