15 Mar 2018

BY: admin

Occupational Therapist Team

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Babies need to spend plenty of tummy time on the floor to play. From this they will then develop the muscles to enable them to roll, then crawl (commando) then creep up on all fours. Don’t prop your child to sit! They need to spend several months crawling then creeping as this ensures all of their muscle groups will be ready for them to learn to sit, pull up to stand and eventually walk. Any time between 12 to 17 months is a normal time to start walking. It is more important a child develops foundational skills during crawling and creeping than be helped to walk early!

All children should engage in free gross motor play at least 3 hours per day. Opportunities to run, jump, climb, swing and spin are essential to develop sufficient core strength and to fine tune body spatial awareness and balance. Once a child has developed postural strength and shoulder stability through gross motor play, they will be ready to sit still, listen and carry out fine motor skills required in the early school years.

A child’s occupation is to play and carry out daily living and self care skills. For example, learning to ride a bike, tying shoelaces, drawing, using cutlery and scissors. These all require essential foundational skills of postural strength and balance of the whole body.

If your child has difficulty with fine motor skills, gross motor development, balance and attention, Occupational Therapy (OT) can help. We can work with you and your child using tailor made fun activities to achieve daily living and play skill goals.

Please call Tracey at Reception on 9274 7062 for more information about the OT services at the Centre.

Madeline Minehan
Occupational Therapist

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