Parents are very aware of the motor milestones their baby will meet in their first year of life. Sitting independently is a big one because now your baby can sit alone on the floor and begin to use both hands to grasp and manipulate toys. They can also now sit well in a high chair for feeding, and can sit …
Q&A: 6 Year Old Won’t Try New Foods
I have a 6 year old, almost 7 that I consider to be a problem eater. Her diet in limited to less than 10 food items. I’ve talked to her pediatrician and she assures me that it will change once she grows older, she started this behavior when she was 3 tears old, and apparently she has no medical issue, …
10 Fun, Easy Summer Activities for Preschoolers & Toddlers
Paint with Water: Use a large cup, bowl or small bucket and an extra large paintbrush (such as the ones you use to paint the house) and let your child go to town painting the fence, sidewalk, outside of the house, etc. This provides tons of fun and is a nice fine motor activity. Fly a Kite: Remember doing this …
Weaning From Bottle and Pacifier: When and Why
All parents must face the task of weaning their children from a bottle at some point, but when is the best time to do it? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends doing it by the time healthy children are 15 months. If there are significant concerns regarding the child’s health and nutrition, it is always advised to check with a child’s pediatrician before weaning from the bottle.
The Picture Exchange Communication System | Alternative Communication Intervention
Communication comes in many forms. From a cry to express hunger to rhythmic kicks of their feet to show excitement, children begin communicating in the earliest years of their life. For most, communication continues to develop and becomes an everyday effortless activity; however, for individuals with disabilities, communication can be a constant obstacle.
Turning Oral Motor Activities into Play
Parents and their children are actually participating in oral motor activities and modeling oral motor skills during their daily routines without even being aware of it. Here are some fun ways to target oral motor skills during play and daily routines with your child that provide multiple opportunities to practice each skill and are fun for everyone!
Fun and Healthy Eating for Kids
In my profession as a pediatric dietitian I frequently have parents ask, “How do I change my child’s eating habits?” Some parents would like their child to eat more, some to eat less, others to eat healthier and others just to include more variety. We have all heard the traditional response that as a parent we should model good eating habits. Sometimes that just isn’t enough. I always include trying to make healthy eating fun for your children.
Toddler a Picky Eater? The Development of Oral Motor Skills and Eating
During early childhood, there is an important progression of oral motor skills that a child gains in order to move on to each set of new foods. One of the most significant of these oral motor skills is tongue lateralization, or the movement of the tongue from side to side inside the mouth.
Promoting Early Literacy with Infants and Toddlers
As children grow and develop, their literacy grows with them! It is never too early to start. Here are just a few ideas to help you get your journey started.
Tips for Playing With Your Toddler
Parenting a toddler is a challenge, even more so if you already have older or younger children in your home. Many parents often wish that their children ages 12-36 months would just “stay still” for a bit so they could catch a break.