The Perfect Present: Part 1

As our children prepare to return to school we know that this means new friends which means a host of things: new play dates, new parents to meet, new names of friends to remember, different interests your child will adopt and new birthday parties to attend.  As a therapist, I am often tapped for different presents that are good for children of different ages.  This will be a multi-part blog with different areas of focus for different age groups to help parents navigate buying different gifts.

This weeks Part 1 will focus on Gross Motor and Coordination skills.  These are the big movements that involve big muscles throughout the body.  For some children, these movements have always come easily and for other children this can be very difficult.  Here are some ideas for presents for different age groups that just may be the right fit!

1. Fisher Price® Bright Beats Smart Touch Play Space

This toy is made to move from infant to toddler years.  It incorporates the use of sound and light to encourage movement in sitting, standing and cruising positions.

2. Balance Beams and Stepping Stone Games

These toys allow for a multitude of uses and encourages creative play while working on balance, coordination and movement.  

3. Twister

Yes, this game is still around and it is great for coordination and motor planning!  Recommended for ages 6 and up.

4. Velcro Ball and Catch Set

This is an inexpensive toy that allows for increased success for children that may have difficulty with the act of catching the ball by allowing a bigger target as well as decreased movement required to catch.

5. Scooters

For older kiddos this is great for coordination, balance and core strengthening.  The simpler the better on scooters as they can become more difficult the more parts and pieces are added.  Of course, I always recommend a helmet for safety on these!

Sometimes it just takes a different view on different games and toys to show their true value! Have fun shopping!

Preparing for Return to School

Believe it or not here in Florida we are already half way through the Summer...yes, really!  As we approach the beginning of a new school year I am often discussing with parents what they can do to help prepare their child for the return to school.

1. Schedules.  We all do it in the Summer; let our kids stay up late, plan activities that can be over stimulating later than we would normally and relish when they decide to sleep in late!  As you approach the beginning of the school year, I highly recommend a two week prep period for the resumption of their school schedule.  Resume normal bed times and yes (cringe) wake them up when they will need to be up getting ready for school.  Waiting until the first day of school will make for a stressful start for both of you!

2. Take Advantage of the Open House.  Most schools have a day before school resumes that your child is allowed to go to the school and meet their new teacher.  No matter if they are in Kindergarten or 5th grade, this is important for them.  Having them be aware of where their classroom is, who their new teacher will be and see some of the friends that will be in their class will decrease their anxiety the first week.

3. Handwriting. Some kids are too busy being active with camp and sports and Summer activities to sit and write during the Summer.  Yep, completely okay for them to be kids!  However, as they approach the beginning of the school year, you will want them to begin to wake up those hands.  Now, take a deep breath.  This does not have to be the same as homework!  Do FUN writing activities. Write cards, make lists for upcoming activities, do crossword puzzles, play word games like Scattergories.

4. Visual Motor Activities.  Your child will be required to resume projects, art and other activities that will require them to be able to coordinate what they see and how their body reacts. Grab the scissors, paper and glue.  Make pictures, play pictionary, or make some new room decorations.  Family game time is a great way to work on these skills (Cranium happens to be one of my favorite!).

5. Reading.  Your kiddo will be expected to pick up where they left off.  For those that did not have a Summer Reading list time to start back up.  And I recommend this 4 weeks before school is back in session. Bedtime reading is a fun way for you and your child to spend some quiet reading time together.  Comic books are also a neat and fun way to get back in the swing of reading.

So as one parent to another, I will say, the next thing we need to do is prepare ourselves for what the school year will bring...homework, after school activities, checking folders, school projects, and did I mention homework?  I personally feel like I am finally recouping from last years routine.  The better mindset we are in the better prepared we are for helping support our kids.

Good luck momma and papas!  The more prepared you and your child are the easier back to school will be for all of us...even if we really don't want Summer to end!

Picky Eater vs Resistant Eaters

We often hear parents talk about their children being picky eaters.  However, when does it go beyond just picky eating?  There are times that it goes beyond the normal children making a stand, finding their own preferences and being a kid.  There are times that there are physical and neurological reasons that a child may be resistant to eating and meal times.  Occupational Therapists are specially trained to help children overcome some of these issues to allow for increased nutritional intake.

