After your child has visited a physical therapist, he or she will likely be given physical therapy homework to do. These are exercises that your child is required to perform. But if your child refuses to cooperate, you will need to find ways to motivate him or her to make it easier to perform the exercises.
Explain The Reasons Behind The Exercises
Sit your child down with a clinician and have the clinician explain why it is necessary to perform the exercises. Your child is more likely to believe that the exercises are necessary if the clinician regularly explains the importance. Let your child ask questions so he or she can understand and accept the justification for the physical therapy exercises.
Use Rewards And Positive Reinforcement
Create a chart that your child needs to complete so that you can then praise your child. If you already have a system where you give your child privileges, such as 15 minutes of time playing a video game, you can add more time as a reward each time your child performs his or her exercises. Provide regular positive reinforcement to let your child know that he or she is performing well so that your child does not become discouraged.
Participate In The Exercises
Children are more likely to engage in exercise if they see their parents exercising. Therefore, you should select a time when everyone in your family performs exercises. To make your kids feel less bored, consider a change of scenery when performing your exercises. Take your child to the park to perform them. Also, if your child needs to head to the clinic for physical therapy, ask if you can participate as well.
Do Not Take Week-Long Breaks
Do not take a break from physical therapy exercises. Even a short break can set your child's progress back and can reduce the odds that your child makes a successful recovery. If you have a set schedule, it will eventually become natural to engage in exercises. Physical therapy is not only necessary for your child to recover, but is also a great way to instill healthy habits that can help children be healthier in the long-term.
As your child progresses through the program, explain how far along he or she has progressed. As your child gets better, he or she will begin to see the benefits of the exercises and will be more likely to see the program through to the end.
Share