Gifts For Children With Arthritis

Experts say the general rule of thumb for toy shopping is no different for parents of children with arthritis. However, if your child has trouble with a certain toy, you may be able to adapt it and make it easier to use. It may only take a few simple modifications to address a child's needs.

 Here are some toy adjustment suggestions:

• Make parts of toys bigger by tracing the shape of the toy onto a piece of cardboard.  Make sure the cardboard is bigger than the toy.

•  Screw or glue dowel rods or empty thread spools onto the toy handle to make them easier to grasp.

•  Wrap masking tape of soft foam around markers and pencils for an easier grip.

•  To make puppets easier to grasp, place them over big soda bottles that can be moved around.

•  Make board games easier to use by gluing the game pieces on the caps of milk jugs.

•  If your child enjoys playing cards, make them easier to hold by enlarging the cards on a photocopier and mounting them on a firm surface such as cardboard.