Communicating When Your Hands Are Full

As a caregiver, there are moments when you're juggling tasks—holding a baby, cooking dinner, or carrying groceries—and it can make communicating in sign language challenging. For families with a deaf or hard of hearing child, this can create challenges when your hands are occupied. The good news is that with a few creative strategies, you can still maintain effective communication even when your hands are full.

Set Up Mirrors for Visual Access

One practical solution is to place mirrors in strategic spots around the house, especially in busy areas like the kitchen. If your child is sitting in a high chair or on the floor, they can use the mirror to see your face and any non-manual communication (like facial expressions). Mirrors give your child a clearer view of what’s going on and allow them to follow the conversation, even when you’re facing away or multitasking.

Use a High Chair or Bumbo Seat for Clear Visibility

When your hands are full, like when you’re holding something or stirring a pot, placing your child in a Bumbo seat or high chair can free up your arms while still keeping your child in view. Make sure they’re positioned so they can see both your face and what you’re talking about—whether it's the ingredients you’re cooking with or the toy you're holding. This helps them stay engaged in the conversation and understand what’s happening around them.

Be Mindful of Positioning

Consider where your child is in relation to you. Can they see your face, gestures, or what you're talking about? Adjusting their position can make communication smoother. For example, if you're carrying them while moving around, keep them close to your face so they can still see your expressions. When you're seated, shift them to a position where they can easily observe both you and the objects you're discussing.

Timing Communication with Tasks

Another helpful strategy is to time your communication so it lines up with moments when your hands are free, or bring your signing and talking closer to the objects in question. If you're cooking, for example, pause for a moment to move closer to the vegetables you’re chopping and sign their name while pointing to them. By making the subject of conversation and your signing as close in time and space as possible, it makes it easier for your child to follow along.

Having kids often means your hands are full, but that doesn’t mean communication has to stop. By using mirrors, adjusting positioning, and being thoughtful about timing your signs, you can keep your deaf or hard of hearing child engaged and included. Small changes can make a big difference in ensuring your child feels connected to what’s happening, even in the midst of everyday tasks.