May 28 Back in Spica – ideas of activities.

After lasts weeks disaster things have settled down on the spica front.  Erin has a resigned acceptance of her cast once again, the only tough call was when she was hot and asked me to take it off so we could go swimming.  Swimming is Erin’s main love and it pains us all that she can’t get in the water – but its only four more weeks.

Erin is finding things a little boring this time and needs a bit more entertainment.  I have to remember that she is six months older than the first time she went into spica and she has developed an awful lot in that time.  A 2 1/2 yr old is programmed to be active and especially at this time of year most are in the garden and enjoying being active.

I always knew that time in this cast would go quite swiftly and so far it has.  We are one third of the way down already.  Erin had an extra X Ray last monday and it was great to hear that the wound was healing well and the bones still look like they are in the same position.  It is the six week post cast that will tell us whether everything has held. 

How to entertain in Spica.

We spend the days watching far too much TV, Mr Tumble on repeat is Erin’s preferred choice! I got a great bargain from Amazon and have the something special DVD which has 12 episodes.

We also do lots of puzzles and her fine motor skills are brilliant.  I am sure this is the reason Erin can count so well.  Also time is spent painting and today we will be making her daddy his birthday card.  I have even considered getting her to make some Christmas cards as we have the time!

Yesterday we made bead bracelets which Erin enjoyed.  Obviously this was a bit tricky and she needed help but she loved the finished result.

Baking is always a popular option and now I have started getting her involved in making lunch it takes up another hour of our day!!  She helps butter bread and make sandwiches, or decorate a pitta bread and turn it into a pizza.  Preparing a fruit salad is also good and we talk about the different fruits.

We go out walking and the local park does have a swing that Erin can get in.  She enjoys this when it’s not too hot!

Finally I use the IPad with Erin, it has some fantastic apps like the classic Ladybird books which she uses.  I am really interested in how the IPad is used with pre schoolers.  Many believe the kit is too expensive for young children and do not let them use it.  Whilst I agree that you have to be prepared for an accident there is much research about how the IPad has been beneficial for children with Autism and other learning disabilities as it is easy to use.

I hope these suggestions give other spica mums and dads some new ideas.  It can be a long day.  At the moment I have to choose between Erin having a day time nap but then not going to bed until 9ish or keeping her up all day and she goes to bed at 7pm.  This is due to her being so restricted physically that she doesn’t tire out like a typical 2 1/2 year old.