Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which we live, work, learn, and play, and pay my respects to Elders past, present, and emerging. What is nature play? Nature play is exactly what it sounds like – playing in nature! Nature play environments can be anything with … More Nature Play
“Does my child have the skills needed for kindergarten” Starting school can be a challenging and exciting time for both children and their parents. Many parents often think a lot about how they can best prepare their child for all the changes in routine and expectations that Kindy will bring. If your child is getting ready to start Kindy, you may be … More School Readiness
By Michelle Newby, Clinical Director Stepping Stones Therapy for Children The Australian job market is booming right now! As an early career Occupational Therapist, it can be really tricky to know which is the right workplace for you! Most job advertisements look the same, with promises of fun and supportive workplaces. Guarantees of Continuing Professional … More The paediatric OT job you don’t want!
Writing your name is not an easy task when we think about all the skills that are required to be able to do this successfully. Let’s take a look at these skills. … More When will my child be ready to write their name?
Getting some kids to go to sleep can be tricky. Many parents come to our occupational therapy clinic complaining about their child’s bedtime antics, and looking for ideas to help their little cherubs get to more sleep. Sleep is vital for our children’s health and wellbeing. It is during sleep that our children’s body systems … More Kids & Sleep: Tips for an easy bedtime
In Australia, we start academics very young! Way too young in our opinion! Some children are still just 4 years old when they start their formal schooling. These very young kiddos are expected to sit still and learn to read, write and understand mathematical concepts. Many schools even expect their Kindergarten students to do homework … More Academics and the young child: In support of play-based learning
What is PANS/ PANDAS? PANS/ PANDAS* is a little known, but treatable, medical condition that looks like a psychiatric disorder. PANS/ PANDAS is said to affect an estimated 1 in every 200 children. This means that P/P is not rare however, sadly for those affected it is rarely diagnosed. Children with PANS/ PANDAS experience a sudden … More PANS/ PANDAS
Are you one of those parents that spends hours in the kitchen, lovingly composing new, interesting and nutritious meals for your wee cherubs; only to find yourself scraping it all into the bin 20 minutes after meal time, with barely a sniff of a carrot had? There is nothing more demoralising, right!? Kids can be … More Not Eating That! Enticing Your Fussy Eaters to the Dinner Table.
Most kids love a bit of messy play and it really should be a regular part of their play experience. There are many benefits to messy play, but my favourite benefit of all is that it can help fussy eaters to be a little less fussy. “Really!?” I hear you ask. Yes, it’s true, playing … More Messy Play for Fussy Eaters
