Mealtimes can feel like a battle for many families. One day, your toddler eagerly tries a new food, and the next, they refuse something they previously enjoyed. Often, the challenges aren’t about being “picky” but are rooted in how your child experiences the world through their senses. Sensory processing can greatly impact eating, influencing what,...
If you’re parenting a toddler, chances are you’ve wondered at least once: Is this normal… or should I be worried? One day your toddler eats everything on the plate. The next day, they survive on crackers and air. Add strong opinions, food refusals, and power struggles—and mealtimes can quickly feel stressful. Here’s the reassuring truth:...
This month in our Nature-Based Therapeutic Groups, we leaned fully into what nature does best—inviting movement, curiosity, connection, and regulation through play. This is the heart of nature-based therapy for kids, where learning and growth happen through meaningful outdoor experiences. Each session was intentionally designed by our occupational therapists to support sensory processing, motor development,...
(Part 3 of Our Hand Manipulation Development Series) By 12–18 months, toddlers want to do everything themselves, and toddler hand development plays a big role in how smoothly feeding, play, and communication unfold. When hand skills lag behind that drive for independence, frustration often follows. This stage isn’t just about milestones, it’s about how well...
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...
Every child learns differently, and some may find it challenging to stay engaged, manage big emotions, or use new skills outside of therapy. That’s where outdoor Occupational Therapy groups make a difference. By bringing therapy into natural, playful environments, children can practice important skills while exploring and having fun. Why Some Kids Find Skill-Building Challenging...
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...
The holidays are here and if you’re doing some last-minute shopping, you’re not alone! If you’re wondering what gift your child will actually play with, especially if your child has special needs, this guide is for you. After more than 25 years as a pediatric occupational therapist, I’ve learned one thing: the best gifts aren’t...
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...
How Occupational therapists are helping kids play. Have you ever stopped to truly observe a child at play? From a baby banging a block to a toddler hosting a tea party for their stuffed animals, the stages of play in child development reveal powerful insights into how children learn and grow. Play isn’t just fun...
