Harbour View Health

25/11/2025

This is what 2 terms of handwriting support can do 😍

This young boy came to us as his teachers were unable to read his writing, which made it difficult for them to mark his assignments and tests. He desperately needed support before starting year 7 in 2026.

His skills have improved SO much and his writing is now consistently legible.

How do we achieve this? ➡️ By using novel, play-based tasks to build visual perceptual skills, letter formation, fine motor skills, and the child’s awareness of what is making their writing messy. In this case, it was line placement, formation and sizing.

If your child needs support to build their writing skills over the school holidays, please get in touch 📝

25/11/2025

25/11/2025

If you're already cleaning one mess, may as well clean another, right? 😅

20/11/2025

Memory games hold a permanent place in my bag as a paediatric occupational therapist!

These games not only boost memory skills, but also a range of other cognitive, social, and emotional skills.

How to make it more than *just* a memory game?

😭 Model how you regulate your emotions when you lose the game - “Argh, I really wanted to win! I’m feeling disappointed, but I know that’s just a game”

🎉 Teach kindness and empathy by praising one another’s matching skills. Similarly, practice consoling each other when you don’t get a pair.

✅ Encourage turn taking by not letting your child have your turn for you. Ensure they wait until you have completely finished your turn.

🎉 Talk about how they might feel if they win or lose during the game. Then, practice feeling the feelings by not letting them win every time! Encourage them to congratulate you, and do the same when they win.

19/11/2025

Neurodiversity reminds us that there is no single “right” way for a brain to work — just beautifully different ways of thinking, learning, feeling and experiencing the world. 💛

When we embrace neurodiversity, we create spaces where every child and adult feels understood, valued and supported. It means shifting from “fixing” to accepting, from “what’s wrong?” to “what does this person need to thrive?”

Celebrating diverse brains isn’t just important — it’s essential for building compassionate and inclusive communities, and a world where everyone has the chance to shine. 🌈✨

10/11/2025

Somewhere along the way, ‘sensory play’ evolved into something that now feels unmanageable for most parents to do at home. Sensory play doesn’t have to include big tubs of colourful rice, sand, and shaving cream.

Something as simple as peeling a mango or an orange provides the same opportunity for sensory exploration, without as much prep and mess 🥭🍊

06/11/2025

Is your child biting others? You’re not alone! 🦷 💬

If you have a toddler, chances they've bitten or been bitten! Biting is so incredibly common, however can cause a lot of shame and embarrassment for families. We are here to remind you that you're not alone, and biting is in fact a very common stage for young children!

Biting often happens when a child feels frustrated, excited, teething, or is exploring the world around them. The good news? With calm responses, clear communication, and a few practical strategies, you can help your child move past this phase.

Remember, biting is just one way little ones learn about their world. With patience, love, and support, they’ll soon find safer ways to connect and communicate 🤍

04/11/2025

🎉 Harbour View Healths turns 3! 🎉

3 years ago, we set out with a passion to support people of all ages in our community—and what an incredible journey it’s been! Thank you to every adult, child, parent, teacher, and fellow professional who has been part of our story so far. Your trust, smiles, and little wins inspire us every single day.

Here’s to more growth, more laughter, and more milestones ahead. We’re so grateful to be part of your journey!

Happy 3rd birthday to us—and thank you for being part of our journey! 🥳💙

27/10/2025

✨ Boost fine motor skills at home with simple tools! ✨

👐 Toothpicks & Playdough: Roll playdough into balls and let your child poke toothpicks in to create shapes, towers, or even “spiky monsters.” This strengthens little fingers and improves hand-eye coordination.

🎨 Beads & Toothpicks: Thread beads onto toothpicks or string. This activity encourages a pincer grasp, builds dexterity, and helps with focus and patience.

🖐️ Playdough & Beads: Hide beads inside playdough and let your child find and pick them out. This is a fun way to develop tactile awareness and finger strength!

💡 These activities are perfect for school readiness, supporting handwriting, and everyday independence. Give them a try and watch those fine motor skills grow!

26/10/2025

Wondering if your child is meeting their social, emotional, or motor milestones? 🤔✨

Save this post and use it as a quick check-in after each birthday!

Keeping an eye on your child’s development helps you spot their strengths and notice if they need a little extra support.

If you notice your child is finding one or more areas tricky, OT can help them to build confidence and skills to get back on track. Early support makes a big difference!

23/10/2025

After some practical ways to encourage your child’s social development? These are our go-to strategies as paediatric occupa

After some practical ways to encourage your child’s social development? These are our go-to strategies as Paediatric Occupational Therapists:

🧸 Role Play with Toys and Parents:
Use your child’s favourite toys or join in yourself to act out common social situations. Practise greetings, sharing, taking turns, or asking someone to play. This helps your child learn what to say and do in a safe, playful way.

💭 Focus on One Skill at a Time:
Start simple! For example, practise just saying “hello” or “hi” to others. Once your child is comfortable, move on to asking “How are you?” or inviting someone to play. Breaking it down makes learning social skills less overwhelming and more achievable.

🌈 Arrange Playdates or Group Activities:
Give your child opportunities to meet and interact with other children. This could be at home, in a playgroup, or at the park. Remember, it’s okay if they don’t have a specific friend to meet—sometimes just being around other children is a great way to practise social skills.

🌳 Visit the Park Without a Specific Friend:
Going to the park without arranging to meet a particular friend encourages your child to approach new peers, join in games, and practise starting conversations. It’s a great way to build confidence in social settings.

🧩 Model Positive Social Behaviours:
Show your child how to greet others, ask questions, and listen. Children learn a lot by watching the adults around them!

🌟 Celebrate Every Success:
Whether your child says hello to someone new or tries to join a game, praise their effort. Every small step counts!

Remember: Social skills develop over time. With patience, encouragement, and lots of practice, your child will grow in confidence and make new friends! 🌱🤗