Why is my child afraid?
Fear is a normal response to the unknown. A new adult in the house can make a child hold back. So can being asked to move in front of someone, or a memory of an injection at the hospital.
Some children are shy, some are cautious, and some have found movement hard and fear being seen to struggle. None of this means anything is wrong with your child.
What can I say to my child beforehand?
Use short, honest words that suit their age.
- For a young child, say that a friend called the physio is coming to play games with balls and blocks.
- For a school-age child, say she will watch how they move and show games to make their legs stronger.
- For a teenager, explain the reason and let them ask questions or choose the time.
Do not promise “it won’t hurt” if it might feel strange. Say that some parts may feel odd and that you are right there.
How can routine and play help?
Children feel safe with a pattern. Keep the same time of day, the same spot and the same small steps: hello, a game, a short exercise, a finishing game, goodbye.
The physiotherapist can start with something your child already enjoys, like bubbles, a ball or a favourite toy, and bring the exercise into it. Some children warm up by watching a sibling or a doll go first.
What can I do during the session?
Be close, calm and cheerful. Your child reads your face, so a tense parent can make a child more worried.
Let the physiotherapist lead, and gently join in the game yourself. If your child clings, let them.
Comfort first leads to cooperation later. Grandparents or the helper can sit nearby, as familiar faces help.
What if my child still will not take part?
Some days a child simply cannot. It is fine to stop early and try again another day. A short, happy visit is worth more than a long, tearful one.
If your child is afraid of every visit, tell us. We can change the toys, the place in the house or the timing. Read about your child’s first physiotherapy visit for what to expect.
How can I keep it going at home?
Turn the exercises into everyday play. Parents and grandparents can do short games after meals, or on the mat in the living room. Our guide to parents and home activities has ideas.
Praise effort, not just results. If you are worried about development, see our pages on paediatric physiotherapy and motor development concerns, or our home physiotherapy page for how we visit.