msalexaot

msalexaot Pediatric occupational therapist in NYC sharing my treatment ideas and experiences one day at a time

05/06/2026

This “wow, ok” trend is all over social media right now. I figured I’d take a try at it, too! First ____, then ____ is one of my most commonly used phrases during sessions to engage my kiddos in their non preferred tasks before getting to other chosen ones!

What are your top phrases as an OT?

“Just 5 more minutes!” or devolving into a tantrum. These are really common when screen time ends for kids. And it makes...
05/06/2026

“Just 5 more minutes!” or devolving into a tantrum. These are really common when screen time ends for kids. And it makes sense after having to end such a preferred activity. If ending screen time feels like one of the hardest transitions of the day, you’re not alone!

In my OT practice, I often remind families that the goal isn’t to eliminate all frustration when screen time ends, but instead to help children navigate the transition successfully.

Screens are highly engaging, predictable, and rewarding. For many children, especially those who struggle with flexibility, executive functioning, or self-regulation, stopping an enjoyable activity can feel genuinely difficult.

A few OT-informed strategies can help make the transition smoother:
📱 give a 10-minute warning before screen time ends.
📱Use a visual timer so your child can see time passing.
📱Transition to another preferred activity rather than ending on a “no.”
📱 Avoid stopping screens abruptly whenever possible.
📱 Expect some disappointment and remember that disappointment is a feeling children can learn to manage with support.

One of my favorite reminders for families is this: a child being upset doesn’t necessarily mean the strategy isn’t working. Learning to transition away from preferred activities is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice!

By providing predictability, support, and co-regulation, we’re helping children build the tools they’ll eventually use independently.

Parents: What transition seems hardest for your child right now?Share below!

OTs: What’s your go-to strategy for supporting smoother screen time transitions? Share below!

Play dates can be a wonderful opportunity for children to build friendships, practice social skills, and gain confidence...
04/06/2026

Play dates can be a wonderful opportunity for children to build friendships, practice social skills, and gain confidence. Growing up they were one of my favorite memories. But they can also feel overwhelming for some kids! 🤝

As OTs, we know that successful social experiences often start before the playdate even begins. Priming children for novel experiences is the best recipe for success.

✨ Review expectations ahead of time so your child knows what to expect.
✨ Arrive a little early if transitions into new environments are challenging.
✨ Plan for a quiet break if your child becomes overstimulated. Send them with a special toy or comfort object so they feel a piece of home with them at all times.
✨ Practice sharing and turn-taking language before the playdate.
✨ Avoid overscheduling the day so your child has the energy and regulation needed for social engagement.

It’s important to remember that every kid approaches social situations differently. Some kids jump right in, while others need extra time, support, and opportunities to feel comfortable. Both are okay.

The goal isn’t to create a “perfect” playdate. Instead, it’s to help children participate in meaningful ways, build connections, and develop confidence in their own unique way.

Parents: What is the hardest part of playdates for your child? Getting started, sharing, transitions, or something else?

OTs: Which playdate strategy do you find yourself recommending most often? 👇

Next up in my OT series is all about grocery shopping. As a toddler mom and therapist, I know that grocery shopping with...
03/06/2026

Next up in my OT series is all about grocery shopping. As a toddler mom and therapist, I know that grocery shopping with kids can feel like an Olympic sport.

You walk in needing milk, eggs, and bread... and somehow end up negotiating over snacks, chasing a runaway cart, and wondering if everyone noticed your toddler dramatically melting onto the floor aisle. 😅

The good news? A little preparation can make a big difference.

✨ Give your child a job (finding items, holding the list, helping push the cart).
✨ Bring a visual shopping list so they know what’s coming next.
✨ Get some movement in before you go—jumping, climbing, dancing, or a quick playground stop can help their bodies feel more regulated.
✨ Pack snacks. Hungry shoppers are rarely happy shoppers!
✨ Keep expectations realistic. Remember, grocery shopping is a learned skill, and it takes practice.

As pediatric OTs, we know that successful outings aren’t about having a “perfect” trip to the store. They’re about creating opportunities for participation, independence, and learning in everyday routines.

