Cystic Fibrosis at the Playground

Your child has a right to be a kid! Of course, having a child with cystic fibrosis brings on more challenges and worries. It requires being more alert to surroundings, your child, and others. But, your child still deserves to play and you still deserve to watch your child be a child.

Playgrounds are a great way to teach your child to move, build strength, have fun, and explore new surroundings. However, there is an increased infection risk at playgrounds with wet or dry bark, stagnant water and other wiggly body’s running around.

Having a child with CF means you have to take that extra step in determining if it it’s the right thing to do. Does your child have a cough that he/she’s being treated for? If so, instead of running around and playing, maybe go for a slow walk outside. Has he/she been invited to a birthday party but has a low grade fever? Try to re-schedule for the following weekend, don’t just cancel. It may not be the same as a birthday party, but your child can still have the opportunity to interact and play with another kid (and you get the opportunity to socialize with other parents).

Some other tips

• Wash your child’s hands before and after playing in a community environment
• Teach your child to avoid muddy, dirty waters that can contain bacteria
• Bring hand sanitizer and wipes to each outing
• Create a routine in teaching your child to come to you if he/she has played with another child who has coughed/ may be sick. It’s impossible to avoid the germs from other children but use it as an opportunity to teach your child how to take care of him/herself. Your child may have CF, but he/she still has an immune system that knows what to do.
• Hydrate often! Hydrating needs to consistently occur during play
• Self-advocate: inform other parents about your child’s CF and ask if you can sanitize their child’s hands too. It’s okay to speak up for your own child’s rights and needs. Teach other’s in the community about CF, that it’s not contagious, and that it requires extra steps to stay healthy.
• Play with your child and take your child’s lead during play! It might help to decrease some anxiety if you see how your child plays, that he/she is safe, and that playgrounds can be appropriate for your child.

Your child can do the same things that another child can do. By providing your child with the opportunities to run and build strength and endurance at a younger age through play, you are supporting your child ‘s development to love exercising and to keep moving!

Author: Nicole Ezcurra 

For more exercises check out our YouTube Channel: Cystic Fibrosis Fitness Institute 

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