pre-schooler in 1/2 body cast

amother

Wed, Jan 09 2013, 10:08 am

What do you get for a preschooler in a body cast from stomach down. She is in 45 degree angle - and can use her hands.
I'm trying to think of good gifts or activities. Preferably something that can be shared with other young children in the home, or something that want cause even more jealousy.

[good activities in that position are also appreciated]

cbsmommy

Thu, Jan 10 2013, 12:28 am

Hashemlovesme wrote:

dolls, finger puppets, drawing things like magna doodles, stickers, decorate a picture frame projects, **kids story tapes or music*** big picture books (like ispy-cuz there's a lot to look at)....

These are good.

As a side note, at three years old, kids are usually fairly active. The cast effectively ends their gross motor exploration.

They NEED gross motor movements otherwise they WILL go nutso (and that's the best technical term that I can come up with.)

Seriously, a 3 year old that cannot jump, run, or go to the park turns into a whining, yelling, screaming, kvetchy, mess.

Twenty years ago children who were hospitalized for broken bones (spica casts, etc) would slowly deteriorate over the course of a few weeks because they had no outlet for their energy. During the first week or two of the cast he/she might feel "yucky" because of pain from the break, but at week three the kid is just done with the whole business of being unable to move.

So, although it sounds silly at first, consider "active toys" for the arms. Throwing something is an excellent way of being active while inactive.
-The basketball hoops and soft balls are great.
-a nerf football
-ribbon dancer
- maracas (bonus points if you find a make-it-yourself kit. Alternatively, have her make it with a plate, color the plate, beans, staples (adult does the stapling). Then play a music video or CD and let her shake away.
-a tamborine (again, to let her shake and "dance" away)
- a giant soft bouncy ball that she can throw in the air and catch (warning, this one will require an adult to go get the ball when it inevitably rolls under a dresser)