Hand classes

[sharileedahl]

I started laughing reading this one and the last response (I'm a new mom too and ya...we do tend go on!!), so I thought I should at least add my two bits!
Have worked with people in a return to work setting (mostly men...the difference is they talked about hunting instead of babies) and had some of the same issues.
My advise would be to be creative with exercises as noted in the last response. Do the typical "physio exercises" but add in elements of pilates, yoga etc. Lots of education too - get them talking about something else. And probably the most important (as far as I'm concerned) is goal setting. Make them accountable for their progress. Make them aware of what they are doing and why. In almost every group, there is usually at least one person that will switch from moaning to encouraging & motivating not only themselves but the people around them (yes, even women!!!).

[Fyzzio]

Great question, I was also laughing...., and, yes, I am a mum, too.
The suggestions are good, I specifically like the idea of goal setting.
At the end of each class, get your group to discuss for 5 min which specific goal they would like to attack in the next class. This also gives you some time to prepare.
I have once used a session with warm water. Organised big washing bowls (are you in a public hospital), filled them up with warm water and did exercises in there. For the children's class, I added a drop of food colouring. Got a bit messy, but was fun anyhow.
The cooking class thing is also nice, it could led to sharing the food after the class (if you have got some space available for this) and finally give them time to do the chatting...
Have you got an OT in your team? They have also really good functional "toys and games".
Cheers,
Fyzzio