Playtime with Ava
Published Date: 03 Apr 2025
Since Ava was a baby, we engaged in different types of play and games. She liked light-up toys, wooden jigsaws, bricks, sensory toys, and fidget boards—anything that would hold her attention as it has always been hard to do so. With her being a visual learner, it was easier to prompt her to play with these types of toys.
As she got older, we invested in more games and toys we could use for roleplay, such as doll houses, baby dolls, and toys for shops, vets, and doctors. We struggled more with these games at first. It was difficult to try and play and sign at the same time. We wanted to use play to get her to understand sign language, but it was so challenging, and we found it frustrating when she wouldn't engage. When she got to around three-and-a-half, she started interacting better with the roleplay. It really does take time and consistency.
We also had difficulty with crafting activities. Ava would eat the nibs off the pens, paint, play-doh, and glue. Nappy changes were a delight: there was some funky colours and even a yellow button once from a crafting session. We were told that with her lack of hearing, this was just Ava's way of exploring through her other senses.
Ava likes to be busy, and I sometimes think she struggles with sitting still. I find if I play with Ava in a more theatrical way, with more energy, she will engage more. She finds it funny and enjoys it. She likes flying around being a superhero or walking like a robot.
She loves the swimming baths and dive bombing into the pool. She also loves outside play in mud or on her scooter or bike. She even enjoys a bit of bug collecting; we don't share this interest.
Ava didn't like to play with other children until around 4, but now she will engage and get involved with other children.
When we go to the park, she's like a stuntwoman and will swing at the top of the slide, go down backwards and forwards, and climb back up. I think her daring streak is down to not being able to hear my fear. It's harder for me to warn her of dangers as I can't use my voice to get her attention. I've had to try and chill, but I've been like a nervous wreck with Ava!
I think it's hard to know what works best in play with a deaf child. They are all unique, but I do think it's about using eye contact and facial expressions and just being consistent. Even when I thought Ava wasn't taking it in, I was surprised by how much she actually was!