Sensory processing or modulation can play a big role in a child's ability to tolerate certain textures or smells.  If a child has an overactive olfactory sense, smells can seem overpowering, create over sensitive gag reflexes and turn children off to food that has any odor.  Oral tactile defensiveness can create difficulty with tolerating new textures, eating foods with different textures vs one consistency and progress through different stages of food.  Occupational therapists work towards regulating the senses to allow for increased food variety and more pleasant meal time experiences.

Resistance to eating can also come from oral motor weakness.  This means that some muscles around or in the mouth are not strong enough to chew certain foods or chew for long periods of time.  Through different exercises, activities and strategies these muscles can be built up and strengthened to allow for the child to tolerate larger amounts of food as well as food that is more difficult to chew, such as meats.

Many parents that are experiencing the meltdowns, the refusals to eat more than 2 food items for weeks on end and the gagging through every meal = dreaded meal times.  These times should be enjoyable; a time in which the family comes together, sharing their daily events and simply just spending time together.  They can return to this with a little help from your OT friends.  Reach out, make the call, and take back your meal times!

The Value of Time

We often find ourselves saying "I can't wait to get to...", "I hope this goes quickly" or "We need to hurry so we can...".  I know these are common phrases around my house.  And our time is precious, right?  It is something that only we are able to place a price tag on.  Now, how do you think your children value it?

Recently, Amazing Kidz Therapy hosted a Daddy/Daughter Mother/Son dance as a way to promote family time while raising money for a great cause.  While we raised money for the cause I saw us raise something else.  The value of the time we spend with our children.  The value our CHILDREN place on that time.

I looked out over the room frequently to a sea of smiling, happy faces; both from the children and the adults.  And it was not because they were getting tasks done on their to do lists or completing chores or finishing a project.  It was not because they were full of treats (although the desserts were amazing!) or they had games to play or they were with their friend (in fact most children did not know any others there).  The reason was simple; it was about the time they got together.  That's it.  They were spending uninterrupted time together, having fun and and making memories.

Trust me, I get it. Life happens and things need to get done.  But I learned a valuable lesson that night: Plan for the just them time.  Shut down the electronics, wait to complete the To Do lists, and just be there for them time.  It does not have to be fancy; it can be 20 minutes in the park, a walk around the block or sitting at the dinner table as a family talking about the day with no phones allowed.  Children value our time more than I believe we do and the satisfaction they receive from getting that time from us...priceless.

Why I Became an OT

I find myself stunned these days when answering the question: How long have you been a therapist?  When I respond almost 15 years, I cannot believe my own ears.  But, this is the truth and it feels like just yesterday when I left college with that degree in hand ready to save the world.  And I guess you could say, the reason it feels like that is because I still feel like that!

I have known since the age of 14 what I wanted to be.  A very dear family friend introduced me to the world of OT and what it could do for children and I was hooked!  I spent a day with her seeing the little lives she was changing (yes, this was way before the HIPPA days!) and I knew there was nothing else I wanted to do.  And so then the question I am always asked is, Why?

In my opinion and in my experience, OT can literally change the lives of those that we serve.  I help children and families overcome obstacles, achieve goals and enhance their quality of life everyday!  Occupational therapists are trained in evaluating the strengths and areas of opportunity for each child, developing a plan for them and their family and providing skilled treatment to help them meet those goals.  No success is a small one and the look in a child's eyes when they realize they are able to do something...priceless!  And yes, it may look like I get to play all day (well, I do, BUT with a purpose!), however, each treatment is well planned and thought out with modifications made, situations manipulated and obstacles provided all to work towards continued development of strengths while enhancing weaknesses.

Now, I am no super hero (although I do still believe I can save the world, it just depends on what world we are talking about!).  I am an OT, down to the very fiber of my being.  It is who I am, not what I am.  There are several little faces out there that carry a piece of my heart with them always because I was given the privilege and honor of working with them.  I am inspired everyday by the determination and strength of the children and families I work with.  Not a bad gig, right?

