FirstPlay Therapy® is so named because it is the type of play that happens first in a child’s life, before imaginative play, and is essential to a child’s healthy growth and development. It is that spontaneous, giggly-in-the-moment, brain-boosting, nurturing, joyful, relaxing, calming, bonding, multi-sensory, and exciting play that happens between a parent and infant. FirstPlay Infant Storytelling includes all these vital elements.
FirstPlay® Practitioners guide parents through the FirstPlay Parent Manual© to provide caring, respectful and attuned touch to their infants as provided through a “story-massage” called, The Baby Tree Hug©. Practitioners do not provide the touch activities to the infant. Instead, practitioners instruct, direct, model and supervise parents (on a baby-doll) in the techniques of FirstPlay® Infant Storytelling Massage. While the FirstPlay® Practitioner is demonstrating the techniques, the parent(s) simultaneously follows along and practices the FirstPlay® movements and storytelling with their own baby. The FirstPlay® Practitioner then guides parents on how to incorporate FirstPlay® sessions into their daily schedules.
Parents are provided with the FirstPlay Infant Storytelling Manual
offered in both English and Spanish.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do you demonstrate the FirstPlay® story techniques?
What if I have more than one infant?
You can have another caregiver present who can learn the storytelling techniques and participant in the sessions.
What if my baby is not in the mood for FirstPlay® at the time of the session?
Sessions can be scheduled for times that you decide will be best for you and your baby—such as after a morning or afternoon nap. You can also learn the storytelling movements at the time of the session and practice at a later time when your infant is ready.
What ages is this FirstPlay® infant play storytelling program geared toward?
Although you can introduce FirstPlay® infant play at any age in childhood, these sessions are meant for infants ages 2 weeks to 2 years-old.
How are sessions scheduled?
Your FirstPlay® Practitioner will work with you and your schedule including a virtual session is needed.
I am a working mother. How will I have time practice the FirstPlay® storytelling with my infant?
You will find that a FirstPlay® session only takes about 10 to 20 minutes of your time.
I want to do this program, but I am not able to get off work during daytime hours. What can I do?
Please discuss with your FirstPlay® Practitioner availability and schedule.
What if I know of another parent with an infant that might be interested in FirstPlay®, can we have a session together?
Absolutely! You can speak to your FirstPlay® Practitioner about the option for group sessions.
What if I want to put together a FirstPlay® group with some other parents?
Groups can be organized up to a maximum of six parents. The program fee, as established by the practitioner, may adjust depending on the number of parents.
What if my infant is sick?
Infant’s should not be massaged if they have a fever and are sick. Additionally, if you have any questions regarding your child’s health and the FirstPlay® sessions, these need to be discussed with your pediatrician.
What if my infant just had their vaccinations?
Please discuss this with your pediatrician, but a rule of thumb is to wait about 48 hours after the vaccinations before engaging in any type of massage techniques.
Do I need to have my pediatrician’s approval?
It is encouraged that you speak to your child’s pediatrician in order to discuss if there are any physical health considerations regarding your infant receiving infant massage type activities.
Can you help to answer any medical questions that might arise?
Questions regarding medical concerns must be directed to your pediatrician.
© Developmental Play & Attachment Therapies, Inc.