Days 13: Tips For Easter Dinner!

On Day 13 we talked about how to be a good friend to those with a hearing impairment. I asked the children how many of them had grandparents that have a difficult time hearing and almost half of them raised their hand. I passed out cards that my husband and I have made to help grandchildren and grandparents communicate better. It was fun listening to their stories about family gatherings and the little differences they can make to ensure everyone feels included. I hope they practice some of the strategies over Easter dinner this year!

Communicating With Your

Hard-of-Hearing Grandparents

• If you notice your grandparents off to themselves and not involved in the family conversation, go talk to them.
• Always be in the same room with your grandparents when you are speaking to them.
• Get the attention of your grandparents first before communicating.  Call their name or gently tap their shoulder.  
• Look at your grandparents face-to-face while speaking to them.
• Do not cover your mouth, chew gum, or turn away while you are speaking.
• Speak clearly and slowly.
• If your grandparents cannot understand you, choose different words with the same meaning.
• Eliminate as many distractions as you can.
• Use language they are familiar with using.  Do not use slang.
• Always be patient, loving, and willing to repeat what you said so your grandparents can be part of your conversation.

And now for the grandparents...

Communicating With Your

Grandchildren

• Make sure you are in close proximity to your grandchildren.
• If you cannot sit on the floor with your grandchildren, move to a table and chairs so you can sit close to each other.
• Eliminate as much background noise as possible.
• Remind your grandchildren to look at you while they are speaking.
• Do not pretend you understand what they just said.  If needed, have your grandchildren rephrase what they said.
• Praise your grandchildren when they have communicated well with you and tell them how much you enjoyed your time with them.
• Answer their questions about hearing loss.  Explain how the ear works and what has hindered your ears from working properly.
• Learn some sign language together and you can send your own secret messages at the dinner table!
• Just for fun, watch one of your favorite shows with closed captioning.
• Affirm your grandchildren for taking the time to include you.