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Step Into Summer: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Kids’ Footwear

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Introduction:

Summer is here, and it’s time to find the perfect footwear for your little adventurers! At PlayWorks Physio, we know that keeping your kids’ feet comfortable and supported is essential for their summer escapades. So, let’s dive into our ultimate summer footwear guide, packed with tips to ensure happy feet during all the seasonal fun!

  1. Secure Straps for Sandals: When choosing sandals, opt for those with secure straps that keep them firmly in place. Straps around the ankle or over the top of the foot offer extra stability. This ensures that your child’s sandals stay on during their energetic escapades. No more worrying about lost shoes while they explore!
  2. Flexible Soles for Natural Movement: Look for footwear with flexible soles that allow for natural foot movement. A sole that easily bends and flexes mimics the barefoot experience, promoting healthy foot development. Ensure that the flex point of the shoe aligns with where your child’s foot naturally bends. This supports their growing feet while they frolic in the sun.
  3. Right Size Matters: Fit is crucial when it comes to summer footwear. Avoid shoes or sandals that are too big, as they can hinder proper foot movement and cause discomfort. Choose footwear that provides a snug, yet comfortable fit. Remember to leave a little room for growth, but ensure the shoes don’t slide around, disrupting their summer adventures.
  4. Flip Flops: Perfect for Poolside Comfort: Flip flops are a summer favorite, but it’s important to use them wisely. Reserve them for poolside lounging or activities where your child won’t be walking extensively. Flip flops lack the support and stability of other footwear options, making them less suitable for active adventures. Choose comfort over fashion when it comes to flip flops!
  5. Active Adventures Call for Running Shoes: For the active and on-the-go kids, running shoes are always a reliable choice. Opt for lightweight options with flexible soles and breathable materials. These features provide optimal comfort and support for all their energetic pursuits. Running shoes keep their feet protected while they conquer the playground, chase bubbles, or embark on summer explorations.

Conclusion:

As you gear up for a summer filled with outdoor excitement, remember that choosing the right footwear is key to your child’s comfort and foot health. Secure straps, flexible soles, proper fit, and appropriate shoe choices like running shoes or sandals are essential factors to consider. By following these summer footwear tips, you can guarantee happy feet and worry-free fun throughout the sunny season.

However, if your child experiences any foot pain or discomfort during their summer adventures, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at PlayWorks Physio. Our experienced team of paediatric physiotherapists is here to provide expert care and support. Reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s foot health. Let’s ensure their summer is filled with endless smiles and pain-free steps!

Wishing you and your little adventurers a summer full of joy, laughter, and endless happy feet!

  • The PlayWorks Physio Team
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Play and Thrive: How Paediatric Physiotherapy at PlayWorks Physio Makes Healing Fun!

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Welcome to PlayWorks Physio, where we know that play is the key to unlocking a child’s full potential! Our paediatric physiotherapy services are all about making therapy sessions fun, engaging, and effective. Say goodbye to boring exercises, because at PlayWorks Physio, we believe that play truly works wonders! So, let’s dive in and explore how our approach to paediatric physiotherapy is different from traditional adult physiotherapy.

Play, Play, Play – It’s How We Roll!

At PlayWorks Physio, we’ve got a secret trick for helping kids heal – play! Our physiotherapists are experts in incorporating play into therapy sessions to make them enjoyable and motivating for kids. We use games, activities, and creative exercises that are tailored to each child’s age, interests, and developmental stage. From building obstacle courses to playing with balls and bubbles, our therapy sessions are like playdates where kids can have a blast while improving their motor skills, strength, balance, and coordination.

Childhood Adventures: From Crawling to Conquering!

At PlayWorks Physio, we understand that every child’s journey is unique. Our paediatric physiotherapy services are designed to address the specific developmental stages and milestones that kids go through, from crawling to conquering new physical challenges. We work closely with parents and caregivers to create a customized treatment plan that takes into consideration their child’s growth, development, and goals. Whether it’s helping a baby learn to crawl, a toddler walk, or a young athlete recover from an injury, our physiotherapists are there to provide expert care and guidance every step of the way.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: We’re In This Together!

At PlayWorks Physio, we believe that teamwork makes the dream work! We work closely with parents and caregivers to create a collaborative and family-centered approach to therapy. We provide education, support, and resources to empower parents and caregivers to actively participate in their child’s therapy at home and in their daily activities. We’re all about building a strong partnership with families to ensure that kids receive the best care possible.

Expert Fun-Makers: Our Physiotherapists Rock!

Our physiotherapists at PlayWorks Physio are not only experts in child development and behaviour, but they’re also expert fun-makers! They know how to engage kids, create a positive environment, and turn therapy sessions into enjoyable adventures. Our physiotherapists have a bag of tricks that includes creative exercises, playful activities, and lots of high-fives to keep kids motivated and excited about their therapy journey. We’re not your typical boring therapy sessions – we’re all about having fun while achieving therapy goals!

