I am a childminder, and I have recently agreed to care for an eight year old boy with mild to medium cerebral palsy. He has visited my house and seems nervous about the prospect of being away from his parents, what would be the best way to help him get used to the new environment and enjoy himself? And what games or activities would you suggest to do with him?

Hi Mary,

I am not sure this Forum is the best place for this type of question as we want to focus on communication issues. I suggest you look at some sites relevant to cerebral palsy (you can find some on our online web-links section) and maybe contact your local cerebral palsy support group.

As I have no idea about the child, so it is difficult to suggest games, I would discuss this with his parents and the boy himself. It may just take some time for him to become used to a new person and new surroundings. It may help if you can find another 8 year old to come over and play with him sometimes.

Is there a problem with communication? If that is the issue, then someone may be able to give you some advice on this Forum, but you need to tell us about his level of communication, whether he uses communication aids and his cognitive abilities.

Hope that helps.

Regards Johan icommunicate

Thanks for your help, I've began caring for him and he is settling in well. His parents told me that he will start learning sign language soon to aid his communication. Would it be a good idea to learn some basic sign language to help him, or is this not necessary?

Thank you

Hi Mary,

If you are going to learn sign language, make sure it is the same sign language as he uses. Some people have their own signs, some people use Makaton and others Sign language for the deaf. You can read a bit more about signing on our Total Communication PDF in our Downloads Section.

Yes, if he is going to be using sign, it would be beneficial for you to learn at least a few basic signs to help you communicate with him and give him the opportunity to communicate with you.

Johan