Primitive reflexes are automatic, involuntary movement patterns that originate in the brainstem and develop during pregnancy. They are present at birth (and some emerge before birth) to help babies survive, develop, and interact with their environment. These reflexes are essential building blocks for neurological development and lay the foundation for movement, learning, emotional regulation, and sensory processing.

Caregivers are the heroes with ARFID. They never stop thinking about or worrying about feeding their children. They celebrate when they eat. Cry when they don’t. Never stop worrying that this didn’t have to be so hard. They worry about what if a safe food disappears or if a favorite brand changes. They worry about the future of their kiddos. Of their health, independence and quality of life. 

There is a lot of anxiety around food with someone with ARFID but sometimes it isn’t the result of just anxiety. It can be the result of Fear, Anxiety, Sensory Distress, Disgust, Uncertainty and Avoidance. 

As parents, we all want our children to grow, learn, and participate confidently in the activities that make up their day. When challenges arise, it can be difficult to know whether your child needs therapy or if they will simply "grow out of it."

 As occupational therapists, we understand that sleep is not simply a period of rest—it is an essential occupation that supports a child’s development, learning, emotional regulation, sensory processing, and participation in daily life. When children do not get enough sleep, the effects are often felt throughout the entire family. A poor night of sleep can impact attention, behavior, mood, and overall functioning for both children and caregivers. 

When children are running low on sleep, they may appear hyperactive, irritable, anxious, inattentive, or emotionally dysregulated. Improving sleep can often lead to improvements in many areas of daily functioning. 

Many sleep difficulties can be improved through consistent sleep hygiene practices. Sleep hygiene refers to habits, routines, and environmental factors that support healthy, restorative sleep. Below are evidence-informed strategies that parents can use to help their children develop healthier sleep patterns. 

Fine motor skills involve the small muscles of the hands and fingers that allow children to complete everyday tasks such as feeding themselves, getting dressed, coloring, writing, and manipulating toys. These skills develop gradually throughout childhood and play a significant role in a child's independence, confidence, and success at school. In therapy, I often remind parents that children don't build hand strength by completing handwriting worksheets alone. They build it through play—climbing, digging in sensory bins, building with blocks, and manipulating toys. Those playful experiences lay the foundation for later handwriting and self-care skills. 

If you've ever taken away your child's tablet only to be met with tears, yelling, or a full-blown meltdown, you're definitely not alone. One of the most common concerns I hear from parents is, "Why is it so hard to transition away from playing with their tablet?" 

While screens have become a normal part of everyday life, research continues to show that excessive screen time can affect a child's behavior, emotional regulation, attention, sleep, and overall development. The goal isn't to make parents feel guilty or say that screens are "bad." Technology has many benefits when used intentionally. Instead, it's about understanding how screens affect a developing brain and finding a healthy balance. 

Sensory bins are one of the most effective—and fun—tools you can use at home to support your child’s development. As an occupational therapist, I often recommend sensory bins because they provide meaningful opportunities for children to explore, learn, and regulate their bodies through play. Whether your child is a toddler or early elementary age, sensory bins can be easily adapted to meet their individual needs while supporting skills that carry over into everyday routines. 

 Is It a "Phase" or a "Fight"? Decoding Your Child’s Mealtime Battles 

Is your child just being a typical toddler, or is their body actually telling them that food is "dangerous"? 

Understanding the difference between picky eating and a feeding aversion (what we call "problem feeding") is the first step. It shifts the narrative from "Why won't they just listen?" to "How can I help their body feel safe?" 

The Moro reflex—often called the “startle reflex”—is a primitive reflex present at birth. It’s an automatic, involuntary response to sudden changes in sensory input, such as loud noises, bright lights, or unexpected movement. When triggered, a baby will:

• Quickly extend their arms and legs outward

• Open their hands

• Then bring their arms back toward the body (often appearing like a “hug” motion)

• Frequently cry afterward

As occupational therapists, we frequently work with children who have neurological conditions that impact their ability to move, participate, and engage in daily activities. Diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and pediatric stroke can affect strength, coordination, motor planning, and body awareness. These challenges often extend beyond motor skills and influence a child’s confidence, emotional regulation, and participation at home and school. Occupational therapy plays a vital role in supporting these children by addressing functional movement within meaningful, real-life activities.

Tantrums are communication. When we shift our focus from “stopping the behavior” to “supporting the transition,” everything changes. Visual schedules and sensory tools don’t just reduce meltdowns—they build independence, confidence, and trust. 

Remember: smooth transitions are a skill, not a personality trait. And like any skill, they can be taught, practiced, and supported—one calm transition at a time. 

The vestibular system is one of the most powerful—and most overlooked—sensory systems. Located in the inner ear, it is the body’s built-in way of understanding movement, balance, spatial orientation, and gravity. 

Accurate processing of vestibular input allows us to feel grounded, organized, safe, and regulated. Without it, one may feel as if they are lost in space. 

Vestibular processing plays a key role in all areas of life, including motor, social, emotional, cognitive, and sensory development. 

 As a pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT), one of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping children gain independence in their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)—the everyday tasks we call self-care skills. These aren't just chores; they're the building blocks for confidence, self-esteem, and a successful future! 

As a pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT), I often see that difficulties with self-care skills—the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)—are not just about poor coordination. For many children, the root of the struggle lies in sensory processing. Tasks like teeth brushing, hair combing, or managing sticky foods can be overwhelming, painful, or confusing due to sensitivities to touch, sound, smell, or movement. 

As parents, we all want our children to feel confident, capable, and happy in their everyday routines — whether that’s getting dressed, writing their name, or making friends on the playground. But sometimes, certain skills don’t come as easily as we expect. That’s where occupational therapy (OT) can help. 

Good core strength is one of the most important foundations for your child’s success in school, at home, and during play. As a pediatric occupational therapist, I often see children who struggle with handwriting, self-feeding, attention, and coordination. Many of these challenges trace back to the same place: the core.

In today’s fast-paced world, more families are seeking effective ways to support emotional wellness, reduce stress, and reconnect with a sense of inner balance. One method bridging the gap between clinical understanding and spiritual healing is Emotion Code® and Body Code®, created by holistic physician and chiropractor Dr. Bradley Nelson. 

This system is transforming the way children and adults release stored emotional energy, improve emotional regulation, and support whole-body wellness, and can help achieve goals. 

When a child receives occupational, physical, or speech therapy, the goal is always the same: to help them build the skills they need to thrive in everyday life. Therapists play an essential role in assessment, treatment planning, and skill-building—but the progress a child makes during weekly sessions is only one piece of the puzzle. The biggest gains often happen between appointments, and that’s where parents and caregivers make all the difference.

Below is a look at why parent involvement matters so much, what it really looks like day-to-day, and how you can support your child’s therapy journey for the best possible outcomes.

Boredom fuels creativity and imagination. When the brain isn’t being fed constant stimulation, it naturally starts wandering inward. This “default mode network” (the brain’s daydreaming system) begins making loose, playful, unexpected connections—exactly the kind that fuel creativity. Children often generate their most imaginative play after they’ve moved through that uncomfortable “I’m bored” stage. It strengthens problem-solving skills. Boredom creates a kind of mental “itch” to do something meaningful or engaging. That discomfort nudges the brain to invent new ideas, seek new solutions, or explore new activities. It’s essentially a catalyst that pushes us to figure things out ourselves. 

Primitive reflexes originate in the brainstem and are present before birth. They help newborns adjust to life outside the womb by supporting early movement, sensory development, and neural growth.