I often reflect on Dancing the Parenting, I am so thankful I was able to participate with my children. It gave me a physical way of connecting with my child and doing something I loved.

I also think about parents who have a hard time sharing their affection physically with their children and how valuable Dancing the Parenting is. Yesterday I met with several parents who have energetic little boys living with autism. One mom physically cringed when her son bounced up to her; she had a hard time connecting with him. They needed help to build their relationship in ways feel comfortable and safe to them both. Creative physical movement provides additional pathways between caregivers and children.

It’s so fun to hear about all the activities you are involved in. And it really warms my heart to hear you are exploring ways of building opportunities for neurodiverse children to participate and building relationships with a child development centre.

I’ve also learned through my own children’s experiences in daycare that the people working in those spaces also benefit from finding new ways of connecting with children.

Mary Glasgow Brown, former Dancing the Parenting participant and Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Photo Credit: Yvonne Chew