Being only deaf kid in a hearing family…
Posted by chillygurlz on December 22, 2007
I describe whats it like to be the only deaf kid in family when it comes to holidays. it usually gets pretty lonely and kinda challenging to have a conversation with the family who speaks only and too time consuming to write back and forth with paper according to the family. I also asked about CODA Interpreting for their deaf parents, is it alright or not? in my personal opinion, it depends on the situation, if the CODA kid wanted to interpret for their deaf parent, then it would only be in stores or resturants, or something not too personal. i would like ur responds from CODA ppl and anyone!!!
Transcript: hello all… I want to tell u my story about what it like to be the only deaf kid in a hearing family, when it comes to holidays like christmas, thanksgiving and family gatherings. my parents divorced when i was 6 years old so i had 2 families to choose from for the holidays. so me and my brothers had to go visit each family in the same day during christmas and thanksgiving, it was not easy cuz i wanted to spend a day with just one family. so it meant more foods, desserts, and more traveling around. when i am with my family, i tend to be lonely and kinda just sit in the corner and watch everyone but yes i do help around by picking up the food or setting the table or stuff like that so i had something to do. when i try to talk to people, i kinda get stuck cuz i am not sure what they are talking about and i don’t want to interrupt an conversation. so it just easier just to sit back and be quiet. I always wished there was a deaf person or a sign buddy with me so i could chat and have a conversation. When i am quiet and not really able to chat with the people in the family, i always felt like i did not belong to the family. yes i can speak but its really hard to hear what people are saying.
December 22, 2007 at 10:08 pm
I hope you’ll share this video with your family so that they can understand what it is like from your perspective. I appreciate it when kids share things from their perspective. Thanks for sharing!
December 23, 2007 at 1:22 am
I agree with deafmom, have you talked to your family about how you feel? Why not after dinner/start teaching them to sign? Have them sign?
December 23, 2007 at 5:07 am
I came from a Deaf family, but I do understand where you are coming from as my husband’s family is all hearing. I find myself standing with my back against a wall. A wallflower, literally! I am grateful that the family understands my situation and do not really mind that I just show up for dinner and dessert and then leave afterwards.
I have a Deaf friend in town who asks me over to her family gathering often, only to keep her company as she is the only Deaf.
Have you ever thought about getting a signing buddy to go with you at every family gathering of yours?
December 23, 2007 at 9:42 am
I, too, was the only Deaf kid in a hearing family.
Not only that, the entire family was, somewhat, dysfunctional, meaning everybody was more intrested in himself or herself than helping anyone else.
After many years, the family appears to be split, beyond repair and it’s not because one child was deafened at the age or ten but because everybody seems to think they’re the one, who should always have his/her way.
December 23, 2007 at 3:03 pm
I am so proud of you for sharing your experiences with us. My Deaf brother and I have been through the same thing when we go to visit my dad/mom’s relatives.
I like your new blog design!
December 23, 2007 at 4:28 pm
See my vlog about hiring an interpreter at an annual Christmas eve gathering
I posted it about a week ago. We were at the same gathering last Friday, it was an early Christmas party this time. The host hired a good interpreter and it was covered through their family Christmas investment fund. This is one way how interpreters can get paid.
Anne Marie