Turning Practice Into Family Fun : Sit-to-Stand: A PT, OT & SLP Collaboration

At NewDay Child Coaching, we believe therapy should be as fun and engaging as it is effective. That’s why our team, a pediatric Physical Therapist (PT), Occupational Therapist (OT), and Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), worked together to create an activity that blends movement, communication, sensory exploration, and laughter into one joyful family experience.

The Challenge: Making Hard Work Fun

Turning Practice Into Family Fun

For many children, skills like sit-to-stand transitions or using an AAC device can feel like tough work. Repetition is key for progress, but repetition can also feel tiring.

Our goal was to build an activity that keeps motivation high while helping a child strengthen motor skills, practice communication, and connect socially with their family.

The Solution: A Whoopee Cushion with a Purpose: Turning Practice Into Family Fun

We had the idea to bring in an automatically reinflatable Whoopee Cushion--yep, the classic giggle-maker! Here’s how each discipline added their expertise:

• PT (Physical Therapy): Focused on sit-to-stand practice. Each time the child sat, they the Whoopee Cushion depressed and made a funny sound.

• SLP (Speech-Language Pathology): Programmed the child’s AAC device with simple buttons—“Sit” and “Stand.” The child could use the device to request which action they wanted to take, making the activity communication-rich. The SLP also encouraged the family to make the funny sounds that the whoppee cushion emitted everytime it was sat upon!

• OT (Occupational Therapy): Incorporated sensory and social engagement by encouraging the child and family to imitate the Whoopee Cushion’s sound effects, boosting sound awareness and shared laughter.

The result? Every sit and stand became a moment of fun connection...and practice didn’t feel like work at all.

Whoopee Cushions can be super funny!

Why This Works

This activity, Turning Practice Into Family Fun, taps into a child’s intrinsic motivation, which is their natural drive to laugh, play, and engage socially. By making the Whoopee Cushion the star of the show, the child wanted to repeat the task over and over. This repetition built strength, endurance, and motor planning skills while also supporting:

• Communication growth through AAC choices and sound imitation

• Social connection with parents and siblings

• Sensory engagement through funny, surprising sounds

• Motor development by practicing sit-to-stand transitions repeatedly

Turning Practice Into Family Fun

Bringing Families Into the Fun

One of the best parts of this activity is how it naturally involves the whole family. Parents and siblings can copy the sounds, encourage turn-taking, and celebrate successes with big laughs. When families share joy during therapy, children are more likely to stay motivated and engaged.

Keeping FUN at the Forefront

We know that progress happens fastest when children are having fun. Activities like this remind us that therapy doesn’t have to feel clinical--it can be playful, silly, and full of laughter while still achieving serious developmental goals.

At NewDay Child Coaching, serving families in Clallam County, WA and beyond, our team of pediatric experts is here to help parents support their child’s growth with creativity and joy.

✅ Key Takeaway: Combining movement, communication, and sensory play in a fun, family-centered way boosts motivation and encourages skill-building. Therapy is at its best when it feels like play!

Feeling Overwhelmed? Needing Support? You’re Not Alone

We believe parents should feel empowered, not overwhelmed. If you’ve got questions or want to learn more:

• Leave a comment—we’d love to hear from you!

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• Listen to our Walkin’ The Talk Podcast on iTunes or Spotify.

  
  

And remember, early support isn’t just intervention—it’s prevention, empowerment, and connection. And it’s never too early to be curious, ask questions, and seek guidance. We’re here for you, every step of the way. 🍼👣✨

With heart,

The NewDay Child Coaching Team

Rachel Lynn: Communication and Swallowing/Feeding Guide 🩷

Amber Michelle: Physical Development Guide 💚

Amanda Rae: Fine Motor, Sensorimotor, Sensory/Feeding Guide 💛

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