Childhood responsibilities can become familiar over time. As a Deaf mother, I reflect on the difference between children helping and adults expecting them to take responsibility for communication.

Children can become aware of personal or emotional information simply by being nearby. But hearing something private doesn't make them responsible for managing it, keeping secrets or protecting adults.

A child may genuinely want to help. But when that help becomes expected, the freedom to say no can become harder to recognise. A Deaf mother's reflection on choice and responsibility.

Children are sometimes praised for being responsible, helpful and mature beyond their years. But what might adults be overlooking when they focus on how capable a child appears?