So, if you’re looking for a paediatric physiotherapy clinic that knows how to make healing fun, PlayWorks Physio is the place to be! Our play-based approach, child-centered care, family-centered approach, and expert fun-makers are what set us apart. CLICK HERE to join our team and embark on a play-filled adventure towards your child’s optimal physical development and well-being. Let’s play and thrive together!

 

#PlayWorksPhysio #PlayAndThrive #ChildhoodAdventures #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork #ExpertFunMakers #PhysiotherapyForKids #PlayTherapyApproach #ChildHealth #FamilyCenteredCare #PaediatricPhysiotherapy #BecausePlayWorks

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The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Your Child to Ride a Bike

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Learning how to ride a bike is an exciting milestone to reach but getting started can be scary. Here is how to get your child to become a confident and safe bike rider.

 

Balance Bike 

A balance bike is a perfect place to start for your young one if they are not ready for the pedals. If you already have a pedal bike, remove the pedals from the crank arms of the bike to use it as a balance bike! This is a great option if your child needs to get comfortable being independent on a two-wheeler. Your child will learn how to balance on a two-wheel bike, which is a prerequisite to a pedal bike.

 

Getting started: 

  1. Your child’s feet should be flat on the ground when they sit on the bike saddle. Ensure that the seat height is low enough for them to ride safely and independently.
  2. Pick a lighter weight bike. Heavier bikes will be more challenging to maintain balance.
  3. Start your child sitting on the bike, helmet on, hands on handlebars, and feet flat on the ground.
  4. Start walking to roll the bike! Motivate them to do this as independentely as possible. Comfort levels around the bike will vary, so patience and positive affirmations are key!
  5. As they build confidence, motivate them to pick up the pace, and try to lift their feet off the ground for a moment to let the bike roll! This is where the balance practice comes in. Rolling down driveways or grassy hills is a great way for them to easily pick up speed and learn the feel of gliding and balancing.
  6. If they don’t have handle-bar breaks, they will have to use their feet to stop. A game of red-light/green light is perfect for practicing stopping control.
  7. Master the balance bike with turning. Start with small S turns while walking, and then try it with some speed. Build momentum, lift the feet, and attempt small, controlled turns.
  8. Be patient – every kiddo learns at their own pace. With a little, or a lot of practice, your child will be pedal-ready. Your child can upgrade to pedals when they can confidently balance while rolling long distances on the bike.

 

Pedal Bike 

If your child feels confident balancing while rolling and can control the balance bike while turning and stopping, it is time to graduate to try a pedal bike! If you decide to skip the balance bike and hop right onto a pedal bike, it is still beneficial to build balance skills on the bike by lowering the seat so they can practice balancing while the bike is rolling.

 

10 Steps for Success:

  1. Safety first! Be sure to strap on a helmet. The helmet should fit snug and not wobble when your child shakes their head. Wear closed-toe shoes. Flip flops are not a safe biking option, even in the summer.
  2. For set up, the seat height should be low enough that your child can have their feet flat on the ground, but their knees should be straight. As your child progresses, you can raise the seat height, so they have a slight knee bend when their foot is placed on the pedal when the pedal is at its lowest position.
  3. Practice getting on and off the bike. Tip: Use the hand break to prevent the bike from rolling while mounting or dismounting.
  4. Practice breaking. If your child prefers the pedal break, get them to practice the back pedal motion while stationary. You can progress this by supporting the bike and slowly rolling while they practice breaking. Red-light/Green-light game is a fun activity for this.
  5. Try turning while stationary. Make sure your child is comfortable with keeping the handlebars straight and controlled turning before doing it on a moving bike.
  6. It is time to start pedalling. One foot should be on the ground and the other should be placed on a pedal. This pedal should be positioned at about 10 o’clock. The child will push off with their foot from the ground and press down on the pedal to start rolling the bike. Give support by holding at their shoulders or on the bike seat and help push them forward to get some momentum.
  7. Bikes balance with momentum, so motivate them to get a little speed or ride down a slope. The faster they pedal, the easier it is to maintain their balance.
  8. “Look where you are going” is a great cue to remind your kid to keep their head up to prevent crashes and looking down at their pedals makes balancing very difficult.
  9. If your kiddo is swerving around, a good reminder is to “keep your elbows straight!” This will prevent turning. Reminding them to look where they are going is also helpful.
  10. Add in controlled turning by going through a line of cones. Start by giving lots of space between each cone and get your child to master the skill by moving the cones closer together.

 

Learning to ride is a huge accomplishment, but it can be frustrating, so celebrate all the wins along the way. Everybody learns new skills at their own pace, so be patient and have fun. Our clinic is excited to be introducing a learn to bike program in the spring to help kids at various skill levels become safe and confident riders!

If you would like to book an assessment with a physiotherapist to work on balance, strength and coordination to help with biking, click here!

 

Written by: Kristin McElroy, BSc. Kin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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