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The Inspired Treehouse

Growing healthy bodies and minds through play!

Paying Attention: 30 Sensory Strategies

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These days, it’s not uncommon to hear about kids who have difficulty with paying attention.  They can’t sit still, they can’t keep their eyes on what they’re doing, or they miss important instructions and details.Scroll down and fill out the form to grab the free printable! Sensory Processing and Attention Our sensory systems help keep our bodies and minds at an optimal state of alertness and arousal for any given situation.  Calm enough to listen, attend, work, and engage but not so calm that we’re falling asleep.  Alert enough that we can take in the information in our ... Read More about Paying Attention: 30 Sensory Strategies

Are Activity Trackers for Kids Worth It?

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Wondering whether activity trackers for kids really live up to all the hype?  Here’s what one pediatric physical therapist thinks… *This post contains affiliate links.  Read more.How many of you have coveted a FitBit or a Garmin or even an Apple Watch to finally help get you into the best shape of your life?  These wearable (and fashionable) activity trackers are so popular among adults. Some of you may even benefit from some major insurance perks just by logging your daily activity levels.Kids are beginning to catch onto the activity tracker craze as well!  I even use them in my ... Read More about Are Activity Trackers for Kids Worth It?

Hand Dominance Development

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Hand dominance development simply refers to the fact that most children gravitate toward one hand or the other as their “strong” hand - the hand that is better at performing complex tasks like handwriting, picking up small objects, or using a fork or a spoon.Try spreading jelly on a piece of toast using the “wrong” hand and you’ll see what hand dominance is all about. *This post contains affiliate links.  Read more. Hand Dominance Development: Will They be a “lefty” or a “righty”? The all-important question of hand dominance comes up a lot in my occupational therapy practice, ... Read More about Hand Dominance Development

The Most Common Developmental Red Flags for Infants

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Learn about some  common developmental red flags for infants that we use to identify developmental delays and other problems. If there’s one thing we’re sure of (as moms and as professionals), it’s that child development and developmental milestones don’t always unfold in a perfect, linear way. There is a range of what’s considered “typical” development and all kids develop at their own pace.While this is true, there are certain markers or developmental red flags that we therapists might notice that can point to possible developmental concerns that may warrant a ... Read More about The Most Common Developmental Red Flags for Infants

Free Printable Mazes for Kids

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These free printable mazes are the perfect activity for kids who are reluctant to participate in fine motor or art and craft activities! Scroll down and fill out the form to get the free printable pack!See them in action here!If you have a child who avoids fine motor activities like coloring, drawing, or crafts, you’re not alone. Many kids resist these tasks—whether it's due to fatigue, frustration, lack of interest, or sensory preferences. Many kids respond positively to hands-on activities and the use of manipulatives in fine motor play rather than boring, old-fashioned worksheets. ... Read More about Free Printable Mazes for Kids

Mom and Me Sensory Scavenger Hunt for Kids

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Looking for a fun and simple way to get your child moving, exploring, and engaging their senses—all while making sweet memories together? This Mom & Me Sensory Motor Scavenger Hunt for kids is the perfect blend of play, movement, and sensory discovery! With each item your child finds, they’ll be stretching, crawling, jumping, sniffing, touching, and exploring—all while building important developmental skills.The best part? You don’t need any fancy supplies—just a curious mind, a few household items, and a willingness to get a little silly. Ready to play, connect, and move together? ... Read More about Mom and Me Sensory Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Visual Timers for Kids

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Visual timers for kids are one of the most effective tools for parents and professionals to support transitions and prevent challenging behaviors. Why Visual Timers Are a Game-Changer for Kids Who Struggle With Transitions No doubt about it, transitions can be tough for kids. Whether it’s switching over from playtime to mealtime, turning off the TV, packing up to leave the house, or shifting between subjects at school, transitions are part of everyday life. And for many kids—especially those with developmental differences, sensory sensitivities, or executive functioning ... Read More about Visual Timers for Kids

Body Bridges: Core Strength Exercise for Kids!

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Explore how to make your body into a “bridge” with these fun core exercises for kids.  If you like this, you’ll love our Core Strengthening Handbook!  With 40 pages and more than 50 fun core strengthening exercises for kids, it’s the perfect resource for helping little ones keep those core muscles strong!   One of my favorite things about being a pediatric therapist is when kids come up with their own unique variations on therapy activities. Without even meaning to, they often end up targeting the exact skills I had in mind, only in a more fun and playful way! During one recent therapy ... Read More about Body Bridges: Core Strength Exercise for Kids!

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