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February is a time to celebrate love, and one of the most profound ways we express love is through communication. For parents of d/Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) children, fostering a strong communication bond is essential. Not only does it nurture emotional well-being, but it also empowers your child to thrive in all areas of life.
The Heart of Why Communication with DHH Children Matters
From infancy, children learn about the world and develop relationships through communication. When a child is d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing, we (and other professionals) encourage parents to be intentional in creating meaningful ways to connect. Strong communication lays the foundation for:
Emotional Security – A child who feels understood and valued builds confidence (KidsHealth, 2023).
Cognitive Development – Early access to language supports learning and critical thinking (ASL Picture Books, 2024).
Stronger Family Bonds – Children who feel included in family conversations develop a strong sense of belonging (Children’s Home Society of California, 2024).
Long-Term Success – Strong communication skills open doors for education, friendships, and career opportunities, enabling children to build meaningful relationships, engage in collaborative environments, and navigate challenges effectively throughout their lives.
Tips for Communicating Love to Your DHH Child
Learn and Use Sign Language. If your child uses American Sign Language (ASL), commit to learning and using it consistently. Even basic signs for “I love you,” “I’m proud of you,” or “You are special” go a long way.
Make Eye Contact and Use Visual Cues. Make sure your child can see your face and expressions, as facial expressions and body language add depth to communication and help convey emotions effectively.
Read Together Using Both Spoken Language and Signs. Reading is a beautiful way to bond. Pairing sign language with storytelling helps with language development and reinforces your child’s love for reading. Check out our ever-growing list of recommendations for DHH-inclusive children’s books here!
Use Assistive Technology When Needed. If your child benefits from hearing aids, cochlear implants, or captioning services, embrace these tools to support communication.
Encourage Two-Way Conversations. Give your child space to express their feelings, thoughts, and needs. Listen attentively and validate their experiences.
The Importance of Inclusion for d/Deaf and
Hard-of-Hearing Children
Your child deserves to feel included in every aspect of life—at home, at school, and in social settings. Here’s how you can advocate for inclusion:
Educate family and friends about the importance of communication access by demonstrating how to include your child in conversations. This can include teaching friends and family members basic ASL signs or communication strategies, and encouraging patience and understanding.
Advocate for an interpreter to be included in your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) if needed. An interpreter can help support access to classroom discussions and learning materials, fostering an inclusive and equitable educational experience.
Support social interactions with peers through Deaf community events or inclusive activities. Children love learning new things, and many find learning ASL an exciting, magical, and powerful experience. Encourage peer learning by introducing fun ASL games, storytelling in sign language, or inviting friends to join an ASL class. Schools and community centers may also offer programs where hearing children can learn ASL alongside their DHH peers, fostering friendships and inclusion. Stop by our Resources page for more ideas and teaching tools!
Building a Lasting Bond with Your d/Deaf or
Hard-of-Hearing Child
The love and communication bond you establish with your DHH child today will have lasting benefits. It will empower them with confidence, strengthen their sense of belonging, and prepare them for a future where they feel loved and heard.
This February, make it a priority to connect with your child in ways that speak to their heart. Whether through sign language, written notes, or shared experiences, every effort you make will reinforce that they are valued, loved, and truly understood.
You are their first and greatest advocate. Keep showing love through communication, and you’ll be amazed at the lifelong connection you build.
References
Children’s Home Society of California. “The Importance of Family Conversations for Early Childhood Development,” May 30, 2024. https://www.chs-ca.org/blog/entry/the-importance-of-family-conversations-for-early-childhood-development#:~:text=Storytelling%3A%20Sharing%20stories%20about%20family,sense%20of%20identity%20and%20belonging.
Marcath, Kathleen. “Why Deaf Children Need Sign Language.” ASL Picture Books, August 9, 2024. https://www.aslpicturebooks.com/post/why-deaf-children-need-sign-language.
“Your Child’s Self-Esteem (for Parents),” September 2023. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/self-esteem.html.
Thank you for diving into our blog! Please share effective ways you have learned to strengthen communication and bond with your d/Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing child.
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Limitless Potential of ASL: ASL Picture Books Sign Language Blog is a platform that invites you to explore the world of American Sign Language and the Deaf community. The blog offers insights, author interviews, and educational materials for anyone interested in ASL education and Deaf culture. It's a valuable resource, whether you're new to ASL or a seasoned member of the Deaf community. Subscribe today for free to start your ASL journey with us!
Melody Gibson is a writer and editor based in New York State. She has bachelor’s degrees in both communications and graphic design. Melody became enchanted by picture books when she had her son and started reading to him as a baby. She writes about children’s literature, family relationships, special needs advocacy, child development, and more.
Kathleen Marcath is an advocate for literacy and the Deaf community with a passion for creating inclusive spaces through ASL Picture Books. With a B.A. in Deaf Studies and a deep love for storytelling, Kathleen works tirelessly to inspire young readers and empower educators.
When Kathleen isn’t writing, she is busy connecting with audiences through dynamic author visits—both virtual and in-person. These sessions bring ASL to life and leave lasting impressions on students, classrooms, libraries, and organizations.
Want to bring the magic of ASL Picture Books to your community? Schedule an author visit today! Whether you’re an educator, librarian, or parent, these visits are the perfect way to inspire children and celebrate Deaf culture through engaging stories and activities.
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