FaceFormer therapy for children
Motivation in everyday practice
How young children learn the important FaceFormer exercises
It is extremely important to carry out FaceFormer training regularly, especially for younger children. It is therefore particularly important to motivate children to participate. Below we explain some methods of how therapists and parents can motivate children in a playful way to learn the important exercises and carry them out regularly.
Video
In response to the many enquiries from therapists, doctors and parents about how to motivate children to train with the FaceFormer, we show an extract from everyday practice in the video.
Example of a therapy session
The therapist accompanies three-year-old Anna through the treatment together with her father. The child breathes through the mouth instead of the nose and swallows with a different movement pattern, which also has a negative effect on speech development. The therapist begins the session with a playful examination to check for possible sensitivities in the child’s mouth and to gently introduce the child to the exercises that follow.
Playful introduction
The therapy begins in a child-friendly phase to get the little girl used to the FaceFormer. This is done by integrating the exercises into play, in which small exercise requirements are initially included and later intensified.
Practical exercises
The FaceFormer, for example, is explained in the butterfly game. One example is pulling on the Facy butterfly, which is placed in the mouth. This strengthens the mouth muscles and encourages the correct tongue position. Parents should understand how important it is to repeat the exercises regularly, even if it takes a little patience at first.
Involving the parents
It is beneficial for the therapist to actively involve the parents in the therapy and introduce them to the training program. When parents do the exercises together with their child, their actions set an example for the child. Regular practice together with the child naturally helps to integrate the training into everyday life. This creates a sense of normality and the child loses the feeling that they have to do something special or different because they show any abnormalities. What was originally perceived as a special exercise thus becomes a normal and natural routine to which the child gradually adapts.
Motivation through rewards
Praise and recognition for achievements strengthen the child’s self-confidence and enjoyment. The prospect of pleasant rewards and their reliable fulfillment (for example: playing together, eating ice cream, going to the cinema, etc.) are trusting agreements that encourage and positively reinforce the child to achieve their goals. The My Facy stamp book and the versatile MyFacy children’s bag signal membership of the club of “Facy fans”.
Continuous motivation
In order to create the best possible conditions for the biologically correct development of a child, existing disorders of complex functional patterns that affect growth and posture must be recognized early and replaced by biologically correct functions. The earlier this is achieved, the lower the risk of negative effects developing, leading to a variety of health problems and subsequent treatment.
Conclusion
FaceFormer training can be successfully integrated into the everyday lives of young children if it is carried out playfully and with patience. Parental involvement and the use of rewards are crucial factors in increasing children’s motivation and making the therapy successful. Therapists and parents should work closely together to achieve the best results.
More about motivation and join-in training for children
FaceFormer therapy for children – Guidelines for parents and therapists
Children have a mind of their own and successful therapeutic work always requires individual motivation. This video shows an example of how the child and therapist can work together successfully.
FaceFormer training with children – five rounds of exercises
Playful FaceFormer training for children: In this join-in video, the basic exercise is performed 5 times and the pulling exercise 5 times together with the therapist. An ideal aid for parents and therapists to motivate the little ones.
Further information
For further information on the FaceFormer, the therapy and the various application options, please visit the FaceFormer product homepage. There you will find a lot of information and detailed explanations that will help you to better understand and successfully carry out FaceFormer training.
