(Part 3 of Our Hand Manipulation Development Series) By 12–18 months, toddlers want to do everything themselves, and toddler hand development plays a big role in how smoothly feeding, play, and communication unfold. When hand skills lag behind that drive for independence, frustration often follows. This stage isn’t just about milestones, it’s about how well...
(Part 2 of our Hand Manipulation Development Series) Between 6–12 months, your baby moves from simple grasping to intentional, coordinated hand skills. This stage is full of exploration — banging, transferring, dropping, poking, and picking up smaller items with more precision. But when certain skills don’t appear on time, it’s worth paying attention. These early...
(Part 1 of our Hand Manipulation Development Series) Your baby’s hands are busy developing the building blocks for future skills, even when it looks like nothing more than grasping your finger. In these first six months, hand skills help set the stage for crawling, eating finger foods, playing with toys, and eventually learning to write....
As an occupational therapist, I often walk into private school classrooms where the buzz of children’s voices, the shuffle of papers, and the hum of fluorescent lights create an environment full of both opportunity and challenge. While academic goals take center stage, many students—especially those with developmental differences—struggle with regulation, engagement, and social participation. This...
As an occupational therapist trained in the DIR®/Floortime™ model, I often remind parents that social-emotional growth doesn’t happen through lessons or drills—it develops through relationships, play, and connection. When we meet children where they are, understand their unique sensory and motor needs, and engage in joyful interactions, we help them build the foundation for lifelong...
Executive functioning skills are like the “air traffic control system” of the brain. They help children: When a child has difficulties in these areas, daily routines like homework, getting ready for school, or following multi-step directions may feel overwhelming. How an OT Can Help Occupational therapists look at how executive functioning challenges affect your child’s...
Risky play – think climbing high, fast movements, and exhilarating challenges – is more than just fun; it’s a vital part of childhood development. It helps children learn, grow, and build well-being. However, for children with disabilities, opportunities for this beneficial type of play are often limited. A new study, “Expectations and Assumptions: Examining the...
How Occupational therapists are helping kids play. Have you ever stopped to truly observe a child at play? From a baby banging a block to a toddler hosting a tea party for their stuffed animals, the stages of play in child development reveal powerful insights into how children learn and grow. Play isn’t just fun...
Special guest blogger Ashley – Mom to 10-year-old Nik Before joining the TheraPeeps team, I worked as a pediatric nurse for 15 years. I knew how to manage big feelings, sleepless nights, and more than a few meltdowns. But it turns out, nothing teaches you quite like living it day in and day out with...
Every toddler develops at their own pace, which can make it tricky to know what’s typical and what might be a sign that some extra support could help. Occupational therapy (OT) can be incredibly beneficial for toddlers who are struggling with daily routines, sensory experiences, or developmental milestones. But when should you seek occupational therapy...
