teens wearing hearing aids

[Guest guest]

Hi Suki,

I'm the parent of teens. Wearing hearing aids is one of those

non-negotiables--just like going to school. My daughter has to go to school,

has to do her homework, has to do her chores, has to wear her hearing aids.

When she hates wearing them, I try to say casually but firmly (while my

heart is breaking!) that " every teenager has things that make them self

conscious. Even adults fight that. We just have to go ahead and do what

needs doing and then turn our self consciousness into focus on others. When

we're busy making others happy, we more easily forget our own discomfort. If

someone asks you what those are in your ears, just casually say they help

you hear better. Your comfort will make them comfortable. "

Very hard to do, but we establish a habit by doing this (our biggest battles

were in kindergarten when those BIG auditory trainers were all that was

available). You already have half the battle here becasue you

understand--you understand that she feels self conscious. Now help her

manage it. I saw a book called Cliques by Charlene C Giannetti that might

help. Haven't read it yet.

You be the anchor by which she gets her strength...then she can handle any

storm. And then let us on this list support you.

(I agree with Kay to make certain the hearing aids are working)

Caring,