So, on this 100 year anniversary of Occupational Therapy, I share in the excitement of my colleagues over where we have come, what we do today and what the future holds for our profession and the individuals that we will continue to serve.

Answering Parents Questions

Many times during my first appointment with new clients and their parents I am asked a lot of questions.  And rightfully so!  What is OT, why was I referred here, how is this going to help my child, I cannot make sense of all that is going on with them, how can I best support them?  These are very common questions.  I felt it appropriate to take some time and share the common answers to these questions to help parents out there who are considering therapy but don't really know what it is all about.  Especially given that I often hear right after they start services, I wish we had done this sooner OR this all makes so much more sense to me know.

1. What is OT?  Being an OT, I could write a book about that so I will try to keep it short.  Occupational Therapy focuses on the skills for the job of living.  Yep, that simple.  So what does that mean for a child?  What are their jobs?  Self-care, school and play.  Yes, I said play, because it is their job.  Play skills are the foundation for future development and growth in physical skills, social skills and executive functioning.  Occupational therapy looks at the different components that are required to complete these tasks, such as strength, coordination, sensory integration, motor planning, fine/gross motor skills, visual motor and cognition.  Once we identify the child's strengths and weaknesses in these areas we work toward building on the strengths, improving the weaknesses and providing compensatory strategies to allow for success where appropriate.

2. How is this going to help my child?  Occupational therapists are specially trained to break down tasks, manipulate activities and create safe learning environments that continually are modified and progress with your child's increasing successes.  OT's will provided compensatory strategies for activities that remain difficult until remedied.  We will work on areas that require specialized techniques to work towards the child's modulation, attention, social skills, self-regulation and ability to carryover skills in a variety of environment.s We provide take away activities and education for continued carryover and development at home.  OT's will collaborate with other healthcare professionals and teachers to allow for continuity of approaches and continued advancement in skills.

3. How can I best support my child?  I am a very strong believer of a therapeutic relationship between both the child and the parent with the OT.  You should have trust in your therapist and what they are asking you to implement and try at home.  Asking lots of questions is welcome and you should not feel that you are bothering the therapist.  Most therapists will allow for a meeting time at the end of the session for a review of the session, activities for home and time to ask questions.  Use this time.  I always encourage my families to email me in between sessions with any questions or concerns that may arise. If your child needs an IEP or 504 plan learn what your rights are and what you should expect at these meetings and plans.

These are just some of the questions that are asked by parents.  All answers will be more specific to your child, their needs and your expectations when you get started with therapy.  Hopefully this helps to take the mystery out of OT!

Preparing for Time Away from School

Spring Break is already upon us here in FL; a time when kids are elated to have some time away from school and are looking forward to not waking up early.  For some parents, this is an exciting time for them as well.  This could mean time off from work, a vacation or just some staycation time!  For other parents, this time can seem very daunting; break in routine, proper activity scheduling, etc.  Here are some tips for how to plan for a smoother Spring Break that both parent and child can enjoy!

Prepare to Stay on Routine
For some children, wavering from routine can lead to an all out meltdown or simply off put them for the entirety of the day.  Plan to keep your child on schedule.  Have them wake up at the same time daily, plan their meal times for the same time and include scheduled sensory breaks that they may have at school.  This should be done if at home or on vacation.  If you are somewhere with some strict dining times, such as a cruise ship, plan a small snack for the usual meal time.

Prepare Your Kiddo with a Itinerary 
For children who struggle in new and different situations being armed with the information ahead of time allows them to prepare.  Discuss with them the expectations of them, what they can expect and approximately how long they will be there.  Visual schedules can help remind them with this as well and allow them to feel more in control.

Sleep
Maintaining healthy sleeping habits will be key to helping your child stay in a better place to control their emotions.  Try to avoid skipping nap time at all costs, even if that means a nap in a stroller if they will go for it.  Trust me, you will thank me for this one later!

Have a Plan B
Sometimes no matter how well we think we are prepared things go awry.  Best laid plans, right?  Always have a Plan B in your back pocket.  Raining, too crowded, kiddo just not feeling it today?  If you are prepared for the "what if" it will assist in eliminating stress on you and allow you to help your child navigate through the situation.

