Quick answer Children don’t usually struggle to settle at night simply because they’re being difficult or refusing to sleep. Sleep is a complex occupation that depends on a child’s nervous system being regulated, feeling safe and comfortable, and being able to transition from an alert state to a calm state. When a child has difficulty […]
READ MORESupporting a PDAer at Home: How Occupational Therapy Can Help
For many families, everyday activities such as getting dressed, brushing teeth, starting homework, or leaving the house are completely normal. When a child experiences Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), these tasks become challenges; often stem from something much deeper than simply not wanting to cooperate. Understanding what PDA is and how to respond can help reduce […]
READ MOREWhy Play-Based Therapy Is More Than “Just Playing”
One of the most common comments parents make when observing occupational therapy is, “It just looks like play.” Children might be climbing through obstacle courses, playing games, building with blocks, creating imaginary worlds, or engaging in pretend play. Compared to more traditional ideas of therapy, it can seem relaxed, child-led, and unstructured. Parents are often […]
READ MOREWhy does my child avoid messy play?
Quick answer Many children dislike messy play at times, but for some, avoiding paint, slime, sand, mud, glue, or food-based activities can be linked to sensory processing differences. These children may find certain textures uncomfortable, overwhelming, or even distressing. What looks like fussiness or stubbornness is often their nervous system responding to sensations that feel […]
READ MOREWhy does my child write letters backwards?
Quick answer Letter reversals are often a normal part of development in younger children. This can be very common amongst children under 6 and is an expected skill of a 6-year-old. From an OT perspective, it usually comes from still developing visual, motor and left-right skills, not laziness or poor effort. If a child is […]
READ MOREWhy does my child have a meltdown after school?
Quick answer Many children — especially those with sensory sensitivities or anxiety — spend the entire school day working hard to hold themselves together. They suppress big emotions, manage noise, crowds, and unpredictable demands, all while trying to focus and behave. By the time they reach the safety of home, they finally let go. Occupational […]
READ MORETyping Isn’t Giving Up on Handwriting: When Keyboard Skills Can Support Learning
Many parents worry that introducing typing means giving up on handwriting. It’s an understandable concern. Handwriting is an important skill that children use every day at school, and many parents want to ensure their child develops strong handwriting abilities. However, from an occupational therapy perspective, typing isn’t about replacing handwriting. Instead, it can be a […]
READ MOREFrom Aprons to Independence: Why OTs Love Getting Kids in the Kitchen
Ever wondered why you may see occupational therapists cooking with kids in their sessions? As OTs, we’re always on the lookout for meaningful, motivating activities that help children build the skills they need for everyday life. And honestly? The kitchen is one of our favourite places to start. When a child stands at the bench […]
READ MOREWhat are Occupational Therapy Home Visits?
Occupational therapy support doesn’t just happen in the clinic. For many children, teens and families, some of the most meaningful progress happens at home, where daily routines, relationships and challenges naturally occur. A home visit allows an occupational therapist (OT) to observe your child within their everyday environment and provide practical, tailored strategies that support […]
READ MOREScreen-Free Activities That Boost Development
We live in a world where screens are everywhere! We have phones, TV’s, tablets, computers, etc! There is a lot of knowledge and access to resources on our screens but it’s important to incorporate screen free activities to support your child’s development. Arts and Crafts Activities like drawing, colouring, cutting, and gluing are fantastic for […]
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