Handwriting is a very important skill that needs to be honed and used throughout life, regardless of the speed of technology. Even if they are struggling with handwriting, never give up on your child’s ability to write. Even if one child’s road is longer than another’s, the process of building the foundation in a multi-sensory…
Stressed and Overloaded in a Digital World: How to begin reclaiming sanity and experiencing more success for you and your children
As a parent, do you ever feel like the Starbucks barista who is trying to take orders in the store, make the drinks because they are short staffed, run the drive-through and fill the online order in the cue all at once? It’s unreasonable to think that anyone can do this. But did you ever…
Why Brain Breaks and Wiggle Breaks Should Not be Led by a Video
Naperville, IL became famous for a fitness program implemented by the school district physical education teacher starting in 1990 that improved students’ academic performance and learning, not just their health. This famous case study found in the book SPARK, helped the idea that kids need to move to learn grab hold. The book, written by…
Tantrums and Technology: How to start meeting the emotional needs of children in a digital world
It’s happening again. Time to leave the house to go to school and the screamin erupts as you tell your children it’s time to hand over their tablets. The morning usually goes peacefully as long as the tablets are nearby but the day can go downhill fast if you have to take the tablet abruptly…
Why writing helps kids learn (And why typing doesn’t)
Handwriting has been a long-debated subject, especially with the push to go paperless in school and use more online learning platforms like Google Classroom. Schools are always saying that they are looking for research-based interventions before implementing programs into the school curriculum. Yet, research shows without a doubt that handwriting is not just a skill…
Creativity is in the white space: Why we need more forts and hideouts for kids
Wiring for Distraction In a world filled with screens to play video games, host Minecraft playdates, and complete school work, kids are becoming more and more distracted and disorganized. They might seem engaged and attentive when they play a stimulating video game or watch a Youtube video but then when it comes to completing an…
Safe Food Exploration with Holiday Food Art for Picky Eaters
If you are looking for fun ways to increase exposure to fruits and veggies this holiday season, check out these food art ideas. We will be making a “Grinch Santa” and a “Veggie Train”. I will be honest, the veggie train is slightly more complicated but perfect for a child who hates veggies but loves…
Gifts to Regroup from Screen Time
Sometimes kids need ways to reduce visual stimulation through activities like hiding in tents and going into tunnels. They also need to be able to stretch out of postures that can lead to grown up aches and pains like their necks and backs hurting. Sometimes taking a calming squishy toy into the hiding space or…
Holiday Christmas Tree Craft
Fine motor crafts that work on scissor skills, using tape, and using two hands together are great for skill-building. But choosing a craft often depends on your child’s abilities. You don’t want to over help, but you do want to make sure that you know when to work on a step together (also known as…
Restore to Calm Down from Holiday Excitement
Rhythm, pressure, and respiration are the key ingredients for promoting calming and destressing. While for some kids a hug will do, for others with sensory differences, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation, they need more frequent opportunities to engage in supportive movement exercises. Exercises like the one below provide restorative input, slow down the heart rate, and…
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