Learn about toddler development, red flags for this age group, and find resources to support healthy development in your child! Our post about developmental red flags for infants is one of our most popular posts here at The Inspired Treehouse. And that may be because this post gives parents the tools they need to recognize potential issues during their baby’s first year. If you’ve ever felt stumped about something related to your child’s development, or you’ve run into questions about the development of the kids you work with - you’re definitely not alone! Every parent and professional ... Read More about Toddler Development Red Flags (& Free Checklist)
3 Easy Games To Improve Self Control in Kids
If you're trying to find fun and creative ways to target self control in kids, look no further! These fun games are the perfect place to start! Self-Regulation & Movement Demonstrating regulation of sensory and movement responses is one important aspect of self control in kids. And many kids struggle with this area of development so much that it can impact their independence and success at school, at home, and out in the community. When we talk about self control related to movement, we're referring to the force, direction, and speed of movements, which requires healthy ... Read More about 3 Easy Games To Improve Self Control in Kids
Self-Regulation Research: A Simple overview
Do you work or live with kids who struggle with challenging behaviors? This easy-to-read overview of self-regulation research could help! If you feel a bit dazed and confused whenever the topic of evidence-based practice (EBP) comes up in conversation...don't worry. You’re definitely not alone. The idea that research-based interventions should always be the basis of our therapy practice has been drilled into our heads since day one of being a therapist. But for as much buzz there is about EBP in the therapy world, there certainly aren’t a lot of resources out there to ... Read More about Self-Regulation Research: A Simple overview
Child Behavior and Self-Regulation Red Flags
These child behavior and self-regulation red flags may indicate that a child needs extra help or support to manage behaviors and self-regulation. As pediatric OTs and PTs, we spend a lot of time supporting motor skills and functional independence with everyday tasks and routines. But we believe that a huge (and often neglected) part of our role is to help kids develop self-regulation skills. We're so invested in this topic, that we even wrote a whole book about it! If you're a parent or professional who lives or works with kids who struggle with self-regulation, you'll definitely want ... Read More about Child Behavior and Self-Regulation Red Flags
What Therapists Think About the CDC Milestone Changes
Whether you're a parent, a teacher, a caregiver, or a therapist you may feel a bit confused when it comes to the new CDC milestone changes. If so - don't worry! You're not alone! In this post, you'll learn more about the new updates to the CDC milestones and you'll hear from pediatric occupational and physical therapists about what they really mean. If you have followed us for awhile, you are likely aware of our Developmental Milestone Handbook and our Developmental Milestones Handouts, which are the ideal resources for sharing information about infant, toddler, and preschool development ... Read More about What Therapists Think About the CDC Milestone Changes
How to Help Kids Practice Self-Feeding With Utensils
Learn some of our favorite playful ideas for helping kids practice the fine motor and hand eye coordination skills needed for self-feeding with utensils! *All of the activities in this post should only be used with close and constant supervision from an adult due to safety concerns. Never leave young children alone to play with feeding utensils or small objects. Many occupational therapists get referrals for kids who are struggling at mealtimes. Feeding is such a complex area of practice and feeding issues can take so many forms - from kids who struggle with accepting different tastes and ... Read More about How to Help Kids Practice Self-Feeding With Utensils
Crazy Legs Movement Game
This fun movement game is a great way to keep kids active and engaged during waiting times or other down times throughout the day! At The Treehouse, we’re always looking for fun ways to get kids moving and for ways to keep kids occupied and engaged during waiting times or down times. We don’t like to waste a single minute, so in addition to being fun, we like these games to address motor skills too! One day, during our pickup time, one of our little preschoolers and I invented this fun game called Crazy Legs! This movement game is great for working on coordination, motor planning, ... Read More about Crazy Legs Movement Game
How to Find the Best Shoes for Orthotics
Learn how to find the best shoes for orthotics for kids - and find some of our recommendations for the best shoe brands! Pediatric physical therapists are often get asked “what are the best shoes for orthotics?” I was just asked this questions by a parent today so I thought I would take the time to answer it here! And, as with anything, it’s always great to find a handout on the subject to pass along the information to others. We’ve included a free printable below. WHY DO KIDS WEAR ORTHOTICS? Orthotics provide a stability and supportive foundation for a child’s developing feet. Up ... Read More about How to Find the Best Shoes for Orthotics