Geriatrics to Pediatrics

Making the transition from Geriatrics to Pediatrics is interesting to say the least. From life at it’s end to life at it’s beginning. I remember the faces of the elderly as they welcomed us on fieldwork, and realized that the children felt just the same, happy that we were there, and glad to have the attention as we learned how to help them.

I was only concerned that the children wouldn’t be thrilled to have us working with them, that they might resist our efforts to help them, or feel like they were singled out for needing help, for not being “normal”. That can be a terrible feeling when you are a child. I was pleased at their response and felt so good about their positive attitudes. They were so agreeable, cooperative and sweet, and I noticed as we worked/played with them that everyone was smiling and having fun.

The lesson we previously learned, that therapy for children must be through play, was demonstrated quite clearly this first day as we were able to observe the handwriting grasp patterns that we had learned as as they did a fun activity. Also really interesting, though not surprising, was the contrast between the ages, the increase in ability from age 5 to 6 was quite noticeable.

Having raised two children as a stay at home mom, interacting with the children was familiar territory to me and the memories of the thousands of hours of previous play time made my interactions comfortable and natural. I really am looking forward to helping my two students improve their writing skills through play and will make every effort to make each week as fun as the first.