Playing while standing stimulates interaction, development, and fun.
Often we talk about what standing does for the body, but what is commonly overlooked, is what standing does for the mind. Standing is especially important for the mental development of the children with disabilities. When I talk to pediatric therapists, they appreciate and understand first-hand how standing can help with range of motion, spasticity, bowel/bladder function and the many of the other physical benefits of standing. But what I hear about most is how standing helps with perceptual development, cognitive awareness and very importantly, how standing can stimulate play. More and more research is finding that play deprivation for able-bodied children can lead to self-esteem, social interaction, and intellectual problems. The value of play for the child with a disability is often overlooked but is necessary for mental development and upper extremity muscle function and coordination. When a child is sitting for long periods of time, head and trunk control often fatigue and awareness diminishes. When a child stands with head control facilitated, play activities can be more stimulating and more interactive with peers, and the child can use their arms and hands more effectively.
As we understand that play is a necessary part of human development, it is obvious that play is also a great joy in life. As adults we should do our best to facilitate and provide play to all children. Here are some ideas of activities that a child can do while standing. What have you experienced regarding kids and play while standing?
It’s easy to forget about some of the most fundamental reasons to get kids standing, like encouraging play…. and letting them do what comes natural to them.