Using Your Backyard Wall to Improve Your Child’s Motor Coordination By: Kristen Henderson, M.S., OTR/L Kids Place West Pediatric Occupational Therapist At Kids Place, we are always looking for new activities to keep our patients moving and learning at home. The following activities will help to work on eye teaming, bilateral coordination, problem solving, frustration…
How to Improve a Child’s Body Awareness by Hannah Whitty, Occupational Therapy Student Children with poor body awareness have increased difficulty knowing where their body is in space. Body awareness is an essential skill needed for children to properly participate in everyday tasks. Without appropriate body awareness, a child is unable to safely navigate their…
The Importance of Crawling for Babies and Older Children by Lauren Bacsalmasi, DPT Kids Place Central Pediatric Physical Therapist Frequently, we hear from parents of children who start walking without crawling, or they only scooted on their bottoms. It is important that children, even ones who are already walking, learn the skill of crawling and…
Adaptive Easter Activities by Anna Cardosa Gray, DPT & Amanda Mazerall, OTR/L The holidays provide wonderful opportunities to teach children old traditions and new skills; Easter is no different! Whether it is via a classic Easter egg hunt, crafting, decorating, or with worksheets, children of all abilities can participate in the festivities with a few…
Yoga for Kids by Julia Meriwether Student of Physical Therapy The fundamental purpose of yoga is to promote balance in the body, mind, and environment. It is a low-impact form of physical activity which includes breathing techniques (pranayama), postures (asanas), relaxation and meditation. Yoga at an early age encourages self-esteem and body awareness with physical…
Understanding the Diaphragm by Brittany Witherell Student Physical Therapist The diaphragm is an important organ we use to breathe. Although breathing is the diaphragm’s primary function, did you know it has many more important functions? It also helps with postural control which helps us stand tall and balance. It also plays a vital role in…
Developing Healthy Sitting Babies by Kim Ellison, PT, DPT, C/NDT Kids Place Pediatric Physical Therapist Moms, dads, caregivers – you all share in the dance of balancing chores along with the care and development of your infant. Tummy Time is extremely important for development, and so is working on sitting! When your baby is not…
The Developmental Benefits of Chores by Kristen Henderson, M.S., OTR/L Kids Place West Pediatric Occupational Therapist For many of us, chores are a normal part of childhood. What you may not realize is that common household chores can help children develop a variety of executive functioning skills that are beneficial later in life. Executive functioning…
What is pediatric physical therapy? Pediatric physical therapist work with a variety of children ranging from babies with torticollis or delay, orthopedic sports injuries, and children with delays due to diagnoses such as cerebral palsy and autism. Pediatric PTs help to improve gross motor skills, walking pattern, strength, balance, coordination, and motor planning through a…
Your Child’s Progressions in Handwriting by Jenna Zellner, OTS Kids Place Student Occupational Therapist Handwriting acquisition is a crucial learning process necessary to get children prepared for school and adult life. Similar to a child’s physical development, handwriting skills follow a sequential progression. First children develop precursor readiness skills which consist of drawing simple shapes.…
