Therapy doesn’t have to be hard work for your child.
Giving your child with special needs some jobs to do around the house can be beneficial, not only for you as a parent (saving you time) but also for your child. In fact, according to the Autism Awareness Centre, “It’s important to practice chores to work towards greater independence. Some chores can also be worked into a sensory diet. Having a child do household chores makes them feel they are contributing members of the family.”
We have some neat and practical ideas for integrating your child’s therapy program into everyday activities at home! Your input during this process is vital. Our occupational therapist can recommend some chores that will help develop your child’s fine and gross motor skills with your guidance. If you need some additional tips in this area, feel free to ask during your child’s next occupational therapy session.
Give Mark Their Words Therapy Services a call today. We would love to work with you and your child on a program that meets their therapeutic needs.
Is your child having difficulty in these areas?
Here are some common areas where many children struggle to participate or have responsibility at home.
Laundry time: You may notice that your child has difficulty organizing their body in space. One way to make this easier is to pile their dirty clothes in the laundry basket and push it to the washer.
Yardwork: If you notice your child has difficulty with motor planning, you can have them follow your pattern of raking or digging with age and size-appropriate yard tools.
Meal Time: Does your child have difficulty with spatial relationships? You can place one dish and utensil setting and have them copy your pattern for others at the table.
There are several benefits to including chores in your child’s at-home therapy program!
Benefits of including chores in your child’s at-home therapy program
Let’s consider the benefits of having chores in your child’s home program!
1. Enriching family relationships:
Sharing household chores is a way for all siblings to feel included. Most children, including those with special needs, want to help around the house. Assigning them chores can give them a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. Each child has a role that fits their age and skill level, and parents get some relief from everyday tasks.
2. Understanding the concept of money:
Create a payment chart where your child can mark the completion of activities and receive a monetary reward.
A suitable method is to pay them immediately for doing chores and then set a time each week when you take them to a store to purchase something special.his helps establish the relationship between work, payment, and purchasing.
3. Building empathy and bonding with the family pets:
Owning a pet can be a tremendous help for a child with special needs.
Feeding, watering, grooming, and caring for a pet will give your child patience and reinforce bonding with the pet. This strengthens the child’s ability to work together and form relationships with others.
Praise for taking care of a pet will also give a child a sense of accomplishment and joy!
4. Establishing the importance of routine:
Having a set routine can help a child on the autism spectrum a tremendous amount.
Doing chores on a set schedule will assist with focus and prevent them from experiencing anxiety. Many parents of children on the autism spectrum report that having a set routine helps to avoid “the big meltdown.”
5. Developing fine and gross motor skills:
Helping around the house can promote the development of gross and fine motor skills. Ask your child’s occupational therapist if specific tasks can promote activities your child is working on in therapy. For example, hanging a shirt on a hanger, sorting the silverware properly, and doing other chores can help develop motor skills and promote your child’s development.
6. Teaching valuable life skills:
You might be surprised to learn how many students enter college without the simple life skills learned through daily chores.
Cleaning up, doing laundry, putting away belongings, washing dishes, and other common household chores are essential everyday habits that your child will need for the rest of their life. Never presume that a special-needs child cannot master these vital tasks or impress you with their eagerness to learn and assist around the house!
Let’s work together for success!
In addition to these suggestions, your children have many other opportunities to enhance their physical, cognitive, mental, and social skills. Tasks such as helping out around the home, incorporating a new approach to a physical therapy regimen, or entering a group specializing in developing those abilities are all great examples!
We would love to work with you and your child! Give Mark Their Words Therapy Services a call today to make an appointment with one of our pediatric therapists.
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Tags: Pediatric Physical Therapy, Child Need, Occupational Therapy, pediatric treatment, health tips and hints, Physical Therapy, Pediatric Therapist
