Using Parallel Talk to Increase Your Child’s Language

Using Parallel Talk to Increase Your Child’s Language

An important technique to help enhance your child’s language skills is known as “Parallel Talk.”  Many parents and caregivers naturally use this type of technique during their daily routines and activities with their child without even knowing it! What is Parallel Talk and what does it do? Parallel talk is a technique used to narrate…

Fine Motor Fun with Playdoh!

Fine Motor Fun with Playdoh!

Stuck inside and looking for some creative ways to play with playdoh with your child? Are you looking for some fun things to do that will both keep your child’s attention as well as challenge their fine motor skills? Playdoh provides so many opportunities to develop fine motor skills, expand pretend play skills and support…

4 Ways to Set Up Your Home to Encourage Your Toddler’s Development

4 Ways to Set Up Your Home to Encourage Your Toddler’s Development

“They’re getting into everything!” As a physical therapist, one of my favorite phrases to hear from parents of toddlers is “they’re getting into everything!” Toddlers are little explorers learning to walk, climb, and navigate their environments. They are working on motor planning, or the connection between the brain and the body that allows a toddler…

5 Reasons to Use a Weighted Blanket

5 Reasons to Use a Weighted Blanket

Introduction to Deep Pressure Stimulation Weighted blankets are therapeutic blankets that are weighted with plastic beads and prescribed according to a child’s weight. The pressure from the extra weight helps apply a therapeutic technique called deep pressure stimulation.  Deep pressure stimulation typically uses hands-on pressure to relax the nervous system to lessen anxiety or improve mood,…

Play and Language Enrichment with Everyday Objects: Laundry Basket

Play and Language Enrichment with Everyday Objects: Laundry Basket

If you are looking for new ways to facilitate language development, look no further than your own home. There is no need buy expensive toys — you can create novel and exciting play activities with everyday items you already own. Here are 5 ways to target expressive (what is spoken) and receptive (what is understood)…