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...
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,...
Joint attention is a crucial developmental milestone in a baby’s growth, laying the foundation for communication, social interaction, and learning. In pediatric occupational therapy, we focus on fostering this skill to help children engage more meaningfully with their environment and the people around them. But what exactly is it and how can parents support its...
