Healthy Living

Games to Motivate Children With Cystic Fibrosis to Do Lung Exercises

Letting kids be kids

Letting kids be kids

Play is an important part of child development and growth. Children use play to explore the world, learn about themselves and others, form social relationships, and much more. Any opportunity to incorporate more play time into a child’s life is important. For children who have chronic conditions introducing and facilitating play is even more important. Play can reduce stress thereby enhancing healing. Games and playtime also offer opportunities for bonding. By engaging with children on their level and partaking in things that interest them, parents and healthcare providers can form stronger bonds with children. This bond is important when working to motivate children to follow their treatment plans. Games such as the ones described here can also help children feel more like their peers while also getting them to follow their treatment plans more consistently. The long-term benefits of these interventions could be life changing.