Kids and Life

Thanks for visiting. This site is intended to help you implement some ideas into your child’s day and routine to promote independence and optimal participation for their age and ability level. See below for topic areas that I address and plan to in the future!

While you’re reading, remember these things:

Every child is different in their development and trajectory. If I mention a skill associated with an age range, take it with a grain of salt. If your child is not yet there, don’t pay attention to the age. Just go back to the skill that they ARE doing and strive for the next skill mentioned. Meet them where they are at.

These recommendations can be used with children of many ages and abilities. I typically give recommendations to families with children with formal diagnoses, but many times I have found that the ideas I give could benefit children of all abilities! My goal is to share them with you. Your job is to take the information and do what you can with it. If you want to implement these ideas into a daily routine, please do! If you need a few tips on strengthening one specific skill, have at it! If you need to read something and then put it away for a while, we’ll be here. And if you need to know that you are already doing everything that you can as a caregiver, I hear that.

Also:
-I am not your child’s OT. I am an OT, and I evaluate and treat many children, but likely not your child. You may need to run these suggestions past your child’s primary provider.
-Always provide supervision during these tasks. And better yet, be an active participant!
-You know your child and family the best. Some of these ideas will work for you and some won’t. And that is A-Okay.

And in the end, just keep loving your little one. No brainer, right? Sometimes, we forget to show it. Especially when we have challenging days as a family. It is tough work being a kid these days. Be your child’s biggest fan, advocate, and support. Them knowing your unconditional love is always there is the best therapy ever.

Check out some current topics

What is OT? I cannot even begin to tell you how many people don’t know. And that’s ok!
Hand Eye Coordination What it is, why it is important, and how to promote it
Tummy Time How to make it a little more attainable
Sensory Processing What does this term actually mean
Picky Eating Tips on how to prevent and address
Bilateral coordination Part 1 What, why, and how for arm and hand movements
Bilateral coordination Part 2 Large motor, full body, and midline crossing suggestions
Get your clothes on! How to support independent dressing skills
Potty Training and allllll of the supports you might need
Visual Schedules and how to use them
Ideas for Hand Strength to build stability for optimal hand use
Behaviors and what they actually mean And how we can better respond and support
An OT’s favorite toys for all the stages Not just toys, but learning gifts and experiences too

Coming Soon

Play skills and stages and how to support
Activities for sensory seeking children

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I’d love to hear from you. What do you need help with? Where is your child struggling? Leave a comment below (no personal health information please!) or contact me at info@kidsandlifeot.com.