310 chapter 35
You can hang the
child from a roof
beam or branch,
or a doorway,
like this.
A child with spastic legs
can hang with her legs
supported to allow moving
about using her arms.
Or make a simple ‘creeper’.
When the child has learned to crawl fairly
well, have him play crawling games.
She can crawl up and down a
small hill or pile of straw. This
will help improve her
strength and
balance.
To help an older child with balance
problems to prepare for
walking, encourage him
to crawl sideways and
backward.
Also, have him hold one leg or arm off the
ground and shift his weight back and forth.
At first, you
may need to
hold up one
limb while you
slowly rock
him from side
to side.
Later, have him practice holding one arm
and the opposite leg off the ground at the
same time.
A ‘rocker board’
is fun and helps
balance.
After a child gets her
balance on hands
and knees, you can
help her begin to
cp
stand—and walk—on
her knees. She can
walk sideways along
the rope.
Disabled village Children
CAUTION:
Do not do
this in a child
with spasticity
whose knees
bend a lot
when she
stands.
There are many
ways the child can
practice standing
on her knees and
shifting her weight—
ways that are fun
and include her in
family activities.