"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." - Oprah Winfrey
When creating this series for your child, it brought me back to some of the struggles that Michael faced such as appetite stimulation, taking his medication, and acting out his concerns through role play and our storybook creations. Involving him in his healing process with fun awards and activities that highlighted his bravery of overcoming challenges and making positive breakthroughs (which also included little things like brushing ALL of his teeth & not just the front ones) always seemed to do the trick. Regular praise helped build his self-esteem and strengthen his resolve by giving him tangible evidence of his journey toward wellness. Our hope is that these fun awards & activities help encourage and support your child in the same way. We're firm believers that when you praise, you RAISE!
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Awards
I am Brave Award
This award would be ideal to celebrate the bravery it took to undergo a new treatment, injections, or simply face the new day with a smile. Whatever the case may be, please remind your child that it's alright to be scared. Being scared means they're about to do something really really brave!
Awesome Appetite Award
Getting Michael to eat was always an extremely difficult task for us, especially after undergoing more difficult treatments. Offering him an award for his effort always seemed to do the trick... even if it meant getting him to finish one of his chicken nuggets. Remember, success can be achieved through a series of small victories too.
Super Star Patient Award
Good behavior, being a good friend to other patients, and taking their medicine without a fuss could be ideal reasons to offer this award. However, please remember that people rise to the expectation we've placed on them. With that said, perhaps this award would also be ideal for a patient that is having a more difficult go of things. Praise will raise!
Happy Birthday
Everybody deserves a day that celebrates them! Remind your loved one that they are loved, valued, and that the world is so much better off because they are it in! Today they are a star... let them shine!
Something to Smile About Award
Whether it's something as simple as brushing their teeth, completing a treatment, or using the potty on their own, why not celebrate those achievements by offering this congratulatory award? A little progress each day adds up to BIG results!
Activities
Patient Chart
This chart (meant to be played with their favorite stuffed toy or pet) is also an ideal tool for role-playing. Watching how the child interacts with their toy may also offer clues on how that child wishes to be treated and can open up dialogue regarding possible fears or anxieties they may be experiencing. This feedback can be instrumental in creating a specific approach that best suits that child's particular needs.
Patient Checklist
Putting the child in the driver's seat, so to speak, may help them feel more empowered over their situation. By simply switching roles with the child, it allows them an opportunity to act out their worries, concerns, and anxieties regarding their circumstance, through role-play.
Games
Michael Trouble Match Game
This simple game offers your loved one a chance to strengthen their cognitive, memory, and fine motor skills by cutting along lines (if allowed) and matching the pairs together. Although it can be played alone, it is also a nice icebreaker for children to interact, bond, and socialize with their family, medical staff and/or other patients. Give it a try!
Coloring Pages
Coloring not only stimulates imagination, but also strengthens dexterity and fine motor skills that may have been compromised during various treatments. While your child simply plays, you'll know that healing and restoration are taking place.
Michael Trouble's Helpful Hints
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