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...
Have you ever asked yourself, “How can I stay calm with my kid?” We often hear about children needing to develop self-regulation skills, the ability to manage their emotions, behaviors, and attention. But what about the adults in their lives? For children who really struggle with regulation, whether due to neurodevelopmental differences, trauma, or other...
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...
Summer brings a welcome break from school routines, but for many families, it also raises the question: How do we keep the progress going while everything feels a little… different? If your child has been working hard in occupational therapy, summer doesn’t have to mean a setback. With the right summer OT activities for kids,...
Summer break is here, and with it comes sunshine, popsicles, and….chaos? If your toddler thrives on routine, the shift into summer can bring more than just pool days. It can also bring meltdowns, skipped naps, and a lot of overwhelm (for both of you). Finding a good summer routine for toddlers doesn’t have to mean...
Does it ever feel like your toddler is bouncing off the walls before breakfast? Or like they suddenly can’t sit still right when it’s time to leave the house? Maybe you’ve found yourself wondering how to help your toddler calm down. That big energy can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t mean your toddler is...
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...
Every toddler is wired differently and understanding how they experience the world can transform your parenting journey. When you learn to see your toddler’s behaviors through a sensory lens, you’re not just managing meltdowns…you’re building trust, safety, and deep connection. Learning what sensory needs are in toddlers is the first step toward that deeper understanding....
Toddlers have a natural drive to explore, play, and express themselves in ways that may not always fit the “rules.” For autistic toddlers, this can sometimes feel even more intense. You might find yourself wondering, Why does my toddler not like following rules? Or sitting still? It’s a great question, and understanding the why behind...
