Impulse Control- Parent Guides

Posted by on Jan 9, 2017 This is a follow-up post on my most popular post of all time has been on impulse control: Impulse Control: Home Activities and Games I have been working on making the content I write and create be more visual and easy to use for parents and professionals.  One of main ideas has been to take content and create appealing visuals that give an overview of the information in an easy to use way....
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1 Week Away

Posted by on Oct 5, 2016 Just 1 week away… Register now online through District 196 Community Ed. (There are a few spots left as of today, but hurry my last class sold out!) Related posts and more info: The Making of a Presentation Did You Know? Sneak Peek Video   Paige Hays is an occupational therapist who provides in-home, pediatric occupational therapy services in the south metro area of the Twin Cities,...
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Amazing Local Resource: PACER center

Posted by on Mar 13, 2016 I have been working with special needs children in Minnesota for over a decade.  I have always been aware of the PACER center and have referred a number of families to them for a variety of services, but I never really knew exactly what they did, but I recently learned more.  Pacer is located in the south metro area, just off 494 in Bloomington, MN. If you haven’t ever looked, check out...
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Tips on Actually Doing the “Home Program” Your Therapist Recommends

Posted by on Jan 30, 2016 “Home Program” is a therapy phrase that your OT, PT, and SLP use when we talk about the ideas and assignments we recommend to families to do each week at home to try to reinforce the skills we are teaching in the skilled therapy session. I think everyone would agree that the follow-through at home is critical to children learning new skills, yet both sides (therapist and parents)...
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What to do when your toddler or preschooler needs glasses?

Posted by on Jan 11, 2016 If you have ever battled with a toddler, you know that it can be really hard to win.  I personally try to only take on battles that I am sure I can win, since admitting defeat to a toddler usually leads to bad things.  When I found out that my very strong-willed, active, and defiant 2 year old needed glasses, I was more than a little worried.  How was I going to win this battle? Preparation-...
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Tactile Sensory Play Ideas: Water

Posted by on Dec 23, 2015 As an occupational therapist I do a lot of sensory-based tactile play at my work, because it has many benefits for the development of children of all ages (builds motor, visual, sensory, and cognitive skills).  At home, I try to allow my children opportunities to engage in sensory play to allow them to develop their sensory processing skills and build creative, flexible, and higher-level...
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