Whole-Body Movement series( part-4) Final part
Read Autism and Whole Body Movement Whole-Body Movement part- 1
Read Embracing Whole-Body Movement in My Daily Routine Whole-body movement series part- 2
Read Embracing Whole-Body Movement: A Day of my son Yuvaan’s life Whole-Body Movement series part-3
Embracing Whole-Body Movement for Well-being: Empowering Special Needs Families.(Importance, practical strategies, benefits and resources)
Parenting a child with special needs is a journey filled with unique challenges and triumphs. It’s a rewarding yet challenging journey, and when you’re a parent or primary caregiver to a child with special needs, the challenges can be uniquely demanding. The role of primary caregivers, often mothers, is multifaceted, encompassing physical care, emotional support, and advocacy.
In this context, incorporating whole-body movement activities into daily life becomes more than just a health-oriented choice; it becomes a holistic approach to well-being for both the caregiver and the child. Integrating movement activities into daily routines not only benefits the physical health of both the caregiver and the child but also contributes significantly to their emotional well-being.
In today’s blog, I’ll explore simple and yet effective ways for special needs parents, particularly mothers and primary caregivers, to incorporate whole-body movement into their lives effectively.
■Why Whole-Body Movement Matters?
Whole-body movement is essential for everyone’s well-being. It’s a comprehensive approach to physical activity that engages various muscle groups simultaneously, fostering overall physical development. It helps us develop and maintain strength, coordination, and balance. Beyond the physical advantages, embracing whole-body movement contributes to the holistic well-being, positively impacts the emotional and mental states of both parents and caregivers. It helps us improve our mood, reduce stress, and sleep better.
■Importance of Whole-Body Movement for Special Needs Families
Whole-body movement can be a valuable tool for families with special needs. It can help parents and caregivers bond with their children, provide opportunities for physical activity, and create a fun and stimulating environment. Participating in whole-body movement together can also help families feel more supported and connected.
■How to incorporate Whole-Body Movement into Daily Life?
Practical Strategies for integrating Movement into Daily Routines
1. Start small and gradually increase the amount of movement. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Start with short, fun activities and gradually increase the duration and intensity of the activities as your child becomes more comfortable.
2. Make movement a part of your child’s daily routine. Look for opportunities to incorporate movement into everyday activities, such as walking to school or playing in the park.
3. Find activities that your child enjoys. There are many different types of movement activities, so find ones that your child finds fun and engaging. Some ideas include dancing, swimming, yoga, and sports.
4. Be patient and consistent. It may take some time for your child to get used to new activities. Be patient and consistent, and eventually your child will start to enjoy the benefits of movement.
■There are many ways to incorporate whole-body movement into your family’s routine.
1.Morning Stretches:
Begin the day with gentle stretches. Encourage your child to reach for the sky, touch their toes, and twist gently from side to side.
Benefits: Increases flexibility, promotes blood circulation, and sets a positive tone for the day.
2.Dance Breaks:
Turn everyday moments into dance parties. Play your child’s favorite music and move together. It’s an enjoyable way to engage in whole-body movement.
Benefits: Enhances gross motor skills, provides cardiovascular exercise, and fosters a sense of joy.
3.Obstacle Course or playing games at home or at the park:
Create a mini obstacle course using household items like cushions, chairs, or soft toys. Guide your child through the course, incorporating crawling, jumping, and balancing.
Benefits: Develops motor planning, coordination, and spatial awareness.
4.Yoga and Mindful Breathing:
Introduce simple yoga poses suitable for your child’s abilities. Combine it with mindful breathing exercises to promote relaxation.
Benefits: Enhances flexibility, improves focus, and reduces stress for both the caregiver and the child.
5.Nature Walks or hikes:
Explore the outdoors together. Walking on different surfaces like grass, sand, or pavement engages various muscles and provides sensory input.
Benefits: Supports balance, stimulates sensory experiences, and encourages a connection with nature.
6.Take swimming lessons together.
7.Try adaptive sports. Etc.
■What are the Long-Term Benefits of whole-body movement for Parents and Caregivers?
There are many benefits to whole-body movement. Here are a few of the most common:
1.Improved Mood and Stress Reduction:
Whole-body movement can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in both children and adults. Regular whole-body movement releases endorphins, reducing stress and promoting a positive mindset for parents and caregivers.
2.Improved Physical Health:
Whole-body movement can develop motor skills, improve coordination, and increase strength and flexibility. Engaging in these activities helps maintain and improve physical health, ensuring caregivers have the stamina and strength needed for their caregiving responsibilities.
3.Strengthened family bonds:
Whole-body movement activities create valuable opportunities for bonding between the caregiver and the child, fostering a supportive and loving relationship. It can provide opportunities for parents and caregivers to create positive memories together.
4.Establishing Healthy Habits:
Caregivers, as role models, play a pivotal role in shaping their child’s habits. By embracing whole-body movement, caregivers instill the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle, laying the foundation for lifelong well-being. Modeling a healthy lifestyle through movement sets the foundation for long-term habits in children, promoting a lifelong commitment to well-being.
We, often consumed by our daily demands can get benefits from maintaining and enhancing our physical health. Regular movement ensures the stamina and strength required for caregiving responsibilities.
Remember, in the world of special needs parenting, it’s the amalgamation of love, support, and movement that paves the way for a brighter and more fulfilled future.
Incorporating whole-body movement into the daily routine of special needs families is a powerful tool for nurturing physical and mental health. By embracing these activities, parents and primary caregivers not only contribute to the development of their special needs child but also cultivate a healthier and more connected family environment. So, it’s not about perfection; it’s about the joy and well-being that movement can bring to the lives of both caregivers and their special needs children.
Additional helpful Resources
There are many resources available to help families with special needs incorporate movement based activities into their routines. Here are a few resources:
●The National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) has a website with resources on adapted physical education and physical activity for children with disabilities visit https://www.pgpedia.com/n/national-association-sport-and-physical-education
●All India Council of Physical Therapy (AICPT) is a voice for physical therapy persons with laws & rights under Constitution of India. https://aicpt.org.in/#:~:text=Founded%20in%201995%20in%20as,of%20Commerce%2C%20Govt.
●The American Council on Exercise (ACE Fitness) has many programs and resources online on exercise and fitness for people with disabilities.
●The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation has a website with resources on recreation and physical activity for people with disabilities, visit https://www.christopherreeve.org/
●The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) has a website with information on physical activity and healthy development for children with special needs. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
●National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD), erstwhile known as Central Institute of Research and Training in Public Cooperation. NIPCCD aims to deliver quality capacity building, counselling services and research output in the areas of women’s development, children’s holistic development, mental health and child protection. Visit https://nipccd.nic.in/#gsc.tab=0
●The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children, with information on physical activity and children’s health. https://www.aap.org/
●The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) has a website with information on physical activity and special education for children. https://exceptionalchildren.org/
●The Family and Child Agency (FCA) has a website with information on physical activity and children with special needs. https://www.familyandchildrensagency.org/
I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Author Shilpi Mayank Awasthi
Founder Shilpi Mayank Awasthi