The holidays are meant to be joyful, but they can feel surprisingly hard. If your child is suddenly: More emotional or irritable Struggling with sleep Having more meltdowns Withdrawing or seeming “off” 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...
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: Pay attention Start and finish tasks Remember instructions Manage emotions and behavior Plan, organize, and problem-solve When a child has difficulties in these areas, daily routines like homework, getting ready for school, or following multi-step directions may feel overwhelming....
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...
