At Beyond Speech Therapy Specialists, we are committed to helping children reach their full potential through pediatric therapy. We also understand that therapy isn’t confined just to our private sessions—it’s a partnership that extends to the child’s home and daily life.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the significant role that parent follow-through plays in therapy success. Whether it’s speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy or social work, active and engaged parental involvement can make a world of difference in a child’s progress.
Let’s discuss the impact of parent follow-through and some practical recommendations for parents to better support their child’s therapy journey.
The Power of Parental Involvement
When it comes to pediatric therapy, parents are more than just observers; they are active participants in their child’s growth and development.
Here are few reasons why parental involvement is so important:
1. Reinforcement of Therapy Goals
Parents who actively participate in therapy sessions are able to reinforce the goals and strategies introduced by therapists.
By practicing these techniques at home, parents can support the learning experience and create a consistent therapeutic environment.
2. Consistency Is Key
Consistency is a fundamental element of any successful therapy.
When parents consistently apply therapy techniques in the home and throughout every day, it helps reinforce new skills and behaviors, making it easier for the child to progress.
3. Emotional Support
Parental involvement provides emotional support, encouragement and a sense of security for our kids.
Knowing that their parents are engaged and invested in their therapy can truly boost a child’s confidence and motivation!
4. Generalization of Skills
Therapists work diligently to equip children with the skills they need, but it’s essential for those skills to extend beyond the therapy session.
Parents can help their child apply these skills in everyday life. This ensures that progress is not limited to only the therapy sessions.
Active vs. Inactive Parent Follow-Through
What does active or inactive parent follow-through look like? Let’s take a look at quick breakdown:
Active Parent Follow-Through:
- Actively participating in therapy sessions when possible; taking notes, asking questions and learning along with their child.
- Implementing therapy strategies at home consistently.
- Maintaining open communication with the therapist about the child’s progress and any challenges they are seeing throughout the days and weeks.
Inactive Parent Follow-Through:
- Attending therapy sessions sporadically or not actively participating or engaging with the therapist when possible.
- Not applying therapy strategies at home or doing so inconsistently.
- Failing to communicate with the therapist about the child’s progress or any other concerns they are having.
Practical Recommendations for Effective Parent Follow-Through
To maximize therapy success, here are practical recommendations for parents:
1. Attend and Engage in Therapy Sessions
Be present at therapy sessions regularly and actively engage with the therapist when possible. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification!
2. Communicate Openly
Maintain open lines of communication with your therapist. Share your observations about your child’s progress and don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns or challenges you’re facing. The more the therapist knows, the better they can plan and support your child!
3. Practice Consistently
Plan to implement therapy strategies at home consistently. Create a daily routine that incorporates these strategies into your child’s activities and playtime and make sure it’s something the whole family can participate in.
4. Set Realistic Expectations
Therapeutic progress will vary from child to child. It’s important to set realistic expectations and celebrate small milestones along the way.
Remember that therapy is a journey, not a destination!
5. Create a Supportive Environment
Ensure that your home environment is supportive of your child’s therapy goals at each stage of their journey.
Remove distractions during therapy sessions, provide any necessary tools and work with your therapist to make sure the space is as supportive as possible.
6. Be Patient and Supportive
It’s very normal for children to experience frustration or challenges during therapy. It’s our job as parents to be patient, supportive and encouraging.
When your child knows that you’re there to help them succeed, they will feel more confident and ready to take on any challenges.
Parental follow-through is a crucial part of the success of pediatric therapy. And at Beyond Speech Therapy Specialists, we view parents as essential partners in their child’s therapy journey.
By actively engaging in therapy, practicing techniques at home and maintaining open communication with therapists, parents can play a significant and positive role in helping their child achieve their developmental goals. Together, we can create an environment where children flourish, grow and thrive – both in therapy sessions and in their everyday lives.
If you’d like to learn how our therapists can work to support your child, reach out to us at (779) 435-0724 or send us a message and we’ll get back to you!