Guest Blog for National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day (and a parent’s Top 10)

I was fortunate enough to be a guest blogger on Love That Max today for National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day (March 25th).  Please stop by and check out my post, ‘9 Best Things to do for a Kid with Cerebral Palsy (that don’t feel like work)‘.  In addition I wanted to share something from one of my kiddo’s moms.

(ideas for enhancing walking that are fun and beneficial)

Bahar is a mom to an adorable boy with ataxic cerebral palsy and here are the top 10 things she has learned from participating in physical therapy with her son Manav:

(climbing is a fun way to work on coordination and strength while playing)

1. Be a parent rather than a therapist for your child.  They has so many
   therapists but only one mom, that I become quite protective of my role
   as a mom, especially when I slip into “therapist” mode.
2. Let your child fall, cry and get up on their own. They feel so good
   about themselves when they can brush it off and try again.
3. Don’t assume your child can’t do something.  They tend to try
   harder with others and are much more capable then we give them credit
   for.
4. Don’t expect less from your child just because they have special
   needs. They are just as clever as any other child.
5. Encourage your child to ask for help and avoid completing a task
   for them if you see them struggling.
6. Have your child watch you exercise so that they realize that
   everyone needs to work on their body to stay healthy.
7. Try to get your child to squat and come to stand as much as
   possible. It is the best way to strengthen large leg muscles as well
   as work on balance.
8. Develop a reward system to motivate your child to work towards a
   goal, such as a sticker chart, a favorite outing, a new toy, etc.
   Tangible rewards are so critical.
9. Help your child discover their hidden talents – maybe their love
   for music, building with legos, telling jokes, etc.  It helps build
   confidence.
10. Try to be as silly and fun as possible. Life can be very heavy,
    busy and stressful for our kids so singing silly songs, and adding
    laughter to your day will do wonders for both of you!

Thank you for taking the time to read this and share another mom’s thoughts and experiences.  I’ve linked some videos of her son just for fun!

(movement exploration is beneficial for learning about your body and cause and effect and can be lots of fun)