Finding You Confidence as a Parent

I actually laughed out loud at myself as I wrote this title. Can confidence and parenting be used in the same sentence?? I was talking to a family member today about issues he was having with his younger child and I assured him that even his "older and questionably wiser" sister still has issues when guiding her adult children. It's inevitable that we all feel we're doing it wrong some days. I still feel that way and my "kids" are 25 and 22 years old.

That's why after 30+ years of Physical therapy I decided to drill down my focus to the 0 -24 month age range. Of course that was an easy decision. Babies are undeniably cute and bring joy to my life. The skills they need to master are a marvel to watch for a motor skills nerd like myself. I always say there is nothing better than watching a parent's face as a child takes their first steps.

I had the opportunity this weekend to meet with the man that gave me my first job as a PT (and others that were influential in my early career.) He said that physical therapy is a job where you immediately start assessing the situation and looking for solutions. We take a history of each patient and off we go... we need to immediately start molding and shaping a path towards the patient's goals. As an experienced therapist I rely on a large "tool box" of activities and the means to get a baby to progress with gross motor skills. But I often have to think outside the box quickly and course correct when a baby does not respond to my first attempts.

After all these years I have a fair amount of confidence in my ability to work on the gross motor skills performed in the 0-24 month range. Those include the following:

• Tummy time - this includes developing head control and strengthening the arms in weight bearing

• Rolling over - babies first transitional skill

• Neck range of motion - Torticollis has become a frequent issue for babies and should be addressed as soon as possible

• Sitting - requires trunk control, use of arms for stability and balance

• Transitional movements - the beginning of mobility, changing positions

• Crawling - so important for arm and hand strengthening, weight shifting and hip stability

• Cruising - standing and walking along stable surfaces

• Walking/Running/Jumping

I know parenting can be so overwhelming and the internet often does not give us peace of mind. As a pediatric physical therapist I can help parents learn how to navigate all the gross motor skills. I can help you sift through the toys and containers available. I can prevent longer delays in motor skills by helping parents intervene early. I hope to help you feel confident in the activities I love to do with babies. Don't hesitate to ask your pediatrician for a referral if you are concerned about your child. I would love to discuss your concerns and help you find your confidence.