The F-Words for Child Development

Developed in 2011 by Dr. Rosenbaum and Dr. Gorter in their paper "The F-Words in Childhood Disability: I swear this is how we should think!", the six F-words: Function, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends and Future, is a framework that focuses on what your child can do, rather than what they can't do. 

Function: Refers to what people do- how things are done is not what is important.

Family: Represents the essential 'environment' of all children and youth. 

Fitness: Refers to physical and mental wellbeing.

Fun: Includes activities that people enjoy.

Friends: Refers to the friendships established with others.

Future: What is possible.

At ErinoakKids, we embrace the F-Words Framework, focusing on the things our clients are capable of and using those strengths to better support them in reaching their full potential. 

Client Stories:

Many of our clients have stories and experiences that represent the F-words. Choose a story to learn more!

Ezra's Story: Family

Andrew's Story: Future

 

 

F-Words Handouts:

The handouts below, provided by CanChild, will help guide you and your child through applying the six F-words to your daily life.

F-Words Goal Sheet

F-Words Profile

F-Words Collage

Additional Resources:

To learn more about the six F-words, explore the collection of resources below.

F-Words Poster:

Download Here

 

The ICF Framework and the F-Words: 

Download Here

 

 Advocacy Guide for Using the F-Words at School:

Download Here

 

Material on this page is provided by CanChild. To learn more about the F-Words visit CanChild here. 

Based on Drs. Rosenbaum and Gorter’s ‘F‐words’ in childhood disability: I swear this is how we should think!