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Step 1
Recognize that because making friends may not come easily to your child. You will probably have to spend more time helping him to develop friendships. You may also have to be more creative as you do it.
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Step 2
Start early helping your child make friends. It is much easier to begin teaching your child how to make friends as a toddler than waiting until she is in elementary or middle school. Making friends is a skill that has to be learned, so give your child as much time as possible to develop that skill.
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Step 3
Begin by setting up opportunities for your child to interact with children the same age. For younger children, you might plan "play dates" or attend a weekly playgroup. Older children might do well inviting a friend home after school or playing with other children in the neighborhood.
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Step 4
Before your child has a friend over, coach him about how to interact, share toys and do other things that friends do together. It might help to role-play these activities to make sure he understands.
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Step 5
Keep an eye on the children as they play. If interest seems to be lagging or the children appear bored, suggest another activity or join in their play for a while. Have a few activities prepared, such as an art project, for those times that the children are having trouble staying busy.
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Step 6
Offer to share ASL books or videos with the parents of your child's friends. Also be available to translate for your child or give the visiting child the signs she needs to interact.
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Step 7
Make sure that your child has deaf playmates as well as hearing. It is important for deaf children to know that they are not the only ones who are "different" and to have the comfort of not having to struggle to communicate with their friends. Contact your local deaf community center or talk to the special education teachers at your child's school to make connections with other parents of deaf children.
