How to Create a Sensory-Friendly Home Environment
Home is your child’s safe place, and it’s where they spend most of their time. The information your child gathers from their home environment through their senses directly shapes how easily they can thrive in everyday routines. That’s why it’s so important for their environment to align with their sensory needs. Creating a sensory-friendly home […]
Handwriting Struggles? How Pediatric OT Can Help
Handwriting is more than neat letters on a page — it’s one of the first ways children learn to share their ideas with the world. Strong writing skills give kids a tangible way to communicate, show what they learn in school, and take pride in their work. Beyond making assignments easier, good handwriting supports reading […]
How Visual Skills Affect Your Kid’s Handwriting, Reading & More
Does your child struggle with handwriting, reading, or catching a ball? Sometimes these everyday tasks are more about visual skills than you might think. Understanding how children see and process the world can explain why they succeed (or struggle) in school, sports, and play. I am Sara Pereira. I’m an occupational therapist and co-owner of […]
Why Crawling Is More Important Than You Think
https://youtu.be/MWcGy0P8S7ECrawling is something that comes up very often with our early childhood population and our babies. But it also comes up in our older kiddos, too, when we do our intake history. It’s a common conversation, and as a mom of four, I also see it coming up very often amongst my peers and in […]
Core Strength and Coordination: Why It Matters for Child Development
Core strength is the foundation for so many of the skills children use every day. From sitting upright in the classroom to climbing on the playground, kids rely on their core muscles for stability and control. Strong coordination helps them run, jump, balance, and complete self-care tasks with ease. When these skills take extra effort, […]
What Is a “Sensory Diet,” and Does My Child Need One?
If your child struggles with big emotions, frequent meltdowns, or difficulty focusing, you may have heard the term “sensory diet.” Despite the name, it has nothing to do with food.
Can Your Child’s Vision Impact Their Behavior?
Does your child get frustrated with homework, avoid reading, or seem inattentive in class? Sometimes what looks like a focus or behavior problem is actually a vision challenge. Because kids can’t always explain how they see the world, it’s up to parents and teachers to spot the signs. My name is Sara Pereira, I’m an […]
Fine Motor vs. Gross Motor Skills: What’s the Difference?
When you think about your child’s development, you may often hear the terms fine motor skills and gross motor skills. These skills are the building blocks for everything from playing at the park to holding a pencil at school. Understanding the difference between them can help you spot areas where your child might need extra […]
Why Is My Child Avoiding Certain Textures?
If your child refuses to touch certain fabrics, avoids certain foods, or pulls away from activities that involve messy play, you may be wondering why. These preferences are common, but in some cases, they may be linked to how your child processes sensory information. Understanding why a child might avoid certain textures can help you […]
Benefits of Obstacle Courses
When you think of obstacle courses you may envision things like Ninja Warrior or Wipe Out but they are also a fun game for kids to play. Not only are obstacle courses a game but they are a great way to work on a variety of skills including motor planning, bilateral coordination, and sensory integration!