How To Help Children And Youth With Coordination Challenges
Inability To Connect The Mind And Body; Having The Body Do What The Mind Wants; Difficulty Planning And Making Small Movements Such As Handwriting, Catching, Throwing, Playing Music, Singing, Dancing; Difficulty Planning And Making Big Movements Such As Walking, Running, Throwing, Kicking, Riding Bikes, Swimming
Coordination challenges can be large or small. Without help, a lack of coordination can lead to inactivity, a lack of confidence, challenges with learning and social relations. It can cause ineffective movement patterns throughout life, which may produce other physical and emotional complications. These challenges may be due to a combination of: genetics; birth trauma; uncoordinated role models; nervous system challenges; nutritional imbalances; and exposure to environmental pollutants. Not enough play, relaxation, practice and lack of encouragement may also be factors.
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First, We Would Investigate |
Second, We Would Investigate |
For Long Term Support |
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On Our Own We Would Try: • Long Walks/Hikes • Replace sodas, juices, sugars, fats, fast foods with water, veggies, whole grains, nuts, protein, fruit, slow food • Bedtime Stories and Chats • Wholesome Pleasures • Back Rubs and Foot Massages • Nature • Less or No TV, Movies, Video/Computer Games • Pets |
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For Parents: • Play with your child or youth as much as possible. Focus on specific tasks and practice them if necessary; however, have fun doing it. • Have fun moving, singing and dancing together. • Lots of walking is a huge help. • Encourage getting enough rest, getting enough movement, drinking lots of water, staying away from sugar, sodas, fruit juices. • Give lots of enjoyable practice when learning a new coordination skill. |
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Check out: www.MedLinePlus.gov; www.KidsHealth.org; www.pbs.org/wgbh/misunderstoodminds. |