Valentine’s Day isn’t just about candy and cards! It’s a perfect opportunity for fun activities for toddlers that strengthen their motor skills, sensory development, and emotional connection with you. Here are some simple, fun, and developmentally supportive ways to celebrate love while helping your toddler grow. Sensory Heart Bin Why it’s great: Encourages tactile exploration,...
As parents, we often juggle endless to-do lists, striving to create enriching experiences for our kids. But what if the best opportunities for learning and growth were already built into your daily routine? From mealtime to bath time, every moment offers a chance to support your child’s sensory, motor, and cognitive development—all while keeping it...
As we welcome a new year, it’s the perfect time to focus on growth, not just in goals for ourselves, but in supporting our toddler’s developmental milestones. Every child grows at their own pace, but with intentional sensory and motor activities, we can provide the right environment for their skills to flourish. Let’s break down...
Thanksgiving is here, and while you’re busy cooking, cleaning, or setting up for guests, keeping your toddler entertained can feel like a challenge! Between managing a to-do list and tending to a child who may be craving your attention, the day can feel overwhelming. For your toddler, the excitement, unfamiliar routines, and bustling activity might...
Thanksgiving is a joyful time of connection and celebration, but for toddlers (especially those who are sensitive to new people, noises and environments), the holidays sometimes feel overwhelming. If your toddler is prone to sensory sensitivities you might wonder how to make the day less stressful while still being fun. With a little planning and...
Thanksgiving is a great time to introduce the concept of gratitude to young children. Even babies and toddlers can start learning about appreciation in small ways. Simple, loving activities help build their early social-emotional skills and create special family moments. Here are some easy, age-appropriate gratitude activities for babies and toddlers. Thankful Basket Create a...
As Halloween approaches, many families prepare for a fun-filled evening of costumes, decorations, and, of course, trick-or-treating. For children, especially those with sensory sensitivities, this festive occasion can be both exciting and overwhelming. This trick-or-treating social story is designed to help parents explain what to expect during trick-or-treating in a way that is accessible and...
As your baby grows into a toddler, their communication skills change dramatically. While they might have a few words, much of their communication still comes from nonverbal cues like gestures, facial expressions, and body language. As an occupational therapist, I work with parents to help them tune into their toddler’s cues, fostering more robust interactions...
In the early stages of a child’s life, connection is the foundation of their emotional, cognitive, and social development. For parents, establishing a strong bond with their baby can feel like both a natural instinct and a daunting challenge. Pediatric occupational therapy offers valuable insights into how you can enhance this connection by emphasizing affect—essentially,...
Mutual joy between a parent and baby is a powerful connection that sets the foundation for healthy emotional and social development. This shared happiness is more than just smiles and laughter; it’s a critical aspect of bonding that supports a baby’s growth, well-being, and learning. Pediatric occupational therapy (OT) can play a vital role in...
