New Experiences with Your Preschooler

Prepare them for new activities by talking about what they can expect. Talk through any vocabulary related to the activity, rules to the game, or expectations for participation. Videos can be a great way to talk through what to expect.

Pack your child’s hearing device kit including extra batteries and your child’s remote microphone system and charger

Teach your child to talk with their teachers, coaches, and friends about their hearing loss and hearing devices. Make sure they know to tell an adult when they’re having trouble listening or when their batteries aren’t working.

Talk to your child’s coaches, teachers, and friends’ parents to make sure they know about your child’s hearing loss. Share helpful information about their devices or strategies to direct them to listen.

Arrive early to new locations with your child so there will be plenty of time to help them adjust to the environment, and ask and answer questions.

Focus on all the new words that come from these activities. Talk about what they’re experiencing with lots of descriptive detail, and ask them questions about their day.

For events, outings, and adventures, remember to take photos and save momentos like ticket stubs or brochures. These will be helpful for conversations about experiences. You can use them to make an experience book!

Schedule Playdates

As you meet other families and your child’s social circle grows, plan playdates. One-on-one playdates may be easiest instead of many kids at the same time. You can practice LSL strategies during conversations, activities, and routines involving both children.

Prepare Your Child

Help your child be ready for the experience by talking with them about who they’re going to see, what they’ll be doing, and where the playdate is happening. It’s always a good idea to also practice age-appropriate manners, taking turns, and listening to others before any playdate.

Practice Conversational Skills

Your child learns good conversational skills from you. Make sure to model introductions, different types of conversational questions, how to change topics, and how to end conversations. Also, give your child plenty of opportunities to hear you having conversations with others.

Educate Other Parents

Talk to other parents about your child’s hearing loss, hearing technology, and your goals for listening and spoken language.

Observe Your Child

As your child is playing, observe how they are starting conversations, listening to their friend, taking turns in conversation, attempting to clarify statements, or ask questions. Provide support if you think they need it.