In many communities, children of Deaf parents or of Spanish-speaking families end up interpreting at the doctor’s office, the bank, or school meetings. It can feel practical in the moment, but it carries real risks for families and for the businesses that allow it.
Why It’s a Problem
Accuracy. Children often don’t know the vocabulary used in medical, legal, or financial conversations. A simple misunderstanding about a medication or a contract can have serious consequences.
Emotional burden. Kids may be placed in the middle of frightening or adult conversations, such as a diagnosis, a debt, or a dispute. That’s a lot to carry.
Role confusion. Interpreting can put a child in a position of authority over their parents, which can strain family dynamics.
Neutrality. A child interpreting for a parent isn’t impartial. They may soften bad news or leave things out to protect someone they love.
What Businesses Can Do Instead
- Offer a qualified interpreter proactively, without waiting for the family to ask
- Make it clear that interpreting is provided at no cost to the family where the law requires it
- Politely decline to use a minor child as an interpreter except in a true emergency, and bring in a professional as soon as possible
- Post signs and add intake questions about language preference
Our post on certified vs. non-certified interpreters explains the qualities that make professional interpreters different, and our ADA compliance checklist covers related obligations.
A Note on Hearing Children of Deaf Adults
Many hearing children of Deaf parents, sometimes called CODAs, grow up fluent in both ASL and English and often take pride in that. The issue isn’t their language skill. It’s whether a child should be responsible for high-stakes communication that belongs to professionals. You can learn more about Deaf community and culture from the National Association of the Deaf.
Choose the Right Format
For quick questions, video remote interpreting can connect families with a professional in minutes.
Protect Families, Protect Your Business
Using a trained interpreter keeps children out of adult conversations and gives your business accurate, defensible communication.
Looking to set up interpreter access in Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, or Las Vegas? Contact our team.