social skills 135
Let a child know ‘why’
It is easier for children to do something you ask if they know why they
should do it. But because young
children who cannot hear well may
not know enough words or signs to
understand ‘why’, parents often
find it easier just to tell them
Hoa, I said stop
playing and
hurry up!
what to do. If children do not
understand why they have
to do something, they can
become frustrated.
Hoa might walk
more quickly if his
father could explain
to him that dinner is
waiting for them at
home!
Make change easier
Transitions (changing from one activity to another) can be difficult for
many young children. They may get upset at going from one house to
another, or at having to stop playing in order to take a bath. They still
have to get used to daily routines. Until they learn to expect a chain of
daily activities and become comfortable with this, children may struggle
with the ordinary routines of the day. And when they get used to a
routine, even small changes can make children feel insecure.
It is easier for children to
accept changes when they
know what to expect. Pictures
Julio, it is bath
time. I am
heating the water
now.
can sometimes help you
communicate about transitions.
For example, if your child is
playing and it is time for his
bath, you can show a picture of
him taking a bath. Discussing
what the picture communicates
can give him a chance to prepare for the change and may make the
transition easier for both of you.
To make going out in public easier, it may help if you explain to your
child where you are going before you go. For example, show him your
basket to help him understand you are going to the market.
Remember — change will be easier as children get older.
Helping Children Who Are Deaf (2004)