Now that the sun’s shining and the flowers are in bloom, we find every excuse to venture outside and start moving. We all know that exercise is important; but it’s even more crucial for children with special needs. Not only does exercise have physical benefits, but it has a strong impact on the social and emotional well-being of children. When the arms and legs are active, so is the brain. Because children with special needs can have difficulties engaging socially, they tend to shy away from playful occasions with their typically developing peers; hence, a natural decrease in physical activity. Here are 5 tips to help keep your child active until the sun sets!
1. Be Creative
Think outside the box. Fitness is more than sit ups and jumping jacks. Use music, dance and even books to encourage your child. Eric Carle’s book, From Head to Toe not only teaches children color and body parts, but the animals ask readers questions to encourage movement. Children with special needs may be reluctant to engage in physical activity, but the song Fit as a Fiddle from Monster Music will be sure to capture their attention with catchy tunes and fitness encouraging lyrics.
2. Engage in Activities that Promote Success
Bobsledding or tight rope walking are probably not the best activities to choose for your children when initially getting them active. Introduce simple activities and break down each component so your child experiences a sense of mastery shooting their confidence and self esteem through the roof. Again, when a child is able to perform an activity we can disassociate fitness with stress.
3. Facilitate Opportunities for Appropriate Interactions
Whether it’s a stroll in the park or a soccer class, planning is a must. If you choose a special needs-specific class, ensure that instructors and coaches receive appropriate training and understand the needs of your child. Speak directly to the person interacting with your little one and let them know what interventions are effective so positive behaviors are constantly reinforced.
Marathon Sunday may not be the best day for a bike ride in the park. Choose a structured setting free of distractions where your child can focus and complete the active task at hand. When your child is active, the mind is forced to engage with the surrounding environment. In this state, children become aware of appropriate social cues and can begin to improve communication with their peers.
4. Be patient and supportive
Parents of children with special needs have enough patience to generously share with all parents around the world, but this is particularly important to consider when getting your children involved in sports and physical activities. Our children will not look like Pele with their first touch on the ball or Lance Armstrong with the first set of training wheels. Your child will do well and have a ball when the activity is repeated, reinforced and practiced. Time and time again, parents tell me they are shocked to see how well their child runs, jumps and kicks the ball! Most important have fun, smile and cheer! When you show enthusiasm for your child’s involvement, they will associate the activity as pleasurable.
5. Break
I know, I know…this is about staying active, but it is equally important to give your child a break. Fitness and physical activity should be seen as fun, playful and enjoyable, and not like a 9-5 job. Be aware of your child’s comfort level and physical needs, and remember: drink plenty of H20!
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Lauren Nanna is the Special Needs Program Supervisor at Super Soccer Stars. Lauren received her Masters in Counseling and is a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
