#bayareaoccupationaltherapy
30 Jul
Two toddlers engaged in exploratory play with toy cars and dirt, showing early stages of play in child development.
Stages of Play in Child Development: From Exploration to Imagination

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...

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28 Jun
Three toddlers splashing and playing in a pool, enjoying sensory play as part of Summer OT activities for kids.
Keep the OT Progress Going Over the Summer

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,...

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18 Jun
Insurance paperwork representing the benefits of private pay therapy for occupational therapy services.
Why We Don’t Accept Insurance – and Why That’s a Good Thing

When you’re looking for any type of therapy for your child, one of the first questions that comes up is: “Do you take insurance?” At our occupational therapy practice, the answer is no — and that’s actually a good thing. We know choosing private pay therapy can feel like a big decision. That’s why we...

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13 Jun
Three children looking out an airport window at an airplane, symbolizing travel preparation for sensory sensitive kids.
Travel Tips for Sensory Sensitive Kids

How to Make Vacations Actually Enjoyable Planning a vacation with your sensory-sensitive child can feel overwhelming. Loud crowds, unfamiliar beds, new routines, and unexpected changes — it’s a lot for any child, but especially for kids who experience the world through a more sensitive lens. The good news? A family trip can be manageable —...

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05 Jun
How to Improve My Child’s Handwriting Over Summer
Summer: Why Now’s the Time to Improve Your Child’s Handwriting!

As summer rolls in, most families are ready to press pause on the school-year hustle — no early morning routines, no packed lunches, no nightly homework struggles. It’s a welcome break! But while summer is a time to slow down, it’s also the perfect window to focus on important skills, without the pressure of a...

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30 May
Toddler splashing water while sitting next to a pool during summer routine for toddlers.
Summer Routine for Toddlers: Staying Regulated Without the Schedule

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...

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23 May
Mom holding her toddler while they laugh and cuddle together.
How to Build Connection With Your Toddler Through Play

As a parent, you’ve probably heard that connection matters, but what does that actually look like in the middle of toy battles, tough transitions, or toddler meltdowns? The answer is simpler than you think: play. You don’t need fancy activities or a perfect script. The best way to build connection, and support your toddler’s development,...

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16 May
Toddler putting clothes in washer to help calm down with movement and daily chores
Your Toddler’s Energy Isn’t “Too Much.” Here’s How to Channel It!

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...

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02 May
Toddler watching their mom’s mouth while she speaks, highlighting a different form of connection related to eye contact in toddlers.
Why Eye Contact in Toddlers Isn’t Always Essential

As parents, we’re often told that eye contact is a key sign of connection, attention, and communication. So, when your toddler avoids eye contact, it’s easy to worry. Are they being defiant? Is something wrong? Do they need help? Eye contact in toddlers looks different than it does in adults, and it’s not always the...

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25 Apr
A toddler sitting on the floor playing with a sensory bin filled with popcorn kernels, exploring textures with their hands.
What Are Sensory Needs in Toddlers? 

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....

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