312 chapter 35
Other activities for improving balance:
Hold the child loosely under the
arms and gently tip him from side
to side and forward and backward.
Allow him to return to a straight
position. Turn it into a game.
At first support the child while you
do this. When his balance improves,
do it without supporting him—but be
ready to catch him if he falls.
Practice walking sideways
and backward.
Note: Walking
backward helps
children who tend to
walk tiptoe to bring
their heels down.
It is better to hold a child:
LIKE THIS
NOT LIKE THIS
His balance
is centered
in his body.
His balance
is off center.
Support your child only
as much as he needs,
until he can walk by
himself.
cp
Draw a square on the ground
and help him to take steps
forward, sideways, and
backward. Follow the 4
sides of the square, always
facing the same direction.
Make it fun by having him
collect a different colored
tag or piece of puzzle at
each corner—or however
you can.
For the older child with poor balance,
a homemade balance board will turn
developing better balance into a game.
Move slowly at first—especially with a
child with cerebral palsy.
A balance board
with a wide
rocker is better
because it rocks
more smoothly.
(See p. 576.)
Blocks to prevent
rolling sideways.
Some children
will need a pole
to hold onto.
Simple homemade parallel
bars can help a child with
weak legs or a balance
problem get started walking.
Homemade pushcarts
or walkers can provide
both support and
independence for the
child who is learning
to walk or who
has balance
problems.
A simple wooden walker with plywood
wheels helps this developmentally
delayed child begin to walk. (For
designs of walkers, see p. 581.)
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