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5 Minute Friday - Chip Clips!
Don’t toss those chip clips back in the drawer just yet—use them for play! From babies building core strength to big kids working on fine motor skills, chip clips are a simple, affordable tool for creative and therapeutic fun at home.
Screen Time Advice from a Pediatric OT
A pediatric OT and mom shares her practical guidelines for screen time, focusing on why bigger screens are better, setting limits, choosing quality shows, and prioritizing play to support healthy development.
5 Minute Friday - Sponges!
Transform an everyday sponge into a powerhouse of play! This 5 Minute Friday offers sensory-rich, skill-building activities for babies, toddlers, and big kids, perfect for boosting fine motor skills, core strength, and creative fun.
Basics of Motor Planning: Helping Children Navigate Their World
An exploration of motor planning (praxis), its essential components like body awareness, tactile processing, and ideation, and practical ways to support children's development in these areas.
Infant Tongue Tie - My Experience with Tongue Tie Release as a Mom and OT
Maria O'Farrell shares her personal and professional insights on identifying infant tongue ties, the decision-making process for release, and the crucial therapies involved before and after the procedure.
Understanding Ear Tubes and Their Sensory Implications for Children
A look at why children get ear tubes, how frequent ear infections affect the vestibular system, and what sensory implications parents should be aware of post-procedure.
5 Minute Friday - Balloons!
Inflate the fun and development with balloons! This 5 Minute Friday offers playful activities for babies, toddlers, and big kids to enhance core strength, visual tracking, motor skills, and even emotional regulation.
5 Minute Friday - Baking Sheets!
Your baking sheet isn't just for cookies! This 5 Minute Friday transforms it into a versatile play tool for babies, toddlers, and older kids, promoting sensory exploration, fine motor skills, and even core strength.
5 Minute Friday - Tissue Boxes!
Don't toss that empty tissue box! Our 5 Minute Friday transforms it into a versatile toy for babies, toddlers, and older kids, perfect for boosting pincer grasp, fine motor precision, and sequencing skills.
5 Minute Friday - Laundry Baskets!
That laundry basket is a play goldmine! This 5 Minute Friday reveals how to use it for heavy work, vestibular input, core strengthening, and fine motor fun for your little one. Make chores playful!
2024 Holiday Gift Guide!
Searching for the perfect toy? Our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide, curated by an OT, features top picks for every age (0-school aged), highlighting developmental skills to make gifting meaningful and fun!
The Importance of Tummy Time
Tummy time is crucial, but do you know all 7 reasons why? This OT deep-dive explains its vital role in oral motor skills, core strength, vision, and more, plus answers your top FAQs for success.
5 Minute Friday - Backpacks!
Back-to-school prep can be play! This 5 Minute Friday uses backpacks to boost zipper skills, proprioception (heavy work), problem-solving, and even pre-dressing skills for various ages.
5 Minute Friday - Q-Tips!
Unlock fine motor magic with Q-tips! This 5 Minute Friday provides easy, age-specific activities for babies, toddlers, and big kids to develop grasp, pre-writing skills, and letter formation.
5 Minute Friday - Muffin Tins!
Grab a muffin tin for your next 5 Minute Friday! Discover how this kitchen staple can boost grasping, scooping, sorting, and even executive functioning skills in babies, toddlers, and big kids.
5 Minute Friday - Hair Ties and Scrunchies!
Unlock developmental play with everyday hair ties & scrunchies! This 5 Minute Friday offers simple activities for babies, toddlers, and older kids to boost core strength, fine motor skills, and problem-solving.
How to fill Wake Windows 3-6 Months
Mastering wake windows with your 3-6 month old? Discover 8 engaging, OT-approved activities to foster development, from 'rotisserie chicken play' to 'magic baby,' and make the most of this precious stage.
5 Minute Friday - Aluminum Foil!
Unroll some fun with aluminum foil! This 5 Minute Friday shows how this kitchen staple boosts fine motor skills, bilateral coordination, and sensory processing for babies and kids. Get ready for creative, beneficial play!
5 Changes I Made to Boost my Postpartum Mental Health
Struggling with postpartum mental health? An OT and mom shares 5 actionable changes she made to improve well-being and confidence. Learn how to find grace and adapt in your new role.
Why I Chose a Combined Feeding Model (Baby Led Weaning and Purees)
Baby-Led Weaning or purees? Why not both! An OT mom explains the benefits of a combined feeding model for developing jaw strength, utensil skills, and making mealtime flexible and stress-free.
5 Minute Friday - Party Beads!
Don't toss those Mardi Gras beads! This 5 Minute Friday reveals how party beads can boost core strength, sensory integration, and even dressing skills for babies and toddlers. Fun, easy, and beneficial!
How to fill Wake Windows 0-3 Months
Beyond feeds and changes: Maximize your newborn's (0-3 months) wake windows! Discover 5 OT-recommended activities like infant massage and gentle dances to boost bonding, sensory development, and early motor skills.
5 Ways my OT Practice Changed Since Becoming a Mom
How does motherhood transform an OT? An occupational therapist shares 5 profound ways her practice evolved after becoming a mom, offering deeper empathy, clearer answers, and a family-based approach.
5 Benefits of Doing Occupational Therapy Through Telehealth
Is OT telehealth effective? Discover 5 surprising benefits, from unmatched convenience to increased parent education and using your own home environment for tailored therapy. Learn why it's here to stay.
5 Minute Friday - Painters Tape!
Grab that painter's tape! A simple roll can transform into a fantastic 5 Minute Friday activity to develop your baby's pincer grasp, core strength, and visual-motor skills. Easy setup, big benefits!
Sensory Processing Starts in the Womb
Did you know sensory processing begins before birth? An OT explains the fascinating development of primitive senses in the womb and how these lay the foundation for your baby's future motor skills and regulation.
5 Minute Friday - Blanket Rides!
Turn a simple blanket into a powerhouse of developmental fun! Discover the surprising benefits of blanket rides for your baby's sensory input, core strength, and bonding in this 5 Minute Friday activity