One of the things that has kept us very busy over the last few months is balancing the amount of therapy that Ollie does and simply being able to be a 2 ½ year old boy that can explore his world and play. The best of both worlds is when we can find a way to turn therapy into play. We have worked hard with Ollie’s therapists to develop Ollie’s environment so that it would foster fun, playful experiences that Ollie can access independently, but also target specific therapy exercises. This summer, we turned our backyard space into a “play-place” for Ollie.
Everything is set up as a station so that Ollie can move about his environment in his gait-trainer or another device and independently choose what it is he wants to play with. In addition, every play activity we set up also has a component that will aid to his continued to development. For example, Ollie can draw or paint at the chalkboards, which works on his upper body strength to work, move around to catch the bubbles, work on his purposeful grasp and release by putting the ball down the ball ramp, push a truck down the slide while working on his arm strength, as well as stand and play at the water table working on pouring and dumping. He has truly enjoyed being independent and letting us know what he wants to do!
Another area where we have been able to turn therapy into play is with switch activated toys. Ollie LOVES cause-effect toys and is highly motivated to sit or stand in order to play with them. Currently, his favorites are the train that blows bubbles everywhere (our floors are never clean anymore) and a motorcycle that crashes into everything.
Our world has also been opened to the idea that therapy can happen anywhere. We are so grateful for two very special people in our lives that gifted us a membership to The Iowa Children’s Museum.
Now, we can try out different therapy exercises in super fun areas at the museum. Oh my, has it been exciting for all of us!
Balancing therapy and play is always a work in progress and we continuously ask ourselves how else we can make therapy fun. Seeing the joy in Ollie when we accomplish this task is always exciting. As we get closer to Ollie turning three, we will be looking towards doing private therapy since his Early Access services will end. This brings about more questions with balancing therapy and just being able to be a little boy. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this “new” world of therapy and ultimately work to find the best balance we can for our sweet Ollie.
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:11