Why I love blogging for NDCS

A few years ago, I responded to a social media post from the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) looking for family bloggers to share their stories. I’d always loved writing at school but never really used it for anything. It turns out, sharing my own journey of parenting two deaf children via blogging has been an incredibly cathartic vessel. A way of processing the highs (and there are major highs!) and honest lows of navigating disability as a parent.

I was born severely deaf myself. It was unexpected, and my mum subsequently ended up becoming the local NDCS rep, helping other families but also acquiring relevant knowledge along the way for herself. As a result, I was able to quickly access new equipment such as vibrating alarms and flashing doorbells.

At school, I was the only deaf pupil, but it genuinely didn’t bother me beyond the occasional reluctant assembly hall trek to hand over the radio aid. If I’m brutally honest, I never identified as Deaf. I’m Nicky, and I happen to wear hearing aids. I was involved with the NDCS play schemes via my mum, but I thrived in the hearing world and had no real desire to widen my circle. I didn’t feel the need.

Fast forward 30 years to being on the other side of the door as a parent. Oh my goodness. I get it. That’s why my mum volunteered. To realise it wasn’t just her figuring out how to steer the ship. Other parents were in the same boat!

Despite being deaf myself, I didn’t expect my children to follow suit, and it was a shock. I’d go as far to say there was a short grieving period when my firstborn was diagnosed. Then I met other parents through my Teacher of the Deaf. I relished having someone I could text who ‘got it’. It was inspiring watching other deaf children older than mine and seeing what they could achieve. It was great for my children not being the only ones. Representation matters. ‘Fury’ from Gladiators (unilaterally implanted) is now my daughter’s hero!

So this is why I blog. To share. From tips on reading, to sharing technology, to negotiating holidays, to the implant operation, to celebrating successes – for the past five years I’ve tried to share what I would find helpful as a fellow parent. In turn I’ve read countless blogs from others which have been relevant, reassuring, relatable and downright interesting!

If you’re reading this and are thinking about sharing your story, have a go at writing it down. If you read it and decide it’s too personal for you to share, fair enough – but I bet it felt therapeutic to write it, and maybe it could be the start of a diary. If on the other hand you can share, there will be so many parents and caregivers who appreciate it.

I’m so incredibly proud of my little family, I’m happy to shout it from the rooftops. I want to show that being deaf isn’t a ‘problem’ (heard that one enough). Yes, it might be a challenge. Yes, it might not be a walk in the park. But no journey is identical, and everyone has their own hills to climb. Blogging is an opportunity to share the load.

Thank you NDCS for giving me a little corner of a platform, and thank you to all the family bloggers who helped others realise we’re not alone.

Would you like to share your stories? Email [email protected], and we'll give you more information about blogging for us.