Ages and stages: 0-5

What are executive functioning skills?

You may have heard of ‘executive functioning’ at your child’s school, OT office, or psychiatry appointment. It’s kind of a big deal. At the same time, executive functioning is very basic. You use executive functioning skills every day! So, what is it? The executive functions are a set of processes that allow you to manage…

school support help: how parents can support school personnel, teachers, and caregivers

Now that school is underway, it’s time to turn our attention to how we can support those important people who support our kids daily! Supporting our teachers is more important than ever, and school support help is crucial. Here’s what you can do, no matter what age child you have, or what type of school…

How to spot delays of Theory of Mind in kids

Theory of Mind is a term in psychology that assesses an individual’s degree of capacity for empathy and understanding of others. It is a crucial social-cognitive skill that kids need to develop, so delays in theory of mind are worth paying attention to. Theory of mind enables kids to understand that others experience feelings, others…

7 ways to connect with your toddler or preschool-aged child

I know what you’re thinking…you’re probably ‘connected’ with your child all day, every day! After all, it’s not hard to connect with your toddler or preschooler…they’re hanging on you all the time, needing something constantly, and go with you everywhere. Right? But what about meaningful connection? Sounds hard? Time-consuming? It’s not! We have 10 ways…

Helping kids tune in: How to increase theory of mind in kids

Maybe you’ve spotted the warning signs of a delay in theory of mind in your child. What can you DO about it? The good news: it’s possible to help kids tune in better to others emotions, needs, wants, and feelings. Even just the way parents talk at home can help increase theory of mind in…

How to motivate kids (when nothing seems to work!)

You want your child to behave in a certain way, perform to a particular standard (say, in school), or simply not embarrass you with a tantrum in the grocery store aisle. But how to motivate kids who don’t want to comply? I have one kid who is motivated simply by guilt…he’s a parent pleaser and…