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5 Tips for Encouraging Self-Esteem in Preschool
by Paula Rosenthal

1. Listen to the child and let her speak. Even if the child’s language is limited, let her speak for herself as often as possible. Be patient and listen attentively while she expresses herself. By doing so you will be demonstrating the important skills of paying attention, listening and interacting. You will also be validating that her wants and needs are important to you.

2. Treat the child the same as any other. Treat your young deaf or hearing impaired child the same as you would a child of the same age with normal hearing. Don’t let the hearing loss become an excuse for misbehavior. Giving in to a child, pitying her or making things easier can backfire later on. Also, other children in the family or classroom may be resentful of any “special” treatment that is given to a deaf or hearing impaired child which can negatively impact their relationship with her.

3. Teach the child manners and social skills. Preschool is a good time to teach the child about manners and forming friendships. Make sure your child knows her name and how to share and take turns with toys. “Please” and “thank you” are important phrases to teach early on.

4. Help your child make friends. Introduce yourself to other parents and your child to other children in the neighborhood, at the park, at birthday parties and at school. Even if your child is just learning to communicate, early friendships are vitally important to your child’s confidence and well-being. Other children may be wary of approaching your child because she wears hearing aids, has a cochlear implant or doesn’t speak clearly. By helping your child to make the first move, it puts the other child and her parents at ease and both children will benefit. Your child can never have too many friends so initiate contact with potential playmates and their parents often.

5. Don’t hide the hearing aids, cochlear implant or FM listening system. It is important for both her self-esteem as well as her hearing benefit to make these devices a natural part of her daily life. Attempts to protect the child by covering up her assistive devices, will make her feel that they are something to be ashamed of. Help your child realize early on that her hearing loss is only a small part of who she is.
    

© 2000-2008 Paula Rosenthal and Taylor Rose, Inc. All rights reserved. For reprint permission, send an email with your request to info@hearingexchange.com.

This article is one of many in the Paula’s Pearls group of syndicated content from HearingExchange. It may be repr