Dana Selznick, Education Center Director
Holiday gatherings can be challenging listening environments for children with hearing loss, but there are steps parents and caregivers can take to help them self-advocate and feel confident in these situations.
Self-Advocacy
Prepare your child by explaining that there will be many people at the gathering and reassure them that it’s okay to ask to move to a quieter space if they feel overwhelmed. Practice simple phrases with them, such as Can you please repeat that?” or “It’s a little loud here; can we go somewhere quieter?”
Practice and Role-Play
Another way to help your child is to prepare for the types of conversations they may have at the gathering. Discussing common topics that friends or family might ask, like what they’ve been doing in school, favorite activities, or holiday plans, can give your child a chance to think through their responses.
Practicing these conversations can also make them feel more at ease, especially in a noisy environment. You might also role-play how they can ask someone to repeat themselves or to move to a quieter space if needed.
If the celebration is at your home, consider setting up a designated quiet area where your child can take a break if needed and show them where it is ahead of time.
Engage Family Members
Lastly, let family members know about communication strategies that help your child, such as facing them when speaking or minimizing background noise. These easy steps can help create a more inclusive and enjoyable holiday experience for your child and this preparation can boost your child’s confidence, helping them feel more comfortable advocating for themselves and participating fully in the celebration.
Contact me to share any questions you might have or tips that have worked for you and your child.
All the best this holiday season!
About the Author
Dana Selznick, M.A., M.Ed., is an education specialist dedicated to helping your child with hearing loss or auditory challenges get the support and accommodations they need to thrive academically and reach their true potential. Often the first point of contact for parents with a baby newly diagnosed with hearing loss, Dana provides information and guidance so that parents can make informed decisions about their child’s hearing health care, She’s an indispensable resource for parents seeking help in navigating Early Intervention (EI), Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE), Deaf Infant Program (DIP) and the New York State educational system.