I’m not one for new year’s resolutions; frankly, January 1st is just another day closer to spring for me. But I am all about new beginnings and manageable, valuable life improvements. Today is the perfect day to start taking better care of yourself. Self-care is NOT selfish; it is not a luxury. It’s a way... Continue Reading →
My most important self-care discovery
It took me more than six years of parenthood to prioritize self-care in my life. Like you, probably, I’d heard about it many times. I could rattle off lists of common activities that would constitute self-care. And I perpetually promised myself I would prioritize it - as soon as I had time. I can’t be... Continue Reading →
Our Favorite Fine Motor Toys and Tools
Watching Grace navigate kindergarten this year has given me a newfound appreciation for occupational therapy. It's not just the handwriting, it's opening a crayon box, drawing, turning pages of her math book, opening snack containers, using the restroom...the list goes on. Fine motor skills equal independence, friends. So give your little ones some opportunities to... Continue Reading →
Our favorite products that promote independence
Because of DS, Grace often stays in developmental stages longer, and I realized a few years back that this sometimes made me forget to challenge her to be independent in small manageable ways that helped us both. This is a list of a few products that have been invaluable to us in promoting her independence... Continue Reading →
Our Favorite Gross Motor Toys
Once Grace started walking, I'll admit that we focused less on gross motor development in favor of working on other skills. Often, I'd check off the physical therapy box at the playground, with obstacle courses set up around the house, or during free play . When we have decided to add a new toy to... Continue Reading →
Creating “About Me” booklets for teachers and therapists
Grace "reading" the pictures in a book during virtual kindergarten What? A sheet or booklet with important information to familiarize staff with your child and facilitate interactions to maximize success. Why? For me, It makes me feel more comfortable having staff be familiar with GraceThey have always appreciated the insightWhen people know Grace better, it... Continue Reading →
Thoughts on an Unprecedented School Year
I had one item left on my very modest summer bucket list: a local hike-in swimming hole. It was the last day before school, and we finally got out of the house hours later than I’d planned. We ran into both obstacles I’d hoped to avoid: lots of people and a sky full of dark... Continue Reading →
How to Get Your Child to Wear a Mask
Masks! Love them, hate them, or protest them, the CDC recommends that, in addition to keeping six feet of distance from others, people over the age of two should wear them to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Great! I wear a mask when I go to the grocery store (the only place I venture)... Continue Reading →
Yoga for all ages
I’ve been struggling to decide what, if anything, to post during these difficult times. So, please remember that if your family is just trying to get through the day, You do You! And if that does not in any form include yoga with your kids, ignore this post. I have always found physical and emotional... Continue Reading →
Music to get them moving
How are you hanging in there as you're hunkering down? I've been trying to start each day with some movement for my girls and weave it in throughout the day. Because, of course, it is healthy and builds good habits in their developing bodies and minds. And also, my sanity. As the weather has made... Continue Reading →