Inclusion in Play
Sometimes, people assume Deaf parents can't fully join in when play gets noisy or fast-paced.
I've spent countless hours playing with my children, and none of them have ever needed sound to know I'm involved.
Whether we're building, drawing, running around, playing games, or simply being silly together, connection doesn't depend on hearing every sound in the room.
Assumption:
"Deaf parents can't join in noisy play or group activities."
Truth:
"Play is about connection, not sound."
What often gets missed is that children naturally respond to attention, interaction, and shared experiences.
They care far more about whether you're present than whether you can hear everything around them.
Being Deaf has never stopped me from joining in.
It has simply meant finding our own ways to play, laugh, and connect together.
What kind of play or shared activity makes you feel most connected with your child?
This reflection comes from my experience as a Deaf parent. It reflects one family's reality, not every Deaf family's experience.