I hope that some or all of these tips have helped you.  Enjoy your time and have a wonderful spring break!

Preparing for Handwriting

As our little ones get bigger we begin to get ready for them to be able to write. Wow!  Trust me, we have all been there when we look at their little hands and say "They can't do that!".  But they can and they will!

Developmentally, children should begin learning to write their letters and numbers in PreK.  There is a big misconception that just because they begin to learn to write them that they will be proficient and perfect!  Not the case.  We as parents often begin to feel that if they learned it they should be perfect after a little practice. Reality is they will continue to refine their writing up into second grade.

So what are some things you can be doing at home to get their little hands ready?  Here are some easy to do activities for you and your kiddo!

1. Coloring: Yes, I said coloring.  However, I want you to break the crayons in half.  I will give you a moment to get over the shock.  We historically have reprimanded our kiddos for breaking the crayons right?  Well, not anymore.  So the big question is why.  Here is the reason: smaller crayons promote better grip and help to increase the strength in the tiny muscles in their hands.  Start with large print pictures that allow for greater success and transition to smaller pictures to help with control and precision.

2. I Spy Letter Game: Sometimes the most difficult part of writing is identifying what the letter looks like.  Play the I Spy game and have your little one identify all the letter B's in a location and so on.  This will help with visual recognition.

3. Paint by Number: Using a paint brush will help work towards grip for when they transition to a pencil.  In addition, having them identify the numbers on the picture will assist with number recognition.  Painting in the lines helps them with attention to the starting and stopping of strokes as well as control of the utensil.

Happy Hands Help for Happy Handwriting!

Fairy Tales with a Lesson

Happy National Tell a Fairy Tale Day!  Stories have an unique ability of helping children understand situations and learn life concepts.  As an adult, we are able to pick up on the distinct lessons being delivered.  I remember re-reading some of my old time favorites with my oldest daughter as an adult for the first time and seeing it through different eyes.  On a day that celebrates these stories I wanted to bring you a brief list of some with their life lesson purpose to assist you in choosing the one that may be best suited for your little one!

Hansel and Gretel: This story is a great one to teach the dangers of talking to strangers and more so entering someone's home that is unknown and not approved by their parents.  This one can get a little frightening for some little ones (you know, given the whole oven thing) so be sure you will be able to help your child hear the message without a sleepless night of nightmares!

The Pied Piper: A fabulous story that introduces greed, selfishness and keeping your word.  There are various versions of this one, some including well known and loved characters such as Mickey Mouse.

The City Mouse and the Country Mouse:  This happens to be one of my favorites.  It helps a child appreciate the things that they have and understand why we don't covet others things.  This is also a great way to prepare your child for going home after a trip and help them remember all the things that they love at home!

The Gingerbread Man: This is a cute story that helps children learn the dangers of strangers without the scariness of other stories.  It also introduces the concept of teasing in a light hearted way that can help you breach the conversation with your child.

Chicken Little: We use words like "size of the problem" in the therapy world to teach this concept. This is such a good story to help your little one understand how their reaction should match the severity of the problem.

Have fun reading!

Splash in the Puddles and Swing from the Bars

One of the first homework items that I give families that I begin working with is simple: go outside and play.  Most parents laugh at me when I say this, however, I am being very serious.  Why? Because when we increase children's gross motor skills and strength we will increase their fine motor skills, posture and ability to pay attention for longer periods of time.

So what are some of the best outdoor activities that you can be doing with your child and why? Here are a list of some of my favorites!

1. Monkey Bars: Monkey bars work on increasing upper body strength.
2. Jumping Activities: Hop scotch, jumping rope, etc. Jumping provides good proprioceptive input into the child's body, helping with body awareness as well as increased attention.
3. Bike Riding: Riding a bike will help improve your child's core strength, balance and strength.
4. Swinging: When on a swing a child is gaining vestibular input, which is good for body awareness as well as can aide with sensory integration.
5. Swimming: Great coordination can be gained from swimming with decreased need of balance due to the weightlessness of the water.  Water also provides another element of sensory input.

