Building a strong support network for you and your family

It can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you have to do things by yourself or that others aren’t able to offer the right kind of support. But that level of independence is likely to lead to burnout.

One of the most important things you can do – both for yourself and your deaf child – is to build a strong support network around you and your family. While parents are typically at the heart of support, others such as siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and family friends can also play an essential role when it comes to understanding, connection and support. 

Including others in the journey is one way for your child to feel surrounded by love and encouragement. This page is about helping everyone better understand how they can be part of helping your child navigate the world and thrive.

Siblings: Understanding and supporting each other

Sibling dynamics can be tricky, but this kind of relationship is one of the few that can last our whole lives. When one child has higher needs and seems to get more attention, it’s understandable if their siblings to have strong feelings about that. 

Hearing siblings may feel frustrated, confused or sad about being left out when it seems that more focus is placed on the needs of their deaf sibling. These feelings are normal and valid, but they can be managed with a bit of validation and proactive support.

One solution is to include your hearing children in the support network from the beginning. Our free 'Me and my deaf sibling' activity books are a fantastic tool for helping hearing siblings understand the experience of being deaf and how they can support their sibling. These books use activities like drawing, games and discussions to help children understand their deaf sibling's challenges and learn ways to connect with them. 

You can also get them involved in celebrating occasions like World Hearing Day or Deaf Awareness Week. Older children could even visit the younger classes in the school, sharing what it’s like to have a deaf sibling.

It’s also essential to validate and address your hearing child’s emotions. Take time to acknowledge any feelings of jealousy, frustration or confusion they might have. Let them know that it’s OK to express those emotions. Encourage open conversations, and give your child opportunities to share what they’re thinking. 

Grandparents: A source of wisdom and comfort

Lots of parents – and grandparents – have shared the joys and challenges of being involved in each other’s lives. Grandparents can be another key part of your child’s support network. They can offer love, wisdom and the benefit of their experiences (and some even offer free babysitting). 

However, there may be times when grandparents need some additional support to understand your child’s needs or the impact of deafness on family dynamics. Work with grandparents to find practical ways for them to engage with your child.

There are lots of ways to keep them informed and involved. In some cases, simple deaf awareness tips like facing your child when speaking or using visuals (such as pictures, signs or gestures) can make a big difference in maintaining strong communication. 

Grandparents can also get involved by learning your child’s communication methods. If they are unfamiliar with sign language or communication strategies, they might benefit from learning together with you or the rest of the family. 

We offer a selection of family sign language courses that you can attend online together. (You can also share a link to our YouTube channel, which has lots of videos about different signs that they can watch and practice in their own time.)

Explaining your child’s hearing loss and needs in practical terms might help them understand how their support can make a difference. If you have one, your audiologist or Teacher of the Deaf might be able to share some real-life examples that help others understand your child’s type or level of deafness.

Chosen or found families: Expanding support with family friends

Biological families aren’t always our biggest sources of support. Depending on your situation and dynamics, you may rely more on friends and community members. 

These “chosen” or “found” families offer love and care, and they can be invaluable allies in your child’s support network – and yours.

These members of your support network can provide essential emotional support, practical help and a sense of community. Including them can also help show your child that they are surrounded by people who genuinely care about them and accept both them and their deafness. Plus, by connecting with other families in similar situations – whether that’s through our local groups or on social media – you can help create a sense of belonging and shared experiences.

There are lots of ways for others to show up for you and your deaf child. Neighbours who learn sign language can help your signing child enjoy trick-or-treating. An honorary auntie might offer your child a safe space to express themselves. A fellow member of your religious community could drive your child to an event. Communities like these can ease the load on you and help your child feel more connected to the wider world.

If you’re religious, you might find that the community there is a great source of support – and religion might be a great source of comfort and identity for your deaf child. We've got advice on making religious celebrations more deaf-friendly. (And if you’re looking for a way to learn more signs related to your religion, we have videos about BSL signs for Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism!)

Support with navigating challenges

The presence of extended family can be a wonderful source of support, but it’s also important to address the challenges that can arise. Sometimes, others may unintentionally make things more difficult for your child by not fully understanding their needs or feeling unsure of how to best support them.

One key solution is ongoing education. The more others know about deafness, the better equipped they will be to offer effective support. 

Consider sharing our resources on types and levels of deafness, communication strategies (such as sign language or using visual cues) and different types of hearing devices. 

Remind your support network that they can reach out to our Helpline for more information and advice. If they’re on social media, encourage them to follow our accounts.

That support – alongside some tips on being deaf-friendly – can help others in your network feel more confident and connected in their interactions with your deaf child.

Building a strong network, together

At the end of the day, it’s all about creating a world where your deaf child feels understood, supported and celebrated. By promoting empathy and communication, you can create a network of support that will help your child grow in confidence and thrive. 

Dynamics will evolve as your child grows, but with compassion, patience and clear communication, everyone can play an important role in your child’s life.