This is what a lot of play looks like in our house. It probably looks pretty similar to your house too. But there is a slightly different view from our lens.
We are focused on specific movements, balancing out the use of right and left, increased strength, and intentional weekly “homework” from Nolan’s PT and OT sessions.
I am so thankful that “work” and “play” looks the same for Nolan. We try to have the majority of his play be focused on a therapy goal. And are now the parents that buy new toys based on the motor skill they support.
Today we turned the @nuggetcomfort into a tower and had puzzle pieces on one side and the puzzle on the other. Nolan would grab a puzzle piece, throw it over, and then climb over and put the piece into the puzzle.
This is a fun game to him and he has no clue we had strategically chosen this to promote strength, his vestibular system, spatial awareness, motor skills, his memory, problem-solving, and coordination.
I’m not sure who needs to hear this, but if you are hesitant to start your child in therapy, don’t be... DO IT. These therapists and therapies are a GIFT to your child. I promise you will never regret giving them a little extra help.
I always relate it to glasses, if your child needed glasses you wouldn’t question it. This is the concept but oftentimes is painted in a negative light. There is nothing “wrong” with needing a little more help.
We are thankful for his amazing PT and OT therapists (and our friends that work in the PT/OT profession) for pushing us to intervene early, and working with us each step of this journey.
Oo and two weeks ago he couldn’t do any of this on his own and now only needs help with getting his footing. Keep working hard buddy, nothing can stop you!