Sensory Processing Issues And Toilet Training Your Toddler: The Overview

Toilet training is never fun.  At it’s best, a sweetly cooperative child quickly connects urges with actions, and parents deal with an occasional accident.  In a few short weeks or months, you feel free to go anywhere without extra clothes, creme, wipes and diapers. Not when a child has difficulty processing sensory information.  Sensory processing…… Continue reading Sensory Processing Issues And Toilet Training Your Toddler: The Overview

Toddler Apps That Make Tiny Hands and Tiny Minds Work Together!

One of my favorite app designers are the folks at Tiny Hands.  They have a suite (but you can buy apps separately and get free mini trials) of apps for the 2-5 set that are progressive in challenge but consistently high in fun. Since I am always looking for positive (read: active) tablet use, I…… Continue reading Toddler Apps That Make Tiny Hands and Tiny Minds Work Together!

Let Your Toddler Hear You Gossiping (About Him!)

Dr. Harvey Karp has many great ideas to inspire toddlers and their parents. One of my favorite strategies is Gossiping. Toddlers love to hear about their effects on others. Tell his stuffed animals or his “lovey” what a great listener he was, or how he ate a new food, and you will have an audience…… Continue reading Let Your Toddler Hear You Gossiping (About Him!)

Tantrum Taming With Special Needs Toddlers

Toddler tantrums are difficult to handle in the first place. The screaming, throwing and hitting can come as a wave of emotion that overwhelms and frightens both the child and the parent. When you have a toddler that may be emotionally age-appropriate but has difficulty expressing thoughts or understanding language, and add trouble handling sensory…… Continue reading Tantrum Taming With Special Needs Toddlers

The Science Behind Handwriting

The New York Times ran a fantastic story this week, summarizing the scientific research on the benefits of handwriting on brain development. As a pediatric occupational therapist with a specialization in handwriting instruction, it was very exciting to see their conclusions. I have read the studies they referenced, and they are solid science, not just…… Continue reading The Science Behind Handwriting

Welcome to Your Child’s Brain: Book Review

Ever wonder if all the recommendations and “new” ways to raise your children are based on anything scientific? Well, “Welcome to Your Child’s Brain” will explain the current research behind popular recommendations such as eating fish during pregnancy and teaching your child another language while still in diapers. Authors Sam Wang, PhD. and Sandra Aamodt,…… Continue reading Welcome to Your Child’s Brain: Book Review