When your child hates Therapy

I know how tough it can be to convince your child with special needs or a disability to go to physical or occupational therapy sessions (actually any kind of therapy!). It can be frustrating and disheartening when your child doesn’t want to participate, especially when you know how important it is for their overall health and well-being.

During one of our sessions, my daughter started to cry and told the therapist (amazing lady by the way) that she wants to go home and never wants to go to therapy ever in her life again.

Firstly, it’s essential to understand that your child’s reluctance to attend therapy sessions is entirely normal. They might be scared or anxious about the process, or they might not understand why they need to go. As a parent, it’s important to be patient and supportive.

Here are some tips that can help you navigate this situation and make therapy a positive experience for both you and your child:

1. Talk to your child: Communication is key! Sit down with your child and have an honest conversation about therapy. Explain to them why it’s important and how it can help them. Listen to their concerns and address them as best you can. This will help your child feel more comfortable and less anxious about the therapy sessions.
2. Make it fun: Therapy doesn’t have to be boring or dull. Talk to the therapist and see if they can incorporate games or activities that your child enjoys. This will help make therapy sessions feel more like playtime, and your child will be more willing to participate. It’s essential to keep the activities age-appropriate and safe.
3. Go to the right therapist: Sometimes it can be tough to find the right therapist for your child. It’s important to make sure your child feels comfortable and respected by the person they are working with. If your child doesn’t feel a connection with their therapist, it might not be a good fit.
4. Set small goals: Rather than overwhelming your child with the idea of long-term therapy, set small, achievable goals that they can work towards. Celebrate their successes and encourage them to keep going. This will help your child feel motivated and more invested in the process. It’s important to acknowledge your child’s effort and progress, no matter how small.
5. Offer rewards: Positive reinforcement can go a long way in encouraging your child to attend therapy sessions. Offer small rewards such as stickers, treats, or a special activity after the session is over. This will give your child something to look forward to and make therapy sessions more appealing. It’s important to be consistent with rewards and avoid giving excessive or unhealthy treats.
6. Seek support: Raising a child with a disability or special needs can be challenging, and it’s essential to have a support system in place. Talk to other moms in similar situations and seek advice and guidance from therapists and professionals. This will help you feel less alone and more confident in your ability to support your child. You can also join local or online support groups for parents of children with disabilities.

Being a mom of a child with a disability or special needs can be overwhelming and stressful but remember that it’s important to take care of yourself too.

The fact that you care enough to read this post to enable yourself and your child, already tells me that you’re doing an amazing job, and your child is lucky to have you as their mom!