So grab your water bottle, put on some sunscreen, get outside, have fun and enjoy!

Old School Games with a New Outlook

Do you remember the games that we played as kids that didn't involve a video screen or a controller?  I am talking about ones like Hop Scotch, Where is Thumbkin? and Red Light, Green Light.  I remember playing them first with my mother and then with my friends.  What I didn't realize was that I was doing a lot more than playing a game.

Some of these old school favorites are a great way to work on different developmental skills.  As an OT I have re-evaluated all of these games that I enjoyed and looked at how we can use them in therapy and at home to  help our kiddos with some fun learning strategies.

Here are some oldies but goodies with the skills that you can work on while playing with your child!  And most importantly....Have Fun!!

Where is Thumbkin?
This is one of my favorite ways to assist kiddos with finger isolation.  In addition to promoting singular finger movements of each hand it works on finger identification as well as joint isolation and range of motion in the fingers.

Hopscotch
This is one that is loaded proprioceptive input for our friends that need that input to be able to attend to seated tasks, such as homework or meal times.  It also works on bilateral coordination, balance and visual motor skills.  Not to mention learning numbers and sequencing!

Red Light, Green Light
I really enjoy this one for my friends who have a difficult time attending to auditory information!  Reaction time and attention are also some skills that will be developed while using this game.

Mother May I
The basics of the game will work through motor planning skills to be able to perform the task being directed by the "mother".  Sequencing, attention and multi-step directions are essential skills for the game and allow your child to be silly while working on these skills.

Patty Cake
Patty cake is a great one for bilateral coordination and motor planning.  What little girl does not like to play patty cake?  Try having them make up a new song to the game!

Simon Says
Memory and following directions are the keys to this game.  These skills are very valuable for within academic settings and provide a fun way for a child to pay attention to rules and sequential steps.

Making a Special Valentine

Looking for some fun projects that you can do with your little ones for Valentines Day? Check out this fun, easy and inexpensive project that you can do at home with your kiddo.  Below the video you will find the skills you will be working on while having fun and making memories!

Tissue Paper Flowers

Materials: Tissue Paper
                 Pipe Cleaners
                 Pen
                 Scissors
                 Large and Small Circle Stencil

Check out the video with the step by step instructions completed by Ms. Kat from Amazing Kidz Therapy.

Skills:  Visual Motor for cutting
            Fine motor precision for tracing
            Finger strengthening and fine motor coordination for twisting the pipe cleaner

Spoon Full of Love

Learning to use utensils can be a very exciting and funny time for a child's development.  How many of us have those pictures that our mom's snapped of us with spaghetti on our heads or sauce all over our face?  And let's be honest, we have all done it to our own kids, right?

For some families, learning to use utensils can be a challenging time.  Children can become disappointed and then disinterested. Parents can become frustrated, making it difficult to assist in the learning process.

Here are some pointers to help both you and your child with success!

Dress the Part
I remember very clearly with my first child being so concerned about her spilling on her clothes.  I mean, not only was it going to be a laundry nightmare but she was going to ruin her new outfit!  I then realized that the problem was ME!  That's right, I had placed a barrier in her way of being successful because I would take over to avoid these spills (yep, even us OT's can be really bad about allowing our children to be independent all the time!).

Here are some things that I learned to avoid this problem:
1. Change before dinner when at home into something that already has stains or is difficult to stain (ie a black shirt)
2. I am a big fan of bibs, but I know they don't always cut it.  Use your old t-shirts to place over your child while eating...covers the whole body!
3. Bring a shirt to put over them or change them into at a restaurant.  This way the look nice entering and exiting and can still make a mess eating!

Set Up for Success
There are some food consistencies or substances that are easier for children to use their utensils for.  For example, soup is much more difficult than yogurt.

Here are some ways to set them up for success:
1. Start with thicker consistencies like yogurt, pudding and mashed potatoes.  These will stick to the spoon and spill with less frequency allowing more to actually make it to the mouth!
2. Be sure pieces are cut into bites that are smaller enough to allow for safety but large enough for them to be able to stab with a fork.  Just like Goldie Locks, you want it to be Just Right!
3. Give them a certain amount of time to try using utensils before going back to finger feeding.  For example, "Lets try our fork for 5 minutes and then we can stop if your having trouble." Or "Once you eat all your potatoes with your fork you can use your fingers for your peas."

