Helping Your Child Increase Two-Word Phrases at Home
By Tiare Coker MS, CCC-SLP As your child transitions from using single words to forming two-word phrases, they may need some extra support. This is a crucial step in language development, and there are several ways you can encourage and practice this skill at home. Here are five effective strategies to help your child make […]
Primitive Reflexes
By Francesca Reurreccion PT, DPT Do you feel as if your child has challenges with: Balance Handwriting hand-eye coordination Focusing in class Reading & writing Anxiety/emotional regulation Spatial awareness Fidgeting This could be due to retained primitive reflexes. This is not an extensive list; however, these are the common signs and symptoms of retained primitive […]
Top 10 Simple Brain Break Activities to Help Your Child Focus at Home
Understanding Brain Breaks: A Parent’s Guide What Are Brain Breaks and Why They’re Essential for Children Brain breaks are short, purposeful activities that provide a mental pause from cognitive tasks. These breaks are essential for children because they help prevent mental fatigue, enhance mood, and improve overall performance. By allowing the brain to rest and […]
Uplift Programming: Tummy Time Adventures Class
By Nicole Crisan, PT, DPT The first year of life is an amazing and fun time in life. It is filled with many smiles, new experiences, and seeing your child learn and achieve various developmental milestones. But do you ever have any questions regarding when your child should reach a specific gross motor milestone? Or […]
Managing Picky Eating in Toddlers: Insights from a Pediatric Occupational Therapist
By Melissa Perlee MS, OTR/L As a pediatric occupational therapist, I work with many families to address picky eating. While it’s entirely normal for children to have food preferences and in fact common for toddlers to go through a picky eating phase from 18 months to 3 years of age, persistent and pervasive picky eating […]
5 Key Signs Your Child Needs Early Intervention in Pediatric Therapy
Is Your Child Struggling with Developmental Milestones? As a parent, you might wonder, Is my child developing on track? If they struggle with speech, motor skills, or social interaction, early intervention can change their future. Pediatric therapy provides children with the tools to gain confidence, improve communication, and develop independence—essential skills that will benefit them […]
Practical At-Home Sensory Activities for Oral Seekers: Tips from a Pediatric Therapist
ContentsUnderstanding Oral Sensory Seeking in ToddlersWhat is Oral Sensory Seeking?Quick Snapshot:Why Do Toddlers Exhibit Oral Sensory Seeking?Practical At-Home Sensory Activities for Oral Seekers1. Chewable Tools2. Incorporate Sensory-Rich Foods3. Oral Motor Exercises4. Create a Calming Space5. Interactive Sensory Play6. Positive Reinforcement7. Professional Guidance Understanding Oral Sensory Seeking in Toddlers Does your toddler chew on toys, clothing, […]
Leap of Progress: Teaching Your Child to Jump
By Nicole Crisan PT, DPT Jumping is a higher-level gross motor skill that typically develops between 2-3 years old. It takes strength, balance, coordination, and motor control to jump with two feet. This article will help break down the different phases of jumping as well as different activities that you can incorporate during play with […]
How Playtime Can Boost Your Child’s Speech and Language Skills
ContentsThe Power of PlaytimeWhy Playtime Matters for Speech and Language DevelopmentHow Play Boosts Specific Language Skills1. Vocabulary Building2. Sentence Formation3. Social Interaction4. Understanding and Following InstructionsPractical Playtime Strategies to Support Speech Development1. Narrate Everyday Activities2. Use Songs and Rhymes3. Incorporate Sensory Play4. Encourage Pretend Play5. Ask Open-Ended QuestionsCommon Challenges and How to Address ThemChallenge 1: […]
Pediatric Physical Therapist’s Toy Gift Guide
By Francesca Resurreccion Looking for the perfect holiday gift that’s both fun and beneficial? As a pediatric physical therapist, I’ve curated a list of toys that align with key developmental milestones, helping babies build strength, coordination, and motor skills to help them grow and explore in meaningful ways. 0-3 months: During this stage, I focus […]