Schools are beginning the process of student placement for next fall. If your child's teacher has recommended grade retention, you're likely feeling overwhelmed, confused, and worried about making the right decision. As a pediatric occupational therapist with 50 years of experience working with children across various educational settings, and a parent and grandparent, I've walked alongside countless families as they navigate this difficult choice. Let me be clear from the st

A family gathering is about to start. Your well-meaning aunt reaches in for a big hug, and your child's body goes rigid. They pull away, maybe even push her hand off. The aunt looks hurt. Other relatives exchange glances. You feel the familiar tension rising as you try to explain - again - that your child isn't being rude. If your child stiffens during hugs, avoids kisses, shies away, or protests when relatives get close, you're dealing with something real and physiological.

Understanding emotions and developing emotional intelligence are vital skills for children's growth and development. Movies can be a powerful tool to spark discussions between parents and children, teach valuable lessons about emotions, and how to cope with them. Age recommendations by raisingchildren.net.au. Here are 4 OT-approved must-watch movies for kids: "Inside Out" (2015) Rated PG Set in the mind of an 11-year-old girl named Riley, this Pixar gem personifies her emoti

Picture this: Your child is trying to focus on homework, but their hands are constantly moving - tapping the table, picking at their eraser, twirling their hair. You keep reminding them to "sit still and focus," but nothing seems to work. Here's what many parents don't realize: those fidgeting movements are often your child's body trying to stay alert and focused. As adults, we fidget all day long. We tap our pens during meetings, jiggle our legs while thinking, doodle during

Your child can't seem to sit still. They're constantly moving, fidgeting, crashing into furniture, or hugging too tightly. Sound familiar? These behaviors are your child's body asking for something it needs: deep pressure input.  And one of the most effective ways to provide this calming, organizing input is through weighted materials. Weighted tools work wonderfully for many children when used correctly. They can help children feel more grounded, focused, and calm—whether th

What if we told you that one of the most powerful tools for supporting your child's development is something you probably already have in your home? Music is a therapeutic powerhouse that pediatric occupational therapists use every single day to help children build essential skills. From calming an overwhelmed body to strengthening motor skills and improving focus, the right music at the right time can unleash your child's ability to learn, regulate, and thrive. The best part

Your child is having a tantrum in the middle of the grocery store. Or at bedtime. Or during homework. Again. You're exhausted, frustrated, and wondering if you're doing something wrong. Here's what we want every parent to know: tantrums are a normal part of childhood development,  and they're not a reflection of your parenting. While all children experience tantrums and emotional outbursts, children with sensory processing challenges may experience sensory   meltdowns  with m

Expert tips from Pediatric Occupational Therapists on how to choose the best toys for your toddler

The sense of proprioception gives children awareness of body position and supports balance, coordination, and movement. Learn how it develops and what activities can help refine it, especially for children who may struggle with posture, motor control, or sensory input.

Primitive reflexes play a key role in early development—but when they’re retained, they can impact focus, coordination, and behavior. Learn how to spot the signs, support integration through play, and when to seek guidance from an occupational therapist.

As much as we may try to dodge dragging our children along to the supermarket, sometimes it is just unavoidable. For a child with sensory processing challenges, including children with autism , bright lights, unrelenting visual stimuli, long aisles begging your child to run, and overwhelming sounds and smells can be a recipe for disaster. Here are some tips for surviving the supermarket trip with a child with sensory processing challenges: Plan ahead! Prepare a list so you

OT-approved tips for choosing the right chair and desk set up for your child.

Expert-level questions to ensure your child's summer program is truly therapeutic and developmentally appropriate. Not all summer...

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Discover how water becomes a powerful therapeutic environment for developing motor skills, sensory processing, and confidence. Aquatic...

Understanding how Dynamic Movement Intervention and Medek provide a proactive approach to building coordination and strength What are...

Simple activities you can incorporate into your daily routine. Gentle Exercises to Do Together As parents, you play a key role in helping...

What Parents Should Know About Selecting The Perfect First Playthings What Babies Really See and Love Did you know babies see best at a...