5 BENEFITS OF CHORES FOR YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD
When the dishes have piled up, the windows feature fingertip art, the floors have several days’ worth of grime, and you haven’t found time to fill the dog bowl, who can you call on to help? Your children! From sorting silverware to taking out the trash, children with special needs thrive in environments where they are given opportunities to succeed. Here are five other ways that your child with special needs benefits from chores: 1. Having a Purpose Work iscriticaltoaperson’ssenseofselfandpurpose. Itoffersgratification, self-confidence, dignity, and the knowledge of having done something important-- all qualities we want for our children. If we elect to not provide chores to a child simply because she is “special,” we inadvertently send the message that she is incompetent or helpless. This message will be delivered through plenty of other outlets, unfortunately, and can be detrimental to a person’s self-esteem as they transition into adulthood. 2. Important Life Skills Whether we like it or not, the overwhelming majority of us have to do chores on a regular basis. We sweep floors, scrub counters, sort laundry, and clean mirrors in order to promote health and safety. Like the rest of us, children with special needs often have to learn these skills to survive in the world. Barring a significant physical or cognitive challenge that prevents your child from doing so, it’s important for kids to gain some appreciation for these tasks. Helpful hint: Break chores into small chunks. For instance, feeding the dog can be: Fill the cup to the line. Pour into the bowl. Call the dog. 3. Movement and Hands-On Experience Performing chores involves children in activities that promote movement- cued development, a necessary step toward reading and writing. Activities, including vacuuming the carpets and throwing clothes into the washing machine, build gross motor skills. Pouring juice and using a screwdriver, for instance, build fine motor skills. Childhood is a time for transformative
neuroplasticity, wherein learning actually shapes the brain’s functional anatomy. Performing chores, such as matching socks and setting the table, enables a better understanding of mathematical concepts as well. 4. Accountability Children better understand the consequences of their actions when having designated responsibilities. If your child realizes the result of making a mess means more work later, she may reconsider her actions. 5. Alleviate Some Stress for You Initially, teaching your child how to complete chores can feel like more work than it’s worth. In many cases, however, kids will gain the skills and knowledge to effectively manage chores themselves so that you have one less responsibility on your plate. While having a child with special needs presents challenges, completing chores is feasible for most people. If your child struggles with fine or gross motor skills, pediatric therapy can be very helpful. Pediatric physical therapy builds on your child’s strengths while helping develop life-skills, such as those needed to complete chores.
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Patient Spotlight
“Have seen huge improvements in my child!” “We love coming to physical therapy and have seen huge improvements in my child.The staff is just wonderful and we always feel welcomed in the clinic.The therapists are great at getting my little one to do the exercises. When we came my little one couldn’t even crawl, now they are crawling and almost walking.The things we learn here we will use for years to come.” - Mrs. Rodgers
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FREDERICKSBURG (540) 841-4443
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