Challenge 
Learning any new skills can be challenging.  We as parents want to be the gate keeper of pushing them to challenge them and meltdown mode.  Keep an eye on how they are handling the challenge.  Encourage them to continue with praise and support when they begin to display the first signs of disappointment or frustration.  We want to push them to allow for growth but do not want to pass that point where they will be discouraged and resistant to trying again.

Happy eating!!

Teaching Emotions Through Children's Books

We all have those beloved stories that we read, and re-read and re-read again when we were children.  Besides being funny or heart warming, I am sure if you reflect back on these stories there was a character that you were attached to as well.  Whether it was because you could relate to the character or there was something endearing about them, you did not forget the story thread of that book.

Teaching children emotions can be a very tricky matter. Using stories to assist our children in learning emotions and being able to identify them and respond appropriately is a great interactive and non-threatening way for our children to learn.  Either while reading the book or following it, talk about what's happening, how are people feeling and what they could have done differently.

As a mom of 3, I know that story time is a cherished time of the day; where your children are captivated by the story being read and are more receptive to answering questions as long as they are relative to the book.  Here are some of my favorites that will help teach your child different emotions.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Empathy and Understanding Uniqueness in Individuals

Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae

This wonderful story depicts the way in which people feel when they feel ridiculed.  Not to worry, there is a happy ending with others understanding and appreciating differences in everyone's strengths.

The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss

Leave it to Dr. Seuss to give us a story in which we learn if being different and elite is really what matters most to us or if it leads us to do foolish things.

Quick as a Cricket by Audrey Wood

Through this quick read, children can learn to embrace all the different characteristics that make them unique.  Use this to discuss how each person may have more of some characteristics making them one of a kind and special.  Also a fun way to see if there are other animals they feel they may relate to!

Friendship

Forget Me Not: Friendship Blossoms by Michael Broad

This heart warming tale helps illustrate the value and pure characteristics found in friendship.  Also a good book about accepting others that are different than ourselves.

Forgiveness

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

This story is told through the eyes of a child and their mother to understand unconditional love and forgiveness.  This story allows for easy transference of scenarios between siblings and friends.

These are just a handful that I have used time and time again, both in the clinic and at home.  Happy reading!!

Weight Lifting for Our Mouths!

This may sound completely absurd, however, our mouths are made of tons of muscles!  And sometimes some of us need additional help to strengthen those muscles.  

Strong lips and facial muscles are important for speech production, eating, facial expressions and maintain saliva within our mouths. So how do we go about making these muscles stronger?  Check out some fun activities that you can do at home with your kiddo.  They will never know they are exercising!

Blowing Bubbles

Bubbles can be a fun way to use proper air control and lip formation to produce the bubbles with sustaining the muscle control.   Start with forming one bubble and work up to how many can you make before the wand has no more fluid.  If your kiddo has a hard time with the feel of the liquid, take your bubbles to the bath tub where it can be washed off immediately.

Pom pom or Feather Races With a Straw

Using a straw, blow a pom pom or cotton ball across the table.  Can they keep a feather up in the air by blowing through the straw? This helps with strengthening all the muscles around the mouth as well as the lips.

Drinking Through a Straw

Using a straw to drink fluids assist with strengthening both the lips and the muscles around the mouth.  The more fun the straw, the more fun it makes for drinking!

Best Way to Strong Hands is Through a Child's Stomach?

Something that you may not know is that body strength begins from the center of the body and works its way out.  What does that mean? It means that strong tummy muscles help to support strong arms and hands.
 
Many people hear that a child has a poor core strength and believe that they can have the child do some sit-ups and fix the problem.  Well, that is not really how it works.  Making activities fun to develop abdominal and lower back muscles are what it is all about.  Here are some fun activities you can do at home with your kiddo
 

Superman

Have your little one lay on the floor on their tummy.  Can they lift their chest off the ground and with their arms out to fly?  How about lifting their legs up at the same time?  Try to hold for 30 seconds.  As they advance can they have a stuffed animal friend sit on their back for a ride without falling off?  How about holding a ball between their feet?

