How can we support our children to learn on their own?
When you approach a task or a routine, like driving to work or to get groceries, did you ever asked yourself, “Can I do this differently?” Is the way you’re so familiar with the one and only way?
Has it ever occurred to you that there is often more than one way to achieve the same outcome? Some of us might think, “What’s the best and most efficient way?” And most of us simply go on auto-pilot and allow our habits to take over. When that happens, we unknowingly rob ourselves of the flexibility to do something differently and hence allow a different experience.
Being the perfectionist that I am and was taught to be, I want the best for my clients. I’m always asking myself this question, what tools and techniques do I apply to bring forth the best outcome for my clients?
Integrating the Feldenkrais and Anat Baniel Methods into my physiotherapy practice, it never ceases to surprise me how seemingly simple movements when applied with variations offer outcomes that are sometimes magical. By allowing “variation” to feed our brains, it can do it’s job of organizing and re-organizing, an intelligence beyond our conscious mind’s comprehension but works miraculously to improve the performance of our actions.
By staying open to this possibility when working with my clients, always with an inquisitive mind, “variations” allow the child I am working with the opportunity to feel the many ways of moving their body differently. By clarifying and supporting your child with what they’re doing now, and introducing variations, you will be able to help your child feel what is possible.
Practical Tools for You
The next time you play with your child in sitting or support your child in sitting (if your child is not yet sitting independently), observe their favourite position. Can they move around this position to reach to the front or to the side for their toys? How many different directions, i.e. variations, are comfortable?
- How does it feel to nudge or support your child to sit with one leg bent? Both legs bent?
- With more weight over one hip?
- Leaning to one side with the support of one arm?
- Bending both legs to one side to sit only on one hip? On the other hip?
- Crossing both legs in front?
- Sitting on their heels as in kneeling?
- Reaching with their arms in front to play with a toy? To the side? Towards the back?
This is one small example. If your child prefers looking to one side, try approaching them from the other side. If your child always plays on their back, try supporting them to play on their side. Experiment with different play positions and dance with your child in the process!
The variations are many, and are instrumental in making up all the movement transitions that will eventually allow your child to move in space and master dynamic balance as they move through Life.
Variety might be the spice of life but “variation” is crucial to your child’s overall development!
