This is my daughter just before her second birthday. At nearly two years old, she couldn’t walk.
She has hypermobile joints – although we didn’t know it when this photo was taken. We had yet to go through physio and find out that insoles in her shoes would help her. We had yet to see her run or jump in puddles. We had yet to know that she would face the battle to walk so valiantly and come out the other side grinning.
When faced with a puddle, all she could do was sit in it. She was frustrated, we were frustrated and, generally, life was tough.
For Frog’s second birthday we bought her a scooter. It was one of those snazzy Microscooter ones with the seat attached. We thought it would help strengthen her joints and aid her balance. We thought she would find it fun. We thought wrong.
The thing is, Frog has never been particularly confident when it comes to physical stuff. Because it took her so long to walk, she got used to hanging back, watching other kids her age run and jump and climb. She could never join in and, at approaching three and a half, she still carries that sense of caution.
It’s taken nearly eighteen months of gentle persuasion to get to today.
This afternoon, something amazing happened. My three year old, hypermobile little girl put two fingers up to her wonky feet and over-flexible limbs and got on her scooter. She stood on it for the first time and… well, you can see what happened. (Watch for the bit where she shouts at a nearby dog minding his own business, “LOOK DOGGY! I’M DOING IT!”)
Hypermobility – you’ve lost again….
What a gorgeous video!
My children (15 and 10) are both hyper mobile. The eldest used to hate PE so much she would pretend to be ill to try to avoid it at Primary School. Year 6 cycling proficiency was a nightmare. At secondary school it seems easier, probably because there are so many kids that it’s easier to hide.
My youngest is dreading cycling proficiency too, but is passionate about football and that has really helped him become stronger, as long as he wears his insoles.
Watch out for hypermobile fingers when your daughter starts school – this can affect writing ability. My son is learning to touch type because of this.
Thanks for the heads up – and so great to hear of your kids doing so well. At the moment, it appears to mainly affect her lower limbs, but we’ll keep our eye on it. Thank you for the lovely comment. x
One of my dearest friends has JUST discovered at 18 months that her son is hypermobile and because they took him for Physio because he wasn’t yet walking or load bearing.
Am about to watch the video but know it’ll be emotional.
Well done her on keeping the score ONE NIL.
Liska xx
So glad to have found your post! My daughter her hyper mobility too, she’s now nearly 5years old and is still suffering. Now she has started school it’s clear the differences between them all.
Ah bless her, thank you for your comment Jodie. Do you find insoles help at all? They make a big difference for my little girl.
Yay!!
Just watched the video again and it brings to mind that tear jerking scene at the end of “Goodnight Mr Tom”…..”I can ride dad, I can really ride”. F- “Mummy, I’m doing it!” Love her! love ma
OOps “Look Doggy, I’m doing it!
I know! She will show you soon – she reckons she’ll be doing tricks before long. x
Just watched the video again and it brings to mind that tear jerking scene at the end of “Goodnight Mr Tom”…..”I can ride dad, I can really ride”. F- “Mummy, I’m doing it!” Love her! love ma
Go Frog! Go Frog! love ma ma x
Oh that is just so joyous
Yay well done. Erin hasn’t mastered this yet but is now jumping so small progress is being made. I was told by Erin’s rheumatologist that she will be about 10 before she will be as strong as her peers. Love that f was so proud of herself.
Love this – got me all choked up! You know Boo’s physiotherapist says her daily scooting is great for her poppy legs? It builds them up and she’s right – I’ve noticed a big difference with her physio, and her scooting!
So little F – keep on scooting! Go go go!