Abstract
Hearing parents were interviewed regarding the positive aspects of parenting their deaf children. The parent/child dyads were also observed in interactions and parents were asked to record in a journal their reflections about parenting a deaf child. This information was organized into categories that influenced the degree to which parents reported having positive experiences. A total of 42 categories were derived from the data obtained in the interviews, which were further arranged by the researchers in to relevant clusters. The clusters allow readers to better conceptualize the influences on parents that impact their ability to have a positive parenting experience. There were six clusters of potential positive or negative impact on hearing parents of deaf children identified in the present study. These included: Parental Positives (internal); Parental Positives (External); Child Characteristics; Deafness; General Concerns; and Parental Negatives. Recommendations for professionals, which were driven by participant remarks, are included as well.
Recommended Citation
Szarkowski, A., & Brice, P. (2019). Positive Aspects of Parenting a Deaf Child: Categories of Potential Positive Influences. JADARA, 37(2). Retrieved from https://nsuworks.nova.edu/jadara/vol37/iss2/6