And if your grocery trip doesn’t go as planned? You’re definitely not the only one. ❤️

Parents, tell me below: What’s the item your child ALWAYS asks for at the grocery store? 👇😂

Have you ever walked into a haircut appointment feeling optimistic and leave wondering how one tiny human can dodge scis...
01/06/2026

Have you ever walked into a haircut appointment feeling optimistic and leave wondering how one tiny human can dodge scissors like they’re training for the Olympics? 😅

For many kids, haircuts aren’t “just a haircut.” Between the buzzing sounds, water spray, unfamiliar touch, and having to sit still, it can be a lot for their sensory system to handle! ✂️

Try these OT-approved “hacks” before the next trim:

✨ Watch haircut videos beforehand so your child knows what to expect.
✨ Practice with a spray bottle at home to make the sensation more familiar.
✨ Bring headphones if the sounds are overwhelming.
✨ Schedule appointments when your child is rested and fed (hangry + haircut = not the combo we’re looking for 😅).
✨ Pack a favorite toy, stuffed animal, or comfort item for extra support.

A little prep can go a long way in helping your child feel more comfortable and confident.

Parents, tell me: What’s your child’s least favorite part of getting a haircut? The spray bottle? The buzzing clippers? Sitting still? 👇

This is part one of my series: OT Hacks I Wish Every Parent Knew! Getting dressed can feel like a simple part of the mor...
31/05/2026

This is part one of my series: OT Hacks I Wish Every Parent Knew! Getting dressed can feel like a simple part of the morning, until it turns into a daily battle. 👕👖

What many parents don’t realize is that dressing requires a lot more than just putting clothes on. It involves motor planning, coordination, sequencing, attention, and sometimes navigating sensory preferences, too.

A few OT hacks that can make mornings smoother:

✨ Let your child choose between two outfits to encourage independence without overwhelming them.
✨ Lay clothes out in the order they’ll be put on.
✨ Practice buttons and zippers during playtime, not when you’re rushing out the door.
✨ Use songs, routines, or visual checklists to support sequencing.
✨ Pay attention to sensory preferences like tags, seams, or certain fabrics that may be causing discomfort.

Remember: if getting dressed is challenging for your child, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re being difficult. There may be developmental or sensory factors making the task harder than it looks.

Which dressing challenge is the biggest struggle in your home right now? 👇

Any other 90s therapists as obsessed with shrinkie d***s as a kid as I was? With Mother’s Day coming up I figured it was...
05/05/2026

Any other 90s therapists as obsessed with shrinkie d***s as a kid as I was? With Mother’s Day coming up I figured it was a good time to bring out the millennial nostalgia and help my kiddos make keychains with their handwriting on them.

05/05/2026

For all my fellow 90s therapists: were you as into Shrinky D***s as I was? With Mother’s Day coming up, I thought it was about time to bring back that millennial nostalgia for my kiddos to make presents for their moms and mother figures.

This activity works on:
- Graphomotor skills 📝
- Executive function 🧠
- Fine motor 🙌
- Tracing
- Direction following

These came out adorable and my kiddos cannot wait to give their gifts to their moms!

Supporting your child’s progress just doesn’t stop when therapy sessions end. It continues in the small, everyday moment...
17/04/2026

Supporting your child’s progress just doesn’t stop when therapy sessions end. It continues in the small, everyday moments at home! 🏠
If your child receives occupational therapy services, “carryover” simply means practicing those same skills during daily routines. This helps children generalize what they learn in sessions so it becomes part of their real-life independence and not just something they do in therapy.
The good news? You don’t need special tools or long activities.
OT carryover can look like:
• Letting your child help get dressed (zippers, buttons, socks)
• Playing with playdough at the kitchen table
• Creating a quick obstacle course in the living room
• Encouraging them to help with simple chores
• Taking movement or sensory breaks throughout the day
These moments build skills like strength, coordination, focus, and confidence in ways that feel natural and meaningful to your child. Even a few minutes a day can make a big difference over time.And remember: you are a key part of your child’s progress. The support, patience, and opportunities you provide at home truly matter more than you may realize. 🤍
Follow along for more simple, realistic OT tips you can use in your everyday routines. ❤️

I love this simple low prep and low materials activity! #💛💚Use tongs to pick up pom-poms from the cup and make a patter...
14/04/2026

I love this simple low prep and low materials activity! #💛💚

Use tongs to pick up pom-poms from the cup and make a pattern. Then do the same activity but in reverse, sorting them into cups. Add some challenge by having your kiddo cross midline to grab pom poms or have them complete the activity in quadruped position (hooray for upper body strengthening)! This activity targets Fine motor strength, Hand-eye coordination, Bilateral coordination, crossing midline, tool use, & sorting & color recognition.

Activities like this build the foundation for skills needed in everyday tasks like dressing, writing, and self-feeding ✍️

Simple, engaging, and so effective!

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