Got 'told off' for bringing my other children to dd's hydrotherapy today.

[Hangingbellyofbabylon]

dd2 (4) had her first hydro session today at the hospital. I'd read through the leaflet and got there the required 20 mins early in order to get dd changed etc. I also had with me dd1 (6) and dd3 (11 months). It was really really hot and the effort of getting the 3 dressed and out of the door this morning was already enough.

When I got there the physio asked me if I had another adult with me to take my other children as they 'couldn't supervise so many children' I was so taken aback and said 'well it is the school holidays and I do have other children' to which she replied that I needed to understand that there was not room for my other children. As it was dd1 stood poolside and was really nice and very encouraging to a nervous dd2. dd3 was kind of squirming in my arms but it was fine. I was so taken a back I ended up muttering something about trying to get FIL to have them next week but when I got home I thought 'why the feck shouldn't I bring my children with me?'. DD2 doesn't exist in isolation. I know it was only a little comment but for whatever reason it has made me feel like when I was a child getting told off. I've got that horrible sick in my stomach feeling and not looking forward to next week now .

That is tough, and sounds like you got off to a bad start. I have to say though that there is no way I would take my other children to a therapy appointment for DD1, and if I had to, I would have phoned in advance to check it was OK. At least you know now.

I would (and have) taken dd2 along to any therapy dd1 has. also medical appointments - audiology, paed assessments etc. likewise dd1 came along when dd2 was under the care of a paed.

as you say, it's abit part and parcel. I didn't have anyone else who could take dd2, so she came with me. she still does, to dd1's OT session. dd1 goes in, and dd2 and I wait in the waiting room. if I need to talk to the OT, then dd2 comes along too, and plays with dd1/helps out in the exercise/whatever the OT wants to show me.

that's life, as far as we are concerned.

I would have told them I was not expecting them to supervise my children (only the one receiving therapy) - that is what I was there to do. and I would clarify whether they really mean you cannot take dd3 along if sessions occur during term time. I was still feeding dd2 at that age, as well as having no-one to leave ehr with. I would have been fuming if they told me not to bring her.

I have always had to bring other children along to paed appointments, physio, OT etc because basically I have other children and don't have anyone to look after them. When dd1 had an exploded ear drum last week I had to troop them all down to the GP. We looked like a circus parade, dd3 whinging in her pushchair, dd2 in kaye walker and dd1 hobbling along with gunge pouring out of her ear. At the child developement centre there are always loads of sibling around for therapy sessions.

Lougle - great that you have the option not to bring your other dc but some don't. Besides, I actually think it's important that dd's therapies are 'normal' for the whole family, her disability is not something strange or hidden cos they have always all been part of all it. Not explaining myself well but dd2 has to sit through dd1's swimming lessons so likewise dd1 sits through dd2's hydro - we're a family.

Riven sorry you haven't managed to get hydro for your dd - we were really lucky as it was only about 6 months wait. Generally things round here are good if you know who to ask but the rule of thumb is that it is never offered - you always have to ask . But at least it is out there.

yep, we've all trooped down to A&E or the doctor's office when necessary.

hell, i've had to take both girls with me for my appointments (dentist and doctor) let alone for one of theirs'

I completely agree about integrating the therapy stuff as well - it is all part of our lives, and therefore I wouldn't find a solution (childcare) just for that reason. once dd2 is at pre-school, i may well try to arrange dd1's OT for the same time, as easier logistically to do so. But I wouldn't put dd2 into an extra session just to make it easier, iyswim?

yep ds1 has always come to ds2's appnts with me in the holidays. In fact we had a family outing to physio this week
He had a year of hydro but it was only term time so ds1 was at school.

Its all about safety with hydrotherapy and a physio who is giving direction to the other children is really not able to safely supervise 2 unaccompanied children. To be honest DD2 is there to gain benefit from the therapy and you have to do special movements with her to improve her physical strength etc. otherwise its a waste of your time. Its unfortunately a one to one situation.

We go and it takes all one parents time to follow instructions to get the best for their child. Perhaps you could get a couple of friends to come too to look after the others in the water? If not arrange a babysitter and look upon that hour as special you and dd2 time? I dont mean to sound critical as siblings are usually welcome as long as they are one to one supervised. Hope you enjoy the next time a bit better.

oh yeah we have to get in, and tbh I prefer it that way, ds would scream if he was held by someone unfamilliar for an hour, and I know his limitations reguarding stiffness/ flinging back and stamping his feet in excitement, when on the side waiting to jump in.
I love it so does ds.
Riv do they have a physio for each child?
we can have upto 10 kids in the pool with their parents.

Riven, the water is gorgeously warm - its a nice experience. At our session all the parents get in and do the movements, arm stretching, leg stretches, games, singing! Its quite hard work but disguised as play and the kids feel more secure with mum there. We even have little babies. So glad your DD is getting this therapy, fingers x it all goes well. Everyone says its the best therapy ever, most importantly kids are so relaxed and happy and tired after their 'swims' - no problems sleeping on swim days

shave legs, fake tan - 10 minutes. Nobody cares particularly what we look like

We don't get in - pool is tiny, not much bigger than a snooker table so no room for extras in the pool. So dd in water with the physio and me and dd's poolside. It's also raised up spa pool style so you can stand safely poolside and no chance of falling in as the side walls are at least 4ft from the floor. Have to say I really have no desire to get in there with dd, too much trauma for me

Anyway, I will be bringing them next week too as I'm not paying some random babysitter to have my children, specially not dd3 who is breastfeeding and also verty clingy at the moment. As long as I can dd ready for the pool and be poolside to listen to the physio I just can't see a problem with it. The other mum with her little girl didn't mind when I asked her either.

I tend look like circus troop at appoinments and theraphys to intact were of to Addembrooks tomorrow mob handed