Pre school age children are so much fun, and their little minds are going full blast. When a child has cerebral palsy, the fun doesn’t need to stop. In fact, they need the stimulation and experiences perhaps even a bit more than someone without cerebral palsy. Love, time and creativity always goes far with children. School is approaching.
Being a parent to a child with cerebral palsy can leave you wanting ideas to help your son or daughter. I compiled a list to help give you some ideas to use with your child as soon as possible. My main bit of advice is to use trial and error. Sometimes what doesn’t work one day will work the next day, week or month. It can take awhile to get muscles and brain working together. Have patience, flexibility and commitment to make this process enjoyable for the both of you.
Children usually like bright colors and big shapes. Sometimes with cerebral palsy brightness can make our muscles tighten up. So have toys and pictures with a variety of colors, shapes and sizes to try to avoid over stimulation.
Music is also wonderful, and you should use it generously. Music is not only good for the mind but also good to stimulate speech and communication. Encourage children to move with the music. For example, stomp their feet, clap their hands, and dance in any way that they can. You can also encourage them to dance while in their wheelchairs or whatever mobility device needed. Loud or sudden music often over stimulates muscle tone so keep that in mind when you work with music with your child.
Sorting games are very good for gross and fine motor control. I recommend that you play sorting games on a regular basis because repetitive motion of muscles help teach the brain and muscles to work together. Have them sort colored paper clips that are colorful and big enough for them to pick up. For example, have them put blue ones in a basket on the right and red ones on the left. Make sure whatever the item is that they can grab it and manipulate it in a relaxed manner. Don’t overwhelm them with a large quantity. The key is to keep it as fun as possible.
Working on or as a team are self esteem boosters no matter the age. So if you can incorporate your child and other children working together, your child will be very happy. Rolling the ball bak and forth, kicking the ball, rolling on the floor, tug of war are just some examples. Try to keep the mood upbeat and fun so no one feels discouraged.
Arts and crafts are excellent to use with any preschooler. With a child who has cerebral palsy all you need to do is to keep it real for their needs. Mostly everything can be adapted and also you can use teamwork to accomplish the task. Cutting, beads on a string, coloring, painting are great for the motor skills. Just remember do not just do a project for them. Let them do what they can do.
Water play is so much fun. Splashing, pouring cups, playing with a water table and anything water are wet activities but also are so good physically and mentally. Take your child swimming any opportunity you have. Swimming isn’t just completely fun but will strengthen muscles.
Go for walks and talk about what the see, hear and feel. Encourage speech and dialogue always. Go to playgrounds and let them do whatever they can. Accessible or fully inclusive playgrounds are growing throughout communities. Ask around or do a google search for one close to your area.
Use technology such as the computer or tablet with fun age appropriate applications Chances are that technology is going to play a very important role in their life so getting them used to it early on is helpful.
Any time that you can give to your child is so valuable. Activities that keep them moving, reading, and mind stimulating are brilliant to use. Giving them an abundance of love and room to grow are the main things preschoolers need no matter the ability.
originally published by Jessica Grono at Cerebral Palsy News Today
