Celebrating Christmas is one of the most enjoyable times for children, because they love the accompanying atmosphere starting with decorations and decorating the Christmas tree with family and friends, as well as the idea of Santa Claus, who they believe will secretly bring gifts for them.
In light of the hustle and bustle and the various games that we are used to on such occasions, it may not be easy for deaf children who may find it difficult to participate in these activities and do not feel the joy of celebrations like their normal counterparts.
And on how to deal with this matter, the British newspaper "MIRROR" discussed the experiences of some parents in dealing with deaf children during the holidays and how to make the celebrations more enjoyable for them.
Lynn Chipperfield, 41, who lives in Manchester with her 8-year-old daughter Freya, who has a cochlear implant because she suffers from deep deafness, said her daughter is affected by all the festive appearances of Christmas due to her hearing loss, noting that theaters do not provide films with subtitles in English. Signal.
"The sheer volume of activities causes a lot of stress, every Christmas event is more difficult because of the increased noise levels, the focus required and the amount of people asking her questions," she added.
And the mother continued, that the child can absorb the conversation even if it is not directed at them by hearing, but her daughter always asks what was just said, commenting: “Even if the conversation was not directed at her, it is important that she repeat it because she has the right to realize that.”
She explained that her family does not use the word “it doesn’t matter” at home. All things are important and must be explained to children as one of their rights. She added: “Everyone knows how easy it is to follow up on conversations with family members or ordinary friends, but talking to deaf children needs an inner desire to act.” That and patience because it requires repeating the phrases to them so that they can absorb them ».
And about her favorite Christmas activities, she continued that she is watching her favorite movie, “The Polar Express”, with her child, adding that although the aspects of Christmas are challenging for her deaf daughter, she still loves it.
For her part, the little girl, Freya, said she wished Christmas was quieter so that she could hear everything, but Christmas is so much fun and it's so good this year.
And the mother expressed her months of pride in being the mother of this child, which she described as without her deafness, she would not be Freya, explaining that she "draws a picture when she tells you a story to make sure you understand the way you see it and seeing the world through it made me look at life from a new perspective."
Moving on to another family, Stewart Milligan, 32, and his wife Rose Fowler, 41, of Stewarton, said Christmas seemed to be missing out on their three-year-old daughter Lois.
The father explained that at this time of the year, nurseries sing songs and recite stories about Santa Claus and do activities that make Christmas magical for children, but despite his daughter's enrollment in the nursery, she does not understand what this celebration is and sometimes confuses things with each other.
He referred to his daughter's love for the bright lights accompanying Christmas, but it was difficult for her to understand why she received the gifts, and the atmosphere accompanying the Christmas celebration, such as trees, decorations and songs, commenting: "All of these things are a mystery to her."
And he added that his favorite Christmas memory was last year, when his deaf child was implanted with a cochlear implant in mid-December, after a long battle he fought to be able to do so, continuing: “Words really cannot describe the expression on her face when she discovered our voices, our music, and the noise in everything around her.” for the first time".
The father expressed his sense of pride in his little daughter’s progress well in kindergarten, and her love for swimming, gymnastics and dancing, stressing that she can achieve anything she wants, but he hopes that people will be patient and make sure that there are deaf children when everyone is rushing to get things, and give a little time to make sure understand them.
"The more people who know how to make small changes to their behavior when with a deaf person, the easier it will be for a deaf person to participate in the events around him," he added.
There are lots of things people can do to make sure that deaf children in their families, friendship groups and school environments feel included and included in the community, said Lucy Reed, Head of Engagement for the National Society for Deaf Children.
She explained that if everyone works together and exchanges some deaf skills, any deaf child will be able to feel part of the festivities and spend a happy and enjoyable time during these holidays.
Five tips for making sure deaf children are included at Christmas
1- Deaf children rely on all kinds of signs and clues to communicate even if they are wearing hearing technology, so remember to face them when you talk to them, and do not put your hand over your mouth or speak when you eat.
2- If a deaf child misses a joke, or doesn't understand a whole conversation, never say it's not important, this can be very upsetting for a deaf person, if it's important to share, you can share it with them too.
3- A Christmas movie is a great way to spend time together, but make sure you have the subtitles ready and ready.
4- Noise makes things difficult for deaf children, so turn off the music and replace it with a game where everyone can be included.
5- Let them choose where to sit when eating and make sure the room is lit.
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