Every parent naturally wears a caring hat, looking after their child's needs by instinct. But what if you could also put on the thinking hat of a therapist? Bringing these two views together can lead to amazing growth and happiness in your child's life. Let's explore how you can combine these roles to best help your child.
Many believe therapists have a clear-cut answer for every issue, as if there's a direct roadmap: if you see problem A, apply solution B. The reality? There's no one-size-fits-all solution since every child, much like every diagnosis, is unique. That said, over the years, we've developed specific problem-solving techniques. The best part? These approaches can be passed on to parents like you. Ready to embark on this journey?
Here are four simple yet effective steps to guide you:
Observe
Search
Play
Modify
#1 - Observation and Understanding
Start by closely watching, just as therapists do. Observing your child in various environments helps you understand their emotions and reactions. Such insights are crucial as they guide future interventions.
Reflect on these questions:
What challenges my child?
What seems easy for them?
What activities bring them joy?
Your answers paint a detailed picture of your child’s strengths and needs, offering direction on how best to assist them.
Got your answers ready?
#2 - Search and Learn
Time to explore deeper. Review standard milestones for children of your child’s age and compare them to your personal observations. Thankfully, many resources are at your disposal, both online and offline. Accessing this information not only increases your confidence, but equips you to make decisions perfectly aligned with your child’s needs.
For efficient research, follow this hierarchy for a mix of cost-effectiveness, simplicity, and reliability:
Online Searches: Begin with queries like “What should a 5-year-old typically do?”.
Online Screening Tools: Employ tools like this example, click here.
Free Consultations: Many pediatric clinics offer initial sessions at no charge.
Local Non-Profit Organizations: They can guide you to relevant experts or resources.
Consult Your Primary Care Doctor: Share your observations and gather medical opinions to decide if specialized interventions are needed.
#3 - Time to Play
After your detailed observations and research, you'll have a clear goal. It's time to seek games to help your child. Start online, perhaps with searches such as "tips for improving grip skills in kids." Support groups, both virtual and local, offer real-life experiences of what's worked for other parents. Additionally, consulting healthcare professionals can provide tailored advice.
Identifying the right activities is half the battle. The next step? Ensuring they align with your child's current abilities.
#4 - Modify the Game
Every child's capabilities are distinct. If an activity seems too advanced, it's essential to modify it to suit their level. As they excel, gradually increase the complexity to keep them engaged and progressing.
Here are some strategies for tailoring activities:
Breaking It Down: List all steps of an activity. Initially, guide them through every stage, slowly allowing them to complete more steps on their own.
Time & Repetition: Begin with what your child is comfortable with, then incrementally extend the time or number of repetitions.
Use What’s Easy: Recall what your child excels at. If it's climbing, incorporate park activities. If they enjoy coloring, use that skill in different learning contexts.
Incorporate Their Favorites: Center activities around what they love. If it's dogs, use dog-themed tasks. If they love music, incorporate their favorite tunes into the activity.
Adjusting activities this way ensures your child remains engaged, challenged, and above all, triumphant.
At the End...
Combining the love and care of parenthood with the thinking of a therapist can be a powerful change for you and your child. By breaking it down into four easy steps - watching, searching, playing, and modifying - you're set with a clear plan to help your child grow.
Using a therapist's way of thinking doesn't take away from the love and care you naturally give as a parent. Instead, it adds to it, giving you a full way to support your child. This way of thinking is especially helpful for parents who don’t have immediate access to services or those waiting for help. Remember, every day is important in a child’s growth. You have what it takes to help your child even if you're waiting for expert help.
In simple terms, by combining the roles of parent and therapist, you become a stronger guide, always there to support your child's needs and dreams.
Comments