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: Functioning, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends and Future, is a framework that focuses on what your child can do, rather than what they can't do. 

Functioning: 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, adopting the name 'F'avourite Words. The 'F'avourite Words help us to focus on the things our clients are capable of and using those strengths to better support them in reaching their full potential. 

ErinoakKids Client Stories:  

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

Ezra's Story: Family

Andrew's Story: Future

 

 

 'F'avourite Words Handouts:   

The handouts below are designed to support families, clients and school teams by providing information and practical tools to help apply the six ‘F’avourite words across home, school and community settings.

Erin Does the 'F'avourite Words

'F'avourite Words Profile

'F'avourite Words in Schools

'F'avourite Words for School Teams

 Additional Resources   

To learn more about the six F-words and explore other tools/resources visit:

CanChild Knowledge Hub

Rosenbaum, P., & Gorter, J.W. (2012). The ‘F-words’ in childhood disability: I swear this is how we should think! Child: Care, Health and Development, 38(4), 457 – 463. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2214.2011.01338.x; CanChild’s F-words Knowledge Hub: www.canchild.ca/f-words