What innovative techniques does Carolyn Scott recommend for communicating with deaf children?

Hi, I’m Carolyn Scott-Hamilton from The Healthy Voyager. I share a few practical, creative ways to connect with deaf children:

• Treat ALL their signals as communication: eye gaze, reaching, body movements, small sounds. Respond to these consistently so they learn that “I act, you respond.”

• Use strong facial expressions and eye contact so they can read your mood and intent.

• Make play the “classroom”: games like peekaboo, playing with everyday objects, and sensory toys help bonding and language concepts, even without sound.

• Keep “singing” lullabies but add movement: exaggerate your mouth shapes, show big smiles, and pair songs with simple sign language and rhythmic touch (like gentle rocking or tapping).

• Explore hearing aids or cochlear implants with an audiologist if appropriate, so your child can access more sound-based communication opportunities.

Would you like ideas tailored to a specific age (baby, toddler, or older child)?