This following is all pretty ironic considering what I wrote about yesterday. Today was PT day, and I have to admit, I was pretty excited to show him the backwards crawl. This is a huge step for us...even if it is backward, it's a step in the right direction, right? Well, he wasn't nearly as thrilled with her backward crawl as I was. His exact words were, "Well that's the wrong direction. Do you have a rear view mirror Kennedy?" And, if I wasn't already having mommy guilt that I don't do enough to help Kennedy, he pretty much told me that I'm not. Actually his exact words were, "You know, her success is dependent on how hard you're working with her." He followed that by telling me I need to work harder to get her to crawl forward.
Just how much can I do? Really? I work so hard with her, and I'm so proud of every milestone she meets, no matter how large or small. I refuse to force her to do exercises 24/7 and I'm not going to spend hours a day doing one exercise that makes her scream bloody murder.
Do I think I'm not doing enough? Of course, I always worry about that. But in reality, I do a lot! I shouldn't feel guilty. I shouldn't question what I'm doing. I'm really looking forward to our visit at Hope Haven next week. I think that will shed some light on how things are going, and what we should be focusing on.
(I promise, I'll have some adorable photos and videos of Miss Kennedy tomorrow.)
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Ughhh...I hate that! You are doing wonderfully mommy and you know it. Kennedy is amazing and you should be proud of her. Hope never crawled 'the right way' and she is walking just fine (at 17 months). Kennedy has been through a lot in her little life and will develop in her own time...love her and work with her when you are not hugging and loving on her (which are more important than anything anyway).
ReplyDeleteBoo! Bad PT etiquette! You are doing a great job and don't let anyone tell you otherwise! Kennedy's backwards crawl demonstrates strong arms and the beginning of her understanding that she can use her body to move herself. I'm sorry you had to deal with such a dopey comment!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear that the session did not go well. You know that you are working with Kennedy. Clearly you are; she is doing great! Hang in there. I am sure your visit to Hope Haven will be helpful. Let me know if you need anything! Paisley and I send big hugs! Shannon
ReplyDeleteOur PT is always wanting me to push Mason to walk. However, my momma-gut (and all the research I've done) points more in the direction of he will do it when he wants to. There's no amount of pushing I can do. All I can do is offer him a safe area to roam and explore.
ReplyDeleteThere's plenty of research that pushing a child to crawl/walk will ultimately lead them to resist it.
Bad PT. I'm so proud of Fiona's crawl! Way to go, precious girl!
Oh no, he didn't!!! Yes, you know it is the wrong direction but I was told most children (typical and atypical) will go backwards before forward. You are doing and fantastic job and Kennedy is doing great. Don't let him make you think otherwise!!!!
ReplyDeleteHello! I am an occupational therapist and have been following your blog for some time (found through JM). Anyways as a therapist that is awful rude! As if you don't have enough to deal with!! I wouldn't dream of saying something like this to a family. Is the physical therapist a part of the early intervention team? I know services are different from state to state but not sure what is available for private OT and PT services?
ReplyDeleteI guess if backwards crawling isn't right than I'll be joining you on the bad parent list. Sorry, but in mh professional opinion Kennedy is doing a FANTASTILY!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your input Tiffany! We are working with state early intervention services, and haven't had much luck! They say we don't need ST or OT, because she's "ahead" and clearly you see what we have for PT! I've looked into private services, but the copay is ridiculous, and when you take into consideration weekly services it just isn't feasible right now. :(
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you are having to deal with such a rude comment. As mothers we tend to put a lot of guilt on ourselves anyway, so to hear a comment like your PT made just makes us that much more guilt ridden when really, you have no reason to be. It looks like Kennedy is doing SO well, and while I don't have any experience with a child with DS, both my girls (including the one who did not have heart surgery at 6 months) did not crawl the "right way" until they were almost a year old. I believe all kids do things in their own time, as much as you may try to help them along. I just wanted to empathize and say be kind to yourself - you and Kennedy are working hard and it shows! Be proud of her backwards crawl :)
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