The holiday season often brings excitement, travel, visitors, later bedtimes, special events, and changes in everyday routines. While these changes can be fun for adults, they can feel unpredictable and overwhelming for toddlers. Even small shifts like skipping a nap, eating at a different time, or being in a new environment—can impact a toddler’s ability...
For adults, trying something new may feel exciting. For toddlers, it can feel exciting, confusing, overwhelming, and a little scary—all at the same time. Whether it’s trick-or-treating, a holiday event, a birthday party, a new class, or visiting an unfamiliar place, new experiences often come with a lot of unknowns. And for young children, uncertainty...
Halloween doesn’t have to be all about candy and costumes. In fact, some of the best Halloween memories are made through simple activities that encourage children to move, explore, create, and play. The best part? Many seasonal activities naturally support important developmental skills without feeling like work. Whether you’re looking for ideas for a rainy...
“I feel like I’m losing my mind.” That’s how many parents describe mornings when a four-year-old melts down over socks. Not occasionally. Every morning, despite seamless socks, inside-out socks, no socks, or bribing with screen time. This scenario plays out in dozens of families across San Mateo, Menlo Park, and the Peninsula. The sock thing...
I had the best conversation with a mom today about a challenge that comes up in families but is often very private. She shared that her son needs to take all of his clothes off in order to have a bowel movement on the toilet. At first, she thought she should consult with his behavioral...
Wondering if your child is too young for occupational therapy? Learn why the first three years are a critical window for early support.
Parents of a 14-month-old refusing all textured foods, arching away from being held, and sleeping in 45-minute stretches often hear the same advice from a pediatrician: “wait and see.” But the real question isn’t whether to wait. It’s whether a 14-month-old is even old enough for occupational therapy. The answer is yes. In fact, at...
When toddlers become overwhelmed, emotional regulation can feel unpredictable. One moment they are playing happily, and the next they are melting down over something that seems small like the wrong cup, a change in routine, or a transition they weren’t ready for. What often looks like “big behavior” is really a child trying to manage...
Your toddler had a great day at preschool. The teacher says they listened well, participated in activities, played with friends, and seemed happy throughout the day. Then you get home. Suddenly, your child is crying because their snack is cut the wrong way. They’re refusing to take off their shoes. Every small problem feels like...
Starting preschool. Welcoming a new sibling. Moving to a new home. Beginning daycare. Changing caregivers. For adults, these events may seem like normal parts of life. For toddlers, however, big transitions can feel overwhelming. During times of change, it’s common to see more tantrums, clinginess, frustration, sleep challenges, or emotional outbursts. These behaviors are often...
