Play Time tips for parents of children with Cerebral Palsy

Although there are many types of Cerebral palsy and I may be accused of not taking this into account, there are fundamental tips for exercise and play across all areas in Pediatrics. I want to share with you how to emphasize your child's core strength to help them with balance and stability through 30 minute play time everyday.

5 ACTIVITIES FOR 30 MINUTE PLAY TIME

MATERIALS NEEDED

Activities: For age group; 4-9

1. Balancing on the big ball (sitting) with maximum support from the parent this activity improves trunk strength and encourages the child to have fun while unknowingly strengthening their core (1min)

2. Long sitting on the floor (preferably with a yoga mat) with legs wide apart, with little to no support depending on the child’s ability. Roll the medium sized ball towards the child, starting with rolling the ball towards the right (X5) then roll it towards the centre of the child’s legs (X5) and lastly roll it towards the left (X5)

Progression: decrease child’s base of support by having them close their legs as they gain more control and ability to sit

3. Using the big ball and with the child in sitting position, ask him/her to pick it up above his/her head for 10-15 seconds, progression is increasing the time till the child can hold it there for 1 minute or even further depending on the child’s interest in the activity

4. Using the big ball and in sitting position ask the child to move the ball from the right to the left side, back and forth 10 times, to progress you can make the child do it more than 10 times and increase the number of times as the child’s ability increases.

5. On the big ball, have the child lie on their stomach on top of the ball, have him/her lift their hands interchangeably and hold the position for 10 seconds for each hand while fully supporting their torso and legs, progress by having him/her lift both hands for the same period of time and increasing the amount of time their hands are up.

REMEMBER

Always stop playing if the child is distressed severly by the activity, only play when the child is feeling good enough to play.

Nombulelo Kubhayi