Progression, Not Regression during Summer Break!
Many caregivers, doctors and school therapists reach out to Tiny Transformations for continuity of care, intensive OT or PT treatment, or for a provider to come to the home if services are disrupted by a school break. Child development is constantly evolving and for a child who is learning self-regulation coping strategies, self-help skills, or tactics to help prepare for the transition to a classroom, consistency and reliability are imperative. Although breaks from therapy are unavoidable, there are many suggestions that we as therapists offer our families to optimize functioning. These suggestions are general in nature and benefit a child during breaks from regular routine including throughout the summer months, over the weekends, or vacations throughout the year.
DAILY SCHEDULE: There are many different theories on the idea of routine. Some homes function on a more laid-back schedule, while others follow a rigid schedule where changes can cause dysregulation amongst even caregivers. As a parent and therapist, I am someone that loves routine and structure. Emotionally and cognitively children respond well to understanding their expectations and thrive when they can anticipate what is next on the routine.
There is something special about those summer mornings lounging around in PJs but we can also find ourselves struggling harder to get children out of the door when they are comfortable at home. Some suggestions that will help maintain internal organization and structure include:
Maintaining an AM hygiene, dressing, and mealtime routine. This will outline times in the day where your children understand what is coming and can support ongoing development. Summer is a wonderful time to work on dressing, grooming, and mealtime preparation. Providing designated times or roles for your child during these casual periods will help them build confidence and independence for the coming school year.
Scheduling outdoor activities and/or camp which offers an outline for the day and promotes constancy.
Encouraging predictability to help a child feel safe, independent and aware, and lead to development of newly learned skills.
BEDTIME ROUTINE & CONSISTENT SLEEP SCHEDULES: There are various pre-bed strategies to support a healthy bedtime routine and sleep schedule. These include maintaining a consistent sleep time, creating a comfortable sleep environment free of disruptions, following a relaxing pre-bed ritual, and building healthy habits during the day. Providing plenty of opportunity for physical activity, combined with introducing healthy food & water habits will also help prepare for a positive pre-bed transition. Here are some specific examples of tactics to support a healthy bedtime routine:
A calming bath leading right into a change into pajamas
Limiting screen time and prompting reading / listening to stories
Creating a cozy corner with items like bean bag chairs, a small tent, a rocking chair, or comfortable blanket will signal it’s time to wind down.
Modeling & changing sensory components in the child’s environment including dimming lights, lowering music or TV, closing blinds, arranging the child’s space or room. These actions help a child feel internally organized and provide external cues that bedtime is coming.
PLAY: Play promotes development in a number of areas, including cognitive, social emotional, and physical, and when engaged in with parents or other adults, play also promotes the development of supportive relationships (Yogman et al., 2018). Play is described as the occupation of childhood. Engaging in goal directed play with your child fosters fine motor development, creativity, and pragmatic social skills. Examples of play include playdates, unstructured outdoor play groups, or structured groups such as music or sports lessons.
HOME-EXERCISE PROGRAMS, STRENGTHENING & SENSORY PROGRAMS: Children receiving services, whether it be individualized or group therapies, greatly benefit from some level of carry over during breaks. As mentioned in the Sensory Integration blog post, a child’s sensory needs require consistent and intermittent attention, (as opposed to the theory that a child is “fixed” by therapy.) The following recommendations are in-home supports for parents and caretakers to foster carry-over of sensory processing skills, stretching regimens, and strengthening programs:
HEP2Go offers free visuals for Home Exercise Programs. Ask your therapist for pictures and directions on simple exercises or activities for carry over.
The Nada-Chair, Wobble Chair, Cube Chair and a therapy ball offer options for progressive stretching of lower extremities and trunk activation in sitting during play!
Sensory Activities: Summer is a wonderful time for engaging in sensory-motor play. Set up obstacle courses using stepping stones, tunnels, and a mini-trampoline. Swim, go to the playground, dig in sand or dirt, and paint with textured sponges to allow your child to maintain exposure to the many sensory inputs that their weekly therapy sessions would offer.
For any questions or concerns regarding continuity of care and tips for maintaining regularity during the upcoming summer break, please contact Tiny Transformations. We are here to help and support you and your family!
Yogman M, Garner A, Hutchinson J, Hirsh-Pasek K, Golinkoff RM. Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health. The power of play: A pediatric role in enhancing development in young children. Pediatrics. 2018;142(3)
Gardner, B., Lally P., & Wardle, J. (2012). Making health habitual: the psychology of habit-formation and general practice. The British journal of general practice: the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 62(605), 664-666.