Fall in Love with Sensory Play

Sensory play helps children interact with, and make sense of, the world around them. It can be any activity that stimulates their senses. That’s why babies and toddlers touch everything and put things in their mouths, and why kids make funny noises with their mouths. It’s why your child spins in circles until they’re so dizzy they fall, then get up and do it again.

Sensory play is vital to a child’s development. It helps build nerve connections in their brain pathways, helping them develop language skills, gross motor and fine motor skills. It also helps develop cognitive growth, fosters social interactions and encourages experimentation.

Fall is the perfect time to get outside and encourage your child to explore the world around them through play. Utilize the leaves, pumpkins, twigs, etc., for easy sensory play activities.

Fall-Themed Activities You Can Do at Home:

 

Did you know we offer a Sensory Motor Group? Learn more here.

 

 

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Benefits of Physical Therapy for Kids

Physical therapy

October is National Physical Therapy Month so let’s share why physical therapy can benefit your little ones.

As adults, we often hear about the importance of exercise and healthy habits as it affects our physical, mental, and emotional health. But what about our kids?

Take core strength, for example. Kids with a weak core exert so much mental energy focusing on maintaining their functional posture that they don’t have enough left to complete other activities (i.e. academics or daily routines). This can lead to agitation or frustration when they cannot complete what should be simple activities. Your child could also display signs of a weak core via movement (fidgeting, leaning, slumping, etc.). A physical therapist would be able to address all of these symptoms via therapy.

Here are a few other ways physical therapy could benefit your child:

  • Promote good flexibility, strength, and cognitive development
  • Focus on optimal energy efficiency to complete normal daily tasks and play
  • Aid in physical development
  •  Treat and prevent injuries

If you think your child would benefit from an evaluation, please contact our office to make an appointment with one of our experts.

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Beat the Back-to-School Blues

School is back in session. If your child is overwhelmed or stressed during the first few weeks back, we are here to tell you that it is completely normal.

Here are some ways you can help calm their nerves:

  • Stick to your routines. While it might be tempting to push bedtime back an hour or two or skip the typical after school agenda, it’s important to stay on schedule. Children thrive on routine and need one to help them feel comfortable.
  • Start the day with an activity to help regulate them. Whether it’s spending time on a crash pad or movement, your child will feel better equipped to tackle the day.
  • Communicate. Both with your child and their teacher. Talking to your kiddo about their day can help reduce anxiety as it tells them what to expect. Staying in contact with their teacher can help you better identify what exactly is triggering their stress throughout the day.
  • Be flexible. This period is an adjustment. Not only for your child, but for you as well. If one strategy doesn’t work, try another. It’s okay to have to switch things up. You are doing great.

Is your child still having trouble adapting? Call us. We can help. Occupational therapy may be needed to help your little one better manage daily tasks.

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Tips to Survive Back to School

Summer is almost over, which means it is time to start thinking about going back to school. The idea of getting back into a normal routine can be overwhelming for many families as summer can often feel like a free-for-all.

Here are some tips to help ease the transition:

1. Practice a morning routine the week before school starts. This means waking up, getting ready, and heading out the door when you normally would during the school year.

2. Pack backpacks and make lunches the night before to help limit the craziness in the morning. Involve your kids in this process to build independence and responsibility! Make a checklist of what needs to be in the backpack to assist the child in knowing what to pack.

3. Make a visual schedule to assist with the morning routine. Your kids will benefit from following a schedule and knowing the order to complete steps.

4. Prepare your child for what is to come! For many preschoolers and kindergarteners, going to school may feel scary. Read books on going back to school, talk them through what a school day will look like, and take a walk around the outside of the school to help build familiarity. If your school district hosts a teacher meet and greet, take advantage of that as well!

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Good Spring, Hello Summer!

It’s hard to believe that it’s already summer!! As we enjoy the warm (and sometimes hot) weather it’s important to stay active and moving. There are so many activities that children can do to ensure they are staying healthy. This could be making healthy snacks, swimming, cooking, gardening, being outside and exploring, doing crafts, or playing sports, so many options. It’s important to create a schedule for the summer to keep your kids moving.  As parents, it can be difficult to keep your children engaged in activities and default to giving them a screen. The American Pediatric Association recommends that children ages 2-12 should limit their screen to 1 hour per day. This can be challenging so set screen time schedules and be realistic with them. If your children are using screens above the recommended amount, slowly decrease.  The activities listed above are some suggestions to incorporate throughout the summer to keep their minds and bodies active. So now take time to create a summer bucket list of all the fun activities to support your child’s summer vacation!!

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