Prep for hopping and jumping
There are many ways to Rock ‘n Roll and many skills that can be developed while doing so! Think fun music/ songs while bouncing, balancing, jumping and dancing.
Bouncing ballads
Have your child on your lap, knee or therapy/ yoga ball and support them through the trunk and neck and gently bounce them. Sing a little song or groove to some music as you bounce Up/Down, Forward/Back, Side/Side. Add some variety with bouncing small/big and fast/slow, and/or add a pause, verbal and physical prompt to bounce some more. If you move slowly you will allow your child to use their muscles more. Gradually as your child becomes stronger through her/his neck and shoulders and core, less physical support may be needed, monitor your child as they tire and lose muscle strength-control.
Not to be done straight after food
In consultation with a Paediatric Physiotherapist, jolly jumpers and exersaucers are not recommended.
Stand and groove
Once your child is starting to stand put that music on and encourage them to lean against a firm pillow, chair, box, or Bazz cube and get a bounce work-out.
“Push it”: Put on the favourite music or sing the current favourite song. Place your hands against your child's and have a little game of push. Start with moderate resistance and then gradual increase. Try pushing with more strength on one side then the other, allowing your child to adjust their body and push back to even hand positions. After the song, swop and allow your child to take the lead.
Lets Bop: With the music going, provide support as needed as your child learns how to bend and straighten their knees. The up and down will strengthen those leg muscles and help work on their balance. Encourage them to hold their arms out at waist height to help stabilize the movement and ready to catch themselves if losing balance.
Jump and Jive: Time for the jumping and jiving to start. When having a dance party with your child you can get creative! Dress up, dim the lights, put on some disco lights, etc.
Make sure the surface is not slippery or hard and that there aren’t things lying around to trip over.
Play music that encourages jumping, bouncing and moving their body. To start you can hold their hands and help them jump up and side to side. Once they have the idea allow them to try by themselves. Remind them to land with slightly bent knees.
Get those dance moves going and try copy each others moves.
Signs of Jumping Skills
As your child begins jumping, you will see a series of prep movements before they refine this skill. They may begin rocking forward, stepping sideways, squatting to get in the ready position, shifting their weight and alternate their legs when hopping. All of these movements are good signs that your child’s muscle strength and coordination is getting ready for full-sized jumps.
Credit: Blind Beginnings, PRCVI, BC Blind Sports, Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada
Photo Credit: Photo by Juan Encalada on Unsplash