For most people, the Nintendo Wii is just a game.
A diversion. A way to have fun and burn a few calories. But for my family, the Nintendo Wii
In the spring of 2008, Sarah Kate was finishing pre-K and preparing for kindergarten. Although she had made a great deal of progress in the two years since she’d had her SDR surgery, some milestones were still evading her – milestones that would be important when she had to navigate a large elementary school.
The main one that caused her difficulty: standing still.
Although she’d been walking independently for almost two years, she was still unable to stand still without holding onto something or someone. I worried that she would have to revert to using a quad cane in the lunch line, or worse. It was frustrating, because she’d achieved so much and it seemed like such a tiny thing, but it was HUGE.
One day in that spring of 2008, we went out to dinner with a colleague of Mr. Andi’s and his wife. After dinner, we went back to their house and they offered to let Sarah Kate play the Wii they had recently bought for their grandchildren.
Nintendo’s Wii was new to the market, and I’d never seen one in use before. I had my doubts that Sarah Kate would be able to do it, but I let her be instructed on how to use the WiiMote as the bowling game was queued up.
But something amazing happened.
Within a few minutes, Sarah Kate was standing still – without assistance. Over and over again, she bowled without falling down. I was dumbfounded.
As soon as we returned home, I ordered one right away.
Sarah Kate spent the summer bowling, boxing, and batting, and the results were amazing. Just a few weeks before school started, she mastered the ability to stand still, and that tiny achievement made all the difference in her kindergarten year.
Four years later, we’re on our second Wii and it’s become more like “just” a diversion, but I still encourage her to acquire games that force her to stand and move, rather than sit on the couch. In fact, I credit Wii baseball and tennis for her surprisingly accurate (and consistent) softball swing.
But some games are just for fun. 🙂
Last Christmas, she received ABBA You Can Dance
This year, I’m excited to add Ubisoft’s new Just Dance 4
But no matter how much fun we’re having getting our groove on – because my kids were born to boogie – I’ll know that they’re gaining something else, as well: purposeful movement.
Fun + Therapy = Win. Rock on!
Oh, and pssst….here’s a little secret: Just Dance 4
I am convinced that if things like the Wii were around when I was a kid I would be much stronger now, and would have stuck with my rehab from hypermobility more as a kid. It is so great to see Wii used like this, I will have to mention on the CMT groups I am on as a way to promote balance – have you tried the yoga Wii?
We do have the WiiFit balance board, although a lot of the activities are a bit beyond what Sarah Kate can do because her balance is so poor. The yoga isn’t quite as fun and engaging for her, but for an adult it probably would be. 🙂
One of Sarah Kate’s longtime PTs has always advocated for “regular” activity over or in addition to therapy whenever possible, and I agree with her that it’s the best way to go. The Wii makes “regular” activity possible without the pressure of team sports or being the worst at something, and now she’s really good at the Wii!
They’re actually working on more sophisticated balance games for CP (and other conditions). I’ve never tried them myself but kids seem to like them.
That’s awesome! Wii FTW! Also, yes, Final Countdown and Gob Bluth. I think of him every time 🙂 Illusions, Michael.
Thanks for the “Deal of the Day” tip…somebody in my house wanted that for Christmas! 🙂