There’s More to Handwriting Than Holding a Pencil
When your child struggles with handwriting, their pencil grasp is often the first thing you notice. Maybe they hold the pencil differently than their classmates, press too hard on the paper, or complain that their hand gets tired. But handwriting is much more complicated than simply knowing how to hold a pencil. Writing requires your […]
Why Is My Child Always Bumping into Things?
Does your child constantly bump into furniture, knock things over, trip over their own feet, or accidentally crash into other people? It can be easy to brush these moments off as clumsiness, especially when they happen occasionally. But if your child seems to have trouble navigating their surroundings more often than other children their age, […]
Is Your Child’s Picky Eating Related to Sensory Challenges? How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Most children go through phases of refusing unfamiliar foods or favoring the same few meals. But when your child gags at certain textures, gets upset by the smell or appearance of food, or only accepts foods that feel or taste alike, they may be experiencing sensory-based feeding challenges rather than typical picky eating. Understanding the […]
How Low Muscle Tone Affects Your Child’s Daily Activities
Many parents notice that their child seems to tire easily, struggles with posture, or has difficulty keeping up with peers during physical activities. While these challenges can have many causes, one common factor is low muscle tone. Understanding what low muscle tone is and how it affects everyday life can help families recognize when additional […]
When Should My Child Stop Being Shy in New Places?
Some children walk into a new environment and immediately begin exploring. They join activities, talk to other children, and seem comfortable almost instantly. Others need a little more time. If your child clings to you at birthday parties, hangs back at the playground, stays quiet around new people, or seems hesitant in unfamiliar places, you […]
What to Do if Homework Is Overwhelming for Your Child
Does homework seem to take much longer for your child than it should? Maybe simple assignments lead to frustration, tears, avoidance, or arguments. Perhaps your child complains that writing hurts their hand, struggles to stay focused, or becomes overwhelmed before they even get started. Many parents assume their child is being lazy, distracted, or unmotivated. […]
How Can I Help My Child Understand Personal Space?
Does your child frequently bump into others, stand too close during conversations, lean on friends, or seem unaware of how much space they take up around them? Maybe teachers have mentioned that your child has difficulty keeping their hands to themselves, or you’ve noticed challenges during playdates and group activities. For many children, understanding personal […]
Why Does My Child Hate Brushing Their Teeth?
For many families, brushing teeth is just another part of the morning and bedtime routine. But for some children, it can feel like a major challenge. Maybe your child cries when it’s time to brush, refuses to open their mouth, gags when the toothbrush touches their teeth, or becomes upset before brushing even begins. As […]
Is My Toddler’s Developmental Delay Something Occupational Therapy Can Treat?
When you think of the word “occupation,” chances are a toddler doesn’t come to mind. After all, isn’t an occupation what someone does for a living? However, your toddler does have a job — developing the skills needed to comfortably play, climb, and explore, feed themselves, participate in family routines, and interact with peers on […]
Signs Your Child Is Making Progress in Occupational Therapy
When your child starts occupational therapy, it’s natural to hope for big changes. You may be looking for clearer handwriting, fewer meltdowns, better attention, or more independence with daily tasks. While those larger goals are important, progress in occupational therapy is often made up of many small victories that happen along the way. Sometimes parents […]