5 Tips to Prepare Your Child for Telemedicine

Brought to you by Oasis Pediatric Home Healthcare Therapist, Megan.

1. PREP YOUR CHILD FOR THERAPY

We can do this by providing a visual schedule, a visual countdown or a visual timer to cue them when it’s time for therapy. An example of this would be to print out pictures to help your kiddo know what’s happening in their day. If you’d prefer to not print out pictures, you can also simply draw representations instead. This can be easily done with a simple pen/marker and sheet of paper. A third example would be a visual count down using different colored sheets of construction paper, and velcro. You can also use an app, which can be a great way for your kiddo to also have an audible cue as well. Here is the LINK to the example app Megan is using in this video. Another option would be to purchase a countdown timer. A link to one of Amazon’s best selling children’s countdown timers can be found HERE as a suggestion.

2. LIMIT DISTRACTIONS

Before your telemedicine session begins, make sure to turn off any electronics that could be distracting, such as TV’s and music players. If you have another child that is doing online learning turn their screen away from the child that is doing therapy. This will help keep the focus during the session.

3. BE MINDFUL OF YOUR CHILD’S POSITIONING

Make sure both you and your child are in a comfortable spot. Have them sitting, kneeling or standing, and make sure that their laptop or tablet is supported so that your child’s head is in a neutral position. You’ll want to make sure that your therapist is able to see the child’s face specifically for speech therapy, and their body as well for physical and occupational therapy.

4. FIND A FAVORITE ACTIVITY

Sometimes we’ll need to have a little motivator to get through the session. Ask your therapist beforehand if items like bubbles or play dough are okay to bring out as a motivator. Chances are your therapist will be more than happy to participate with that activity during therapy. You might also want to consider keeping this as a special activity that only happens during your telemedicine sessions.

5. TAKE BREAKS

Online sessions can feel like a long time for your child to sit still and focus on a screen, so it is totally okay for your child to take breaks when needed. If you’re finding them very antsy and wanting to run around, that’s okay. That can also provide a great time for you to ask your therapist questions, get clarity on what specific goals and targets they’re working on with your child, and to get some suggestions for activities that you can do with your child at home to help them achieve those goals. Hopefully this gives your child a break so that they can come back fresh.

OASIS Pediatric Home Health offers Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy in Northern Colorado. We help empower children with disabilities or delays, and their families, maximize independence and life satisfaction. If you would like to schedule a call, please contact us. If you would like to receive more tips, strategies and resources, you can follow our blog, on our YouTube channel or social media platforms.