05/12/2021
For the love of science! These thoughts are my clinical observations from the hundreds of hours behind a screen these past months. These are not evidence based facts (yet).
Did you read that article about languishing recently? Ever wondered if it also applies to children? I think so. While the conversation this past year has revolved around children’s resiliency, it would be unfair to dismiss the effects this pandemic (likely) has on them.
Many of the children I see have not been around peers. Read that again. Children and adults thrive on seeing and imitating peers, copying and learning behaviours and social expectations. Social motivation, the desire to do what others are doing, is at all time low in toddlers. Imitation skills are the lowest I’ve seen them in my years of practice.
But there’s more! Families are hanging on by a thread and admittedly use crutches like screens just to get them through the day. School and daily demands have become almost optional, because truly, that’s the last fight any parent wants to pick. And remember, you hired me for results. I will push your child as far as I think they can go. Your time and money are far too precious for me to not ask for one more repetition.
I’m not done. Ever picked up your child from somewhere and thought ‘wow, they behave so good with them but not with me?’. Yeah, that usually happens in speech too. My therapy, my rules. While the same applies for virtual therapy, (exhausted) parents are often the ones having to manage kids pushing the boundaries (like when they run away, or spill water all over the table). Children just don’t react the same with their parents as they do with their providers. When I see a child in person, I can easily physically redirect them. Child hides under the table? I’m crawling under there with them to do therapy (thank you and ).
Now before you write off virtual therapy, all my kiddos have been successful this past year, some even more than in person. All modes of treatment have their benefits and challenges. Let’s just say this past year, we’ve had to get creative and well…pivot! What do you think? Tell me in the comments below 👇🏻