 

Crab Walking

While seated on the floor have your little one reach back with both their arms and lift their rear.  Using their arms and legs have them walk across the floor.  How far can they make it before dropping their bottom?  Can they race siblings?

 

Bridging

While laying on their back have your little one tent their knees.  While keeping their shoulders on the floor have them lift their bottoms off the ground.  How long can they hold it?  Can they lift it high enough to have their toys walk or drive under their bridge?

Walk Like a Dog

On hands and knees have your little one walk like a dog while keeping their back straight.  Can a stuffed animal friend go for a ride without falling off?  Now can they reach out with their right arm and left leg and hold that position?  What about reaching with the left arm and right leg?

 

Little Fingers Big Fun: Hand Strengthening Activities

We often hear people refer to the term "Fine Motor Skills". But what does that really mean??

Fine motor refers to the use of the small muscles that are located within the fingers and hands.  Fine motor skills are required to perform activities such as handwriting, eating, playing and manipulating smaller objects, self-care skills and skills required for success within academic settings.  When there is a lack of strength within these tiny muscles the ability to perform required tasks for prolonged periods of time become very difficult and frustrating for children.

Play is the number one way to engage a child and help them develop skills that they need or are having difficulty with.  Try some of these fun activities with your little one!

 

Play with Tongs or Tweezers

Tongs and tweezers use the three fingers required to grasp a pencil properly.  When used with the thumb, index and middle fingers, your child will be working on strengthening the muscles within those fingers as well as wrist extension when picking up items.  Here are some fun ways/ideas in which you can incorporate them:

·         Pom-poms and cotton balls can be an easy thing to start picking up.  You can work on sorting them into different colors, counting or placing on paper to make a picture.

·         Tongs and tweezers can be used when playing games to pick up and place the pieces.

·         Children love to help in the kitchen!  This is a great place to use tongs!

·         Make cleaning up toys fun with using tongs to pick items up.

·         Tweezers can be used to pick up coins and place into a piggy bank.

Clothespins

Clothespins are a great way to work those tiny muscles within the fingers with some resistance.  Using the thumb, index and middle finger or simply the thumb or index finger, have your child open the clothespins and place on an object. You can hang objects on a line like pictures or simple clothes.  Use colored clothespins to make patterns on a piece of paper.  Clothespins can also be used to pick up items.  Have your child pick up a cotton ball with a clothespin and dab into paint.  Maintaining the cotton ball in the clothespin have them create a work of art!

 

Playdoh

Playdoh provides your little one with some minimal resistance while crafting their next creation.  Roll into balls with their fingers, use shape cutters to push into the playdoh, cut with playdoh scissors, the possibilities are endless!

You can also make your own fun dough at home!  Many different crafty websites can provide you with some fun and easy recipes!

Sponges

What child does not like to play with water? Sponges are an item that force your little one to use their fingers and only their fingers to perform the task.  Have them get the sponges full of water and have them try and squeeze it all out.  Can they fill up a glass with water?  What about a bucket?

 

Obstacle Courses for functional play

Obstacle courses don't have to just be for therapy time!  Try creating an obstacle course at home that can be safe, full of gross motor activity, increase sensory processing and provide an outlet for energy.  Here are some safe and fun items you can use in your obstacle course:

 

1. Walk the Tightrope: place a piece of painters tape on the rug and have your child walk across keeping one foot in front of the other and maintaining their balance.
2. Hopping to Lily Pads: place pillows on the floor and have them hop like a frog to each lily pad.
3. Crab Walk Around the Shells: place small items on the floor and have your child maneuver around them while walking like a crab.
4. Snow Ball Toss: Bunch up paper towels or tissue paper and have your child throw them into a bucket or bowl placed on the floor.  To make it more challenging have them do this while lying on their stomach on the floor.
5. Crawl Through the Cave: Make your own tunnel using 2 chairs with a blanket draped over the top. You can hind small items in the cave and have them use a flashlight to find while crawling through