Chattering Children

First Steps


Coping with grief


RESOURCES

There are many ways to get in touch with another parent:

1) Your audiologist can put you in touch with local families.

2) AG BELL (The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) can put you in touch with other parents in your geographical area

3) You can email us and we will be happy to put you in email contact with one of our Chattering Children families.

Read the online information Early Identification from the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf  and Hard of Hearing
The first thing I would like to tell you is that it is normal to grieve. Most parents, when told by their audiologist that their child has a hearing loss, go through emotional turmoil. The emotional spectrum includes denial, grief, guilt, anger, apprehension, and finally, acceptance of the fact.
The second thing I would like to tell you is that it is important to grieve -- to acknowledge your feelings and be able to express your emotions in a safe environment. Completing this grieving process will give you the clarity and ability to do what is right and necessary for your child. Parents grieve in different ways; some families find a safe environment in their extended family; some go to professional counselors and many get support from other parents of children with hearing loss. I strongly urge you to talk to other parents; they have been down this road before you, and you will find their support comforting, inspiring, and invaluable.

The third thing that I would like to tell you is that you  WILL be able to meet this challenge, and you WILL be able to do what is necessary and right for your child. I say this out of years of personal experience with many, many parents of children with hearing loss.

The fourth thing that I would like to tell you is that, more than anything else, it is what you do that is going to make the most difference to your child's success. I can assure you that the parents' role is not that of helpless onlookers but is one of active participants!

Coping with a child with a hearing loss is often complicated by the fact that, during this time, you will have to make decisions about  hearing aids, cochlear implants, mode of communication, etc.  It is easy to get overwhelmed! Take a deep breath and tackle one thing at a time, one day at a time. Try not to make decisions when you are feeling very upset, and don't let other people make the decisions for you.  Educate yourself -- read books, contact advocacy organizations, talk to professionals and parents -- and then make an informed decision. Believe me, you can do it!