MOVEMENT IS HOW KIDDOS LEARN
Hi everybody, and welcome back!
Today I’ve got my little assistant helping me talk about something I’m really passionate about—mobility equality and neuroplasticity!
Here’s something interesting. A leopard can start walking in about two weeks, while humans typically take around 400–500 days. Why? Because we’ve got a whole lot more going on!
Our kiddos are developing cognitive, language, social, emotional, and motor skills all at the same time. And movement plays a huge role in that development.
In fact, emerging walkers can cover an incredible amount of ground and fall around 100 times a day. That’s all part of learning!
TIMING IS EVERYTHING!
Those first few years of life are incredibly important for brain development and neuroplasticity. That’s why I believe giving kids opportunities to move at the right time is so important.
But what do we often hear when a kiddo isn’t quite meeting those milestones?
“Let’s just wait and see.”
Sometimes we can do better than waiting!
That’s where I love looking at orthotics as short-term tools to help kiddos gain movement experience, rather than always thinking of them as long-term solutions.
A few options we might consider:
- AFOs: To provide additional support while a kiddo builds confidence with standing and weight bearing.
- Compression garments: To help with core stability and positioning.
- Knee immobilizers: To provide additional support for standing activities, making things easier for parents and therapists.
Sometimes it’s one of these. Sometimes it’s all three!
LET’S GIVE EVERY KID A CHANCE TO MOVE!
The big takeaway here is that mobility equality is about giving every kiddo opportunities to experience movement during those important developmental years.
Kids don’t learn just one way. They need different movement experiences, different positions, and sometimes a little extra support to get there.
If we can get creative with the tools we have, we may be able to help kiddos participate in more of those important early movement experiences.
Have a kiddo who could use a little extra help getting moving? Give us a call—we’re always happy to talk through options!
Have a great day!
Dave