OT for Kids

07/30/2026

Good reminder parents! Start now to support your kiddos with the transition!

📚 As many families in Johnson County are getting ready to head back to school, here's a reminder that kids often need time to adjust.

The first few weeks of school can bring big emotions, new routines, separation anxiety, and lots of testing boundaries. Those behaviors don't make a child "bad." They make them human.

Children are learning how to manage emotions, navigate change, and build new routines. A little extra patience, consistency, and encouragement can go a long way.

What's one thing you do to help make the transition back to school a little easier?

07/15/2026

Proprioceptive Home Activities for Kids
Did you know that simple "heavy work" activities can help children feel calmer, more focused, and more aware of their bodies? 🌿

These fun activities provide proprioceptive input, which supports:
✨ Self-regulation
✨ Body awareness
✨ Attention & focus
✨ Motor planning
✨ Strength and coordination

Try adding 10–15 minutes of these activities into your child's daily routine and make them part of playtime! Every child is different, so follow your child's lead and keep it fun. 💛

Which activity does your child enjoy the most? Tell us in the comments! 👇

07/13/2026

Foods to add to your child or student's diet if they are struggling with attention and focus...https://ilslearningcorner.com/2016-10-power-foods-kids-will-actually-eat-to-improve-attention-and-memory-in-the-classroom/

07/12/2026

What's on our mind today? "My child does so much better in the summer." " My kiddo made so many speech and language and motor gains in the summer" What are some reasons for those positive changes...
1. MOVEMENT! Are you spending more time outside? Swinging, sliding, swimming, bike riding, hiking? More experiences for motor play. Movement supports speech and language development (vestibular and speech/hearing centers are all connected in the ear so they support each area's development)
2. Decreased screen time - yes, even the screen time at school counts as screen time.
3. Sleep - playing harder leads to better sleep. Maybe your schedule is also a bit lighter and not as regimented, leading to more relaxed days.
4. Sunshine - Time in the sun produces more vitamin D. This leads to better sleep and improved immune function.
5. Food - YOU have control of your kiddo's food during the day. Maybe you have a garden or source for fresh foods in the summer that you don't use in the cooler months. Maybe your family doesn't drink milk or use as much dairy at home, but at school they are required to take milk with a school lunch and frequently have other dairy items on the menu.
6. Environment - Do you avoid fragrances and harsh cleaners at home? What is the difference in the air quality in and around your home compared to school?
7. So many opportunities for new experiences.
Just some things to consider!
Enjoy the summertime! Get outside and MOVE!

07/12/2026

Ever wondered why some children struggle with disruptive behavior, sensory issues, or poor retention in school? https://ilslearningcorner.com/2016-03-hidden-allergies-cause-for-disruptive-behavior-sensory-issues-poor-retention/

07/12/2026

Depression, Anxiety, & ADHD in Kids

Dr. Larry Palevsky returns to Pediatric Perspectives, this time to talk about the alarming rise of ADHD, anxiety and depression in children. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Palevsky suggests solutions ranging from screen-free meals, stepping out of the “friend zone” and connecting deeper with your child. Practical wisdom from pediatricians to parents. Don’t miss this!

Watch it Here: https://live.childrenshealthdefense.org/chd-tv/shows/good-morning-chd/depression-anxiety-and-adhd-in-kids/

Or Here: https://odysee.com/:f/Depression_Anxiety_ADHD_Kids_palevsky_CHD:1

07/07/2026

Coming up next Wednesday-- sign ups for Fall Sports Special Olympics!! All skill levels welcome. Come learn more!

06/24/2026

What's on my mind?? Last week we posted about crawling and it's importance in development. Look what happened in 2022... The column on the left is the guidelines and gospel that anyone working in early childhood development was required to know pre 2022. What changed? How does a species change that much? Now does neurology/biology/juman development change this much? Who did the research for the new "milestones" ? Who funded that research? Loads of past research in different areasto support the importance of crawling. Maybe it is now on your mind... certainly something to consider if you have little ones.