Summer is the perfect time to get outside and play. The good news? Outdoor play is about much more than keeping your toddler busy. Many simple outdoor activities naturally support the skills toddlers need for everyday life, including balance, coordination, problem-solving, sensory processing, communication, and confidence. You do not need expensive toys or elaborate setups....
It can feel like you are saying the same thing over and over again. “Come here.” “Let’s go.” “Time to clean up.” And somehow, nothing happens. Your toddler keeps playing, looks at you, and then goes right back to what they were doing, or runs the other way. After a while, it is not just...
If you’re looking for simple ways to get your toddler outside and active, you’re not alone. In a place like San Jose where the weather is often mild and parks are everywhere. Outdoor play is one of the easiest (and most powerful) ways to support your child’s development. The best part? You don’t need anything...
Mother’s Day is meant to celebrate you. But for many moms, especially those with young children, it can also come with pressure.Pressure to make the day special, to be present, to do more, to give more. So this Mother’s Day, we want to gently shift that narrative. Because if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately, you...
Valentine’s Day often brings to mind cards, hugs, and saying “I love you.” But for many kids, especially young children, love doesn’t always show up in words. It shows up in play. Play is how kids connect. It’s how they feel safe, understood, and emotionally close to the people they care about most. Play is...
Bedtime is suddenly a battle.Meals feel chaotic.Meltdowns seem to come out of nowhere. If your toddler feels “off” after the holidays, you’re not imagining it, and you’re not doing anything wrong. The break from routine, extra stimulation, travel, and social time can be a lot for young children to process. Many toddlers rely on predictability...
The holidays are meant to be joyful, but they can feel surprisingly hard. If your child is suddenly: Your child isn’t misbehaving. Young children experience stress just like adults do. The difference is they don’t yet have the words or coping tools to explain how they’re feeling. Instead, stress shows up through behavior. Why the...
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...
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...
