Importance of Play for Children With Cerebral Palsy

Children who have cerebral palsy--group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and to maintain balance and posture--need playtime just like any other child. Engaging in play helps in motor development, and keeps joints and muscles from developing limitations. Engage the child with cerebral palsy, and find what interests them.

Importance

• Even though a child with cerebral palsy may have limitations, it is important for them to keep their body in motion. Without movement, the muscles can permanently shorten.

Significance

• Developing play with your child helps them not only develop essential motor skills, but it also helps them develop touch and responses to movement.

Techniques

• Even if your child is passive in their response to playtime, initiate it, and motivate them. Some children with cerebral palsy need stimulus to capture their attention.

Playtime

• When playing, don't hand them toys, but rather encourage them to figure things out on their own. Allow your child to excel at their capabilities, and reinforce them.

Considerations

• Parents with children who have cerebral palsy should enroll their children into physical fitness programs such as gym classes. Even taking your child for a walk can be rewarding, as they can experience their outside world.

Recommended Reading

• Their are exceptional books on the market such as, "Teaching Motor Skills to Children with Cerebral Palsy and Similar Movement Disorders (A Guide for Parents and Professionals)," by Sieglinde Martin, M.S., P.T. This book not only shows a parent exercises to help develop a child's motor skills, but it also helps to assist the parent with their child's development through the years.