A different Kind of therapy

It's funny.....having a kiddo with special needs forces us into a mindset where we are constantly looking for what will "work" when determining what helps our children thrive.   With Jade, this was a no-brainer.   She's a very focused little gal who pretty much sets her own goals (course, perfectionism can become a problem...).   With Kai, we have always looked for ways to keep him engaged and focused, as his tendency has typically been to zone out or dissociate (this tendency has improved a lot, but it he can still use zoning out as a default mode.)   Kai also came to us with very low muscle tone, and he has been in physical and occupational therapy for several years.  

Kai was not walking when he came to us at 28 months.....in fact, he had no idea how his body worked.   (It was pretty obvious that he was quite neglected).   Here he is at the ol' age of 30 months learning to walk.  

Now, before the kidlings, Scott and I enjoyed the thrill of rock climbing.   We had given it up once the kids came into our lives, but this year we thought we'd do a family membership at the climbing gym...thinking that kids are naturally like little monkeys.    Surprisingly, Kai has turned out to be a natural.   Seriously.    Look at him go! 


Look at that undercling, and natural high-step!  
We have to re-learn this natural technique as grown ups.



...and a frog step to the next sequence of moves...



showing no hesitation...

great transition over the chimney



yup, really up that high!

 

Ta-da!!!  I did it!

 Another thing that most folks probably wouldn't know about the climbing "personality type" is that, well, most of us tend to be a little quirky.   We're not much into conformity (did I say that?).    Then there's the aspect of being outdoors and gritty, and the cool element of being a part of something totally natural.   There's kind of a zen-space you naturally get into...where you're completely in the moment, not thinking about anything except the next climbing move.   For a kiddo who spent the first 28 months of his life lying in a crib, to climb is amazing.  

Scott and I joke about how Kai's seeming weakness (reluctance to put much effort into things, which some would call laziness) plays out to be a strong point in climbing.   Kai climbs incredibly efficiently....and tirelessly.   (Contrast this to Jade who burns out her arms within the first ten feet and gets frustrated.)   Our little dude finds the entire journey up the rock fascinating....every little crack, spider web, bug and new dyno-move.    We couldn't be happier that he enjoys it!  

Disclaimer:  Rock climbing is a very safe activity...when done properly.  We've found that the monkey bars are far less safe!