As parents, when you think about your child’s health, you should remember that play assists in learning and self-development. A child with epilepsy would be able to explore their feelings by playing. They also get the opportunity to feel the ownership of their life again. Therefore, to help these children, whenever you are going shopping, ensure that toys for kids with epilepsy is in your list.
An epileptic child needs to build self-esteem and confidence. The child will be able to control emotions and reactions. As you know, children do not have enough vocabulary skills to express themselves the way they would have; they can only do so by playing with toys.
However, children that are still trying to understand their health situation might have to play with hospital equipment. Examples are stethoscopes, hospital sets and more. By doing this, after a while, the child will be able to get through issues and probably visit a play therapist.
Also, they should be able to understand what happens during the seizure. Playing with vibrating toys and batteries would help them achieve that.
When a child is having challenging behaviour, there are certain things you can do to help them. They might always want to kick you, throw things or even shout. You could try taking them out and getting them to kick a ball. Throw something harmless like a balloon, balls into a bucket and more.
You might be getting worried about what type of toys to get your kid? You could get role play equipment, construction toys, pretend play resources, sensory play objects, cause and effect toys and more. For more specific toys, this article would be a great source for you.
Meaning of Childhood Epilepsy
Childhood epilepsy is a condition of the brain that causes children to have seizures. It is also a common disorder of the nervous system. An epileptic child has a seizure when abnormal electrical signals interrupt brain signal. These electrical signals might include, alcohol or drug withdrawal, low blood sugar or even a brain concussion. When a child has more than two seizures without a cause, it can be described as epilepsy. Some of its symptom include;
- Loss of consciousness
- Falling suddenly and without reason
- Body stiffening
- Rapid blinking and staring
- Appearing confused
- Loss of bladder control
- Jerking movement of legs and arm
- Rhythmic nodding of the head
- A late response to noise
- Breathing problem
The benefit of Using Toys for Kids with Epilepsy
Children that live with epilepsy may find the need to boost their esteem and communication skills. There would be a need for parents to be closer and more understanding with them. As parents, apart from offering yourself as a human tool for your kids, you should get them the best toys to help them develop and feel comfortable. Below are some benefits of using toys.
- It creates a pleasant association with the experience.
Buying toys for these children will help them get comfortable and confident with their condition. It also helps them to explore themselves and the world around them.
2. It reduces frustration
Being a parent or adult around these children, you should allow them to take control of their toys. Apart from buying them toys, you should also be ready to give a response while they play. Communication is the key to reducing frustration.
3. It improves communication
Children naturally cannot communicate as fluent and clear as they want to be. They might not know how to use those expressive vocabularies that you can use. When they have toys, they tend to communicate better and explore their feelings.
4. It builds self-esteem
Buying toys for kids helps to build confidence and improve the child’s esteem. It allows expressing themselves, practices what they see around. For example, buying a stethoscope or hospital set makes it easy to practice the situation they find themselves and play out their experiences.
Factors to consider when choosing toys for a child with epilepsy
An epileptic child should have special toys that would not trigger seizures. The motive of getting such toys is to help your child develop, interact and build good values. Whatever toy you want to buy must suit the child, type of epilepsy and its solution. Below are some considerations to put in place when you want to buy a beneficial toy for your child.
· Consider the age appropriateness and preference of the child.
You can’t buy a very technical toy for a child below four years. Ensure that you focus on the child’s age range when you are shopping for toys. Also, it would be best if you put into consideration your child’s preference. Buying a toy that doesn’t appeal to that child might make him lose interest and get frustrated.
· Consider developmental appropriateness
Any toy you want to get for a child with epilepsy must be beneficial. It must suit the child’s health state. For example, games that require speech should not be given to a nonverbal child. It might just make the child feel terrible. If it is a gift and you are not sure about the child’s ability and capability, ask family and friends. It’s better than a disaster. Although always frame such questions to make them feel accomplished.
· Be careful of triggers and behaviour excesses.
Do not buy things that would trigger your child’s seizure. For example, you shouldn’t buy toys that have very strong light for a child with photosensitive epilepsy. You would only worsen the situation. If it is a gift, ask family and friends for the child’s trigger and behavioural excesses.
· Always focus on toys that promote social interactions.
Ensure that you do not buy games that they always have to play alone. Buying them toys they can play with people would help them interact socially and make them feel comfortable in their environment. It would be awesome if you also made time to play with these toys with your child. Your presence would be encouraging to them.
· Consider buying harmless toys.
Check the material used to make the toy you want to buy. Make sure that it is easy to handle and manage. These toys should not be a hazard to your child’s health.
Best Toys for Kids with Epilepsy
Buying the appropriate toys for kids with epilepsy would enhance their development. It is one of the best things to do for them. Below are some of the best toys for kids with epilepsy you can get in today’s market.
i. Richard Scarry’s Busytown Eye Found it! Game
It’s a game for preschoolers, a board game that involves finding specific objects on the map and combining race across Busytown. This game is awesome for fine motor skills. It is really good for children development. Richard Scarry’s Busytown Eye found it helps children to focus. It also helps their visual scanning.
ii. SpinAgain
In most cases, the game is for kids with sensory needs. SpinAgain helps children to focus because the game involves watching an object spin down the pole. Most times, they have to place hand over hand to guard it down. It is easy for them to handle and very suitable for preschoolers.
iii. Vibrating Animals
This toy is very tender and proper for kids. It increases their tactile awareness and sensory stimulation. When these cuddly animals get hugged, they vibrate gently. Its vibration provides a somatosensory stimulation and gives them a feeling of relaxation.
iv. Pinch jumping vibrating bouncing balls
This toy is a battery-operated bouncing ball. It flashes when it jumps. Pinch jumping vibrating bouncing ball is multicoloured, thereby very attractive for children. It is made of plastic, which is not harmful to little kids. These balls do not have strong lights that can trigger a child with photosensitive epilepsy to have a seizure. Therefore, it is safe.
v. Giant vibrating ladybug
This ladybug has a calming effect on children with epilepsy by delivering a vibration sensation when they squeeze. It also has bright colours that offer visual stimulation
How to Encourage an Epileptic Child
- Do not say things that can make your child feel like a burden, trouble or something unwanted. You should always try to make them feel loved. That way, they would feel comfortable and less worried about their health.
- As a parent, you should be knowledgeable on everything about epilepsy, to know how to help your child when the need arises. It would be beneficial if you were not ignorant of the slightest fact.
- Monitor your child always to ensure that medications are taken at the same time every day. At the same time, you should not always be the one to give your child medications. Instead, make he/she in charge of his/her medication.
- Ensure that your child is properly rested. Getting enough rest reduces the risk of seizures
- Create a time for homework for your kid and do not forget to praise your child’s success
- Always remember that your positivity is key to your child’s psychological health.
- Make your child have social interaction with people. Help he/she make friends, encourage hobbies and sports.
- Teach your child to discuss epilepsy openly and honestly with other people by discussing it with him/her
- Create a support network for you and your kid with resources such as Parent Training and Information Centers, Epilepsy Foundation and many more.
Conclusion
As a parent or adult, you are the first best tool to help an epileptic child. Make a soul happy and great. Be positive