This week we welcome back Noraishah!

Noraishah's back to discuss FUNction and its meaning in the context of therapy and child development. In this episode, Noraishah shares her personal experiences and insights as a parent, particularly focusing on her son's journey and the evolution of her understanding of FUNction.

Initially, her focus was simply on observing her son's capabilities, but over the past two years, she has been actively thinking about function in relation to his independence and future. This includes his ability to perform daily tasks such as feeding himself, moving around, and personal care.

She emphasises the importance of setting realistic goals and providing the right tools and equipment to enable her son's independence. She also highlights the significance of breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. A pivotal moment was when her son independently used the bathroom, exceeding expectations and demonstrating his ability to achieve goals when given the opportunity. It was so great to hear the moment that she realised that her son's accomplishments were driven by his desire to be independent and his inherent motivations.

The discussion also explores the challenges of letting go of preconceived notions of how things should be done and accepting a child's unique way of accomplishing tasks. Noraishah acknowledges her initial struggle to reconcile her upbringing with her son's methods but over time, learnt to prioritise his happiness and well-being over perfection. She advises parents to observe their children, understand their capabilities, and foster their potential, while also allowing them to have the space to learn and grow.

Ultimately, the key is to provide the tools and support necessary for children to live fulfilling lives, while accepting and loving them for who they are.