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!