As a Pediatric Occupational Therapist the thought of my clients and their parents experiencing the fright, limitations, and disruption in routine is overwhelming. I am quickly reinventing methods to adapt and assist the needs of the many children affected and their families in this time of upheaval and uncertainty. As a start I am suggesting a few resources that kids respond to for exercise, entertainment, and relaxation. I hope this helps.
1. GoNoodles on YouTube. Fun quick movement breaks that work on attention, motor planning and movement. During Covid 19, the subscription is Free. GoNoodles is a series of videos to inspire children to get up and move! They participate in activity on the screen with fun characters. For instance, they may be reaching for gum balls, moving their arms, running, jumping, and fulfilling a fun goal. ie: Run, jump, and collect 37 gum balls so you can join Captain Man and Schwoz on the force - the Danger Force! Or Repeat the Beat! These videos have proven successful and the kids are responsive to the commands of moving. Try it they might like it!
2. KooKooKangaRoo sessions on YouTube are more about imitation and can be fun for a younger population. All I Eat is Pizza, a Dance-Along on KooKooKangaRoo has 5,888,630 views. There must be something kids love about these videos. Other videos include the Monster Moves, Cat Party, Shake Your Foot. There is something for every child, this is why I like it and suggest it. My client has a cat and that's all she talks about. She would love the Cat Party. I am confident that one of the many topics capture the interest of your child as well.
3. Cosmic Kids Yoga is great for regulation and to help with stress. An entertaining way for children to learn Yoga, move, stretch and work on strong muscles. Parent, you must check this out. You may say, "yuck, my child will never follow a yoga video." Think again. The colorful, entertaining, and positive reinforcement exercises are captivating to children. You must give it a try. Too many positive attributes not to.
4. Wash, wash, wash your hands is the message to continually give your child. Make it a fun experience by singing happy birthday during the process. Kids tend to love this because their birthdays are so exciting. Make sure they wash thoroughly and get the positive reasons for doing this over and over each day. Kids learn how to wash your hands! See Miss Diane!
5. Last but not least! Parents, don't be hard on yourselves. This is a major adjustment for everyone. Teachers and school administration are floundering on what to do and how to do it. The age old classroom teaching and testing have been disrupted. How are they going to teach now? You can't compete with daycare and childcare activities on a daily basis. Don't try. You have to do the best with what you have. And give yourself credit, you can do this. When feeling stressed ancient wisdom reminds us to take a break. Have a cup a tea and smell the aroma. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your child.
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