Family involvement is essential in strides towards a child’s success within their therapy program. Therapy programs lay out the steps to take to improve your child’s difficulty. Therapy can work wonders, and support at home will only make their success that much greater. Continuing therapy after your child’s session will help them reach their potential.
Being involved with your child’s therapy will not only let the professionals you are working with know how dedicated you are, but will let your child know as well. As their parent, you know your child better than anyone else; you are their role model. If you are engaged with therapy at home, your child will be able to develop new skills faster and have greater success in treatment. Showing interest brings excitement and improvement.
During each session of the therapeutic program, the therapist will be helping your child with their specific goals. The programs will work on individualized skills for each child. Good communication between therapist and parent is critical, as they will be receptive to your interest in being a part of the therapy. You may be able to contribute valuable thoughts and ideas. Therapy classes are frequently structured around themes such, like holidays, occupations or places. It would benefit your child if you could plan a home activity that mirrors the classroom theme so your child recognizes it and the learning continues.
After each session, the speech therapist will meet with you and summarize what occurred during your child’s session and how you can continue to work on those goals at home. Therapists know that you are a busy parent and you may think that you have little to no time to work on the therapy goals. Family involvement does not mean practicing endlessly for hours. Continuing therapy goals can take place at any time and for just a few minutes a day! For example, you can practice during story time by enunciating and practicing a particular sound they are struggling with, or even at the grocery store during a conversation with your child. Try working at their level; model what they should say and how to say it. Be sure to make the activities fun, so your child will want to continue.
This is a learning process for everyone. Do not be afraid to practice what the speech therapist suggested. Your involvement will have an immense impact on how your child responds to therapy. Remember that your role is just as important as everyone else, your child needs your involvement in their development.
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