TIP #1: Positive Language To USE On Children
Loving Approach Encouraging Approach Confidence Builders Do you need some quiet time? It’s all right, if you don’t understand What else do you want to know…? Don’t give up…keep going It’s going to be ok When you spilled, I liked that you cleaned up Please Demonstrate Let’s set the timer to help us Would you like to….? If you need help, ask someone around you Tell me more Wow! Do you prefer this or that… Let me explain Your welcome Do your best Let’s exercise together You are God Don’t cry, I am here Let’s use our voice, not hands You are my gift Ask yourself can I… It’s not your fault You are my purpose Eat healthy foods like… You have an amazing teacher You are very responsible when… Fabulous Let’s try that again You can do it, keep going Fantastic Let’s play You did it all by yourself! Give me a high five Make a good choice You earned it! Give me a hug Sorry for yelling at you kiddo You made it! God loves you Nice work! You make me happy Inspire the child Respect the child Motivate the child Good job at… Please repeat You make me laugh Good Listening Please… You make me smile You made nice eye contact Show me how to do it You remembered to… Good manners when you said… Stay calm, it will be ok You’re a nice person for… Good thinking Take a deep breath when… You’re absolutely amazing Hands are for hugging, not hitting others Take your time when… You’re beautiful How did that happen? Tell me ,“I am mad at you, mom” You’re brave when.. I adore you Tell me if you’re scared You’re doing well I am blessed to have you Tell me more about… You’re funny I am not angry at you because you told me the truth Tell me why are you feeling…. You’re good at… I am proud of you Thank you for being honest You’re perfect just the way you are I am so blessed to have you Thank you for working hard You’re reading awesome I believe you when you said… Thanks for asking… You’re right, I was wrong I can do it better if you help me Thanks for sharing You’re smart I like that you asked for help These are your choices You’re strong I like that you asked me before you… Try…Try Again Your aide cares about you I love you more Wait, think first Your grandma loves you I noticed you said hi to your…that’s great! We did it together Your grandpa loves you I saw you use your language We love you Your sister/brother loves you Your teacher told me you work hard source: specialneedsinmycity.org TIP #2 : Practice OT exercises on car rides
I keep a small dry erase board and favorite markers for my little one so she enjoys drawing and writing every time she is in the car. With a child who has OT issues, taking advantage of car rides while making it fun and therapeutic in the process! Anything to improve her hand and eye coordination without much added effort. In fact, I keep an activity bag in the trunk for any unexpected downtime.
TIP #3 : Speech and language delays: I have a child with articulation disorder and speech and language delays. I sometimes create vibration on her skin and in her ear as I say the sounds so she can feel the sounds. Sometimes, I even write the letters on her skin so she can feel the strokes of the letters. I think it makes a difference.
TIP #4 : Physical Therapy while watching TV
I put a few exercise items around my child like bar bells and 3 pound ball while having her sit against a couch on the floor while watching TV. Seated on the yoga mat reminds her to stretch…great for those tight muscles!