Why a Home Exercise Program is Essential and How to Fit It Into Your Day
When COMO Therapy provides home exercise programs for children, we know what parents might be thinking: “Oh no, more things to do!” Don’t worry—we get it. The struggle is real. That’s why we’ll never overwhelm you with a long list of exercises. Instead, we provide just a couple of simple, targeted activities designed to help your child make meaningful progress without taking over your day.
These exercises are carefully tailored to your child, building on the work done during their sessions. They’re designed to strengthen skills, achieve goals and promote faster progress.
Why Home Exercise Programs Matter
Physiotherapy is most effective when it’s consistent, and while therapist-led sessions are invaluable, they’re only part of the picture. Home programs ensure your child practices regularly, which helps reinforce new skills. They also allow parents and caregivers to actively participate in their child’s therapy, creating a team effort.
Additionally, having your child do their exercises at home can help them feel more relaxed and confident, leading to better engagement. Over time, these small, consistent efforts add up, resulting in meaningful progress in their physical abilities and independence.
Simple Ways to Incorporate Therapy Into Your Day
Fitting exercises into a busy day can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips to help:
Make It Playful
Therapy doesn’t have to feel like work! Turn exercises into games, like pretending to be animals or building an obstacle course, to keep your child motivated and having fun.
Set a Routine
Find a regular time that works for your family, like after school, on weekends or before bedtime. A consistent schedule helps make therapy a natural part of your day.
Use Everyday Activities
Everyday moments like walking to the park, climbing stairs or even picking up toys can double as therapy opportunities.
Incorporate Rewards
Positive reinforcement can go a long way. Create a reward system, like earning stickers for completing exercises or enjoying a favourite activity after therapy—whatever motivates both you and your child (a lot of chocolate gets eaten in our house!). Rewards not only keep your child engaged but also make therapy feel like a fun and rewarding achievement to celebrate.
Take It Slow
While it might feel tempting to power through all the exercises, you don’t need to complete everything in one go. Break exercises into smaller sessions throughout the day to keep them manageable and achievable.
Celebrate Wins
Whether it’s mastering a movement or simply showing enthusiasm, celebrate progress to keep your child encouraged.
Just remember—you’re only human! Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect; find a rhythm that works for you and your family. A home exercise program isn’t about ticking a box or trying to win "Parent of the Year." It’s about giving your child every opportunity to grow, thrive, and succeed.
By weaving these exercises into your daily/weekly routine (even if it’s a bit disorganised or spontaneous), you’re helping your child work towards milestones that will benefit them for life. Don’t worry- COMO Therapy has your back. If you have questions or need tips on making the program fit into your day, we’re always here to help.