At sensoryTIME, we love a good play area! We are so fortunate to have access to some of the world’s most beautiful and well-equipped soft-play areas right here in the UAE. These facilities often have different stations to address Gross Motor skills or Sensory Development. As parents, these areas allow our children to explore, enjoy and learn in a safe and fun environment.
Do you need to be keeping anything in mind when taking your child to a play area?
- Play areas are not the same as therapy rooms span.
It is important to keep in mind these that play areas differ from therapy areas. They are ideal for general Gross Motor and Sensory Motor development. Your child should enjoy the play area and this should not be treated as a therapy session, but as fun time which is complementary to their therapy.
- You will see that some of the equipment may be similar to the equipment your child uses during a therapy session.
What should be noted, is that the correct use of specific equipment in therapy is directed at the needs of your child guided by a professional. They have the knowledge and medical background to guide you in the most appropriate use of the equipment.
If you are concerned about the way your child is using the equipment in the play area, chat to your therapist to make sure that your child is complementing their therapy.
- Let the children enjoy playing span.
Be aware of the play versus therapy requirements when choosing and using soft-play areas.Using equipment incorrectly can actually hamper your child’s development. Be aware of what your child is doing while having fun. If you are unsure, ask for professional support.
As professional Occupational Therapists, we really enjoy seeing well designed and successful play areas and children having fun using them.
sensoryTIME offer specialist consulting to parents, schools and play areas, on how best to choose and use equipment, to support the successful development of your children.
To book a consultation with one of our sensory specialists email info@sensoryTIME.ae