On the weekend our little family participated in the Coffs Running Festival 🏃♂️ and it got me thinking…🤔
As Occupational Therapists, we know that a child's environment plays a significant role in their development and well-being. And what's more influential than the community they grow up in?
So I started thinking about how community engagement can enrich our young one’s lives:
🧠 Sensory Experiences: Community activities like sports events, local arts and crafts fairs or music events provide rich sensory experiences, aiding in sensory integration crucial for healthy development.
👧🏽 Social Connection: Group activities and communal events offer natural settings to engage in a variety of social interactions, which are vital for emotional regulation development and future interpersonal relationships.
🤚 Functional Skill Development: Participating in community programs and events helps children develop essential skills such as fine motor, gross motor, organization, and planning to name just a few.
💜 Inclusion and belonging: A supportive community can be especially beneficial for children, providing both the children and their families with a sense of belonging and valuable resources. Being part of a community can also foster a sense of belonging and identity, crucial for a child's self-esteem and confidence.
🏃🏼♀️ Healthy Lifestyles: Community groups, sports teams, and outdoor activities can promote physical health and a love for staying active.
So let’s invest our time and energy into building strong communities. Our children aren't just the future; they're the present, and they deserve environments that nourish every aspect of their well-being. 💖
Lily Bodenham
Director/ Occupational Therapist
Excel Occupational Therapy