Springfree Trampoline
What if we told you there was an activity you could provide your child and that is packed with so many health benefits it could fill a book? What if we added that this activity was also one of the most naturally relaxing, joyful and fun experiences a kid could have? If we then said it could give your child an emotional boost comparable to learning how to fly? Have we captured your interest?
Allow us to present–the trampoline. And let’s look at a model worth exploring from Springfree. You might have guessed the first unique feature is that it has no springs, but instead relies on fiber glass rods that flex with each joyful jump. Another added feature is that the rods are found below the jumping surface and supporting net enclosure. This safety-inspired design leaves no hard surfaces for a jumper to come in contact with and makes it a wonderful play unit for children with special needs. The final unique feature on the Springfree Trampoline is the FlexiNet enclosure. Again, as the name suggests, the surrounding net material is designed to flex with movement and absorb impact.
Adults have discovered the health benefits also. As research continues to roll in, trampolines have found there way into health clubs, yoga studios, exercise rooms and gyms everywhere.
Check out the Springfree Trampoline at www.ableplay.org [1] and learn more about this and other toys that offer great recreation and inspiration for kids of all abilities.
Price: $1649.00….. From www.ableplay.org [1].
Put “Spring” in Your Child’s Life
Here are a few new twists:
- Start out with simple jumps and then help your child choreograph other movements while in the air like lifting arms, clapping hands, scissor cuts with legs etc. for a total body workout.
- Introduce music with a great beat for added fun and rhythm. Also, the length of the song(s) can establish a regular trampoline workout routine.
- Utilize the trampoline as a great way to diffuse stress, anxiety and boost your child’s mood. It’s drug free and you can’t overdose.
Do you have a product you would like to share with our readers? Please send us an email describing your product. We are happy to review and test your product. submit@parentingspecialneeds.org Please make sure to put Product Review in email subject line.
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The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up for Your Child with Autism
Reviewed by Judy Tallent
Avena Martin, Esq., the author of The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up for Your Child with Autism, is a Harvard educated attorney, specializing in Individual Rights. She is the founder of Special Needs Network, Inc., and the mother of a child with autism. As a nationally recognized autism advocacy expert, Avena Martin has appeared on Good Morning America, Fox News, and the Dr. Phil Show.
The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up for Your Child with Autism, offers understanding of life with a child who is autistic. The Author writes with wisdom and authority and provides answers, along with advice, about dealing with the challenges faced with an autistic child.
While the book is written about autism, it is written in a very practical manner and could be applied to any child with special needs. It provides information, suggestions and resources that are available. It also explains how to be an advocate for your child with teachers, school administrators and doctors.
I would highly recommend this book, it empowers parents and caregivers with knowledge and information when seeking help for the challenges they face with a special needs child.
Price: $14.87….. From www.amazon.com [3]
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Escapes Music For Relaxing
Reviewed by PSN Team
These days it seems like everyone is in a rush. Got to get to work, school, therapy, dinner, sporting games…..you name it. What ever happened to stopping to smell the roses? Well, for those of us who wish to slow down a bit, if only for an hour, then this CD is for you. In a world of the average CD providing us with between 38 and 45 minutes of music. This CD at 60:03 seems quite a value. It gives us more original compositions (15) AND the added value of truly relaxing us in the process. Who couldn’t benefit from a bit more relaxing? The all-instrumental compositions of Jeff feature piano, guitar, and the occasional synthesizer string section. Whether simply listening for the pleasure of the writing, or using it to help calm down and soothe a child or oneself, there is something in here for all. The music could easily be used for massage, yoga, meditation, or de-stressing. One of Jeff ’s favorite fans is his 14 year old nephew, Russell, who was born with a neurological disorder. Russell’s says that “Uncle Jeff ’s” music really helps him relax and “feel better”. We at PSN agree and can see how listening to “Escapes” could definitely help therapists, teachers and parents using music to evoke a calm, relaxed and peaceful sleep state with children. Because the music is free of true, rhythmic instrumentation (drums), it exists in a fermata and legato arrangement that allows one to “go where the music takes you”. Of particular interest are selections 4,6,8,11,14, and 15. The “mind-scenes” one might envision are cool, mountains and pastoral settings…very much an escape through our mind’s eye. I hope you have an opportunity to listen to this CD. It is very well named…it is a welcomed Escape.
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Fun and Function Peanut Balls
The Amazing Peanut Ball — Just Inflate for Hours of Fun and Healthy Exercise! Challenges children to balance as they roll and bounce. Enhances focus by supporting need for movement. Contoured saddle provides stability. Shaped for forward and back rotation. Holds up to 750 pounds. Recommended for daily exercise and therapy programs. Easy to inflate – Pump sold separately. Safety-tested by independent third party laboratories; CPSIA-complaint. CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts Not for children under 3 yrs.
Price starting at: $29.99 NOTE: 4 sizes available
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Rocketship Resistance Play Tunnel
Blast off to outer space without leaving your room! Ten-foot-long tunnel, constructed of lycra and mesh material, offers different levels of resistance as the child crawls through. Vibrant design simulates the rocket ship soaring through the galaxies. Great workout for upper body — and pushing through the fabric is very calming for children. Double handles at the end of the tunnel can be held by adult to keep the tunnel open, or it can be attached to wall or structure. To add to the fun, a plush rocket attaches to tunnel surface with velcro strips. Proper adult supervision recommended.
Ages 3+ Price: $99.99
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Foam Tummy Scooter
Made of high density foam, the Foam Tummy Scooter is soft, comfortable, and very durable. Safe for gliding indoors and outdoors, this scooter is so comfortable that kids play longer and build their confidence in a variety of positions and activities. Use in sitting, kneeling or prone positions for vestibular and motor planning activities. Strengthens the upper and lower extremities and improves balance, posture, and coordination. Non-marring rubber casters swivel 360°. Supports up to 160 pounds Ages 3 and up.
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Foam Saddle Scooter
Made of high density foam, this adorable Foam Saddle Scooter enables children under 2 to ride fearlessly. Soft and comfortable, children play longer and build their confidence in a variety of positions and activities. Highly durable and safe for gliding indoors and outdoors. Use in sitting, kneeling or prone positions for vestibular and motor planning activities. Strengthens the upper and lower extremities and improves balance, posture, and coordination. Non-marring rubber casters swivel 360°. Supports up to 160 pounds. For ages 1.5 to 5.
Price: $54.99 www.funandfunction.com [7] NOTE: The seat of the foam saddle scooter is lower (closer to the ground) than the typical ride- on toy as this allows very small children or those with gravitational insecurity to ride like their peers.