Squish Kids

22/07/2025

OT-Approved Obstacle Course Ideas for Home

No backyard? No problem! With a little creativity, your living room becomes a sensory-rich obstacle course that builds strength, balance, and coordination.

🛋️ Use couch cushions for climbing and crawling
🚶 Add painter’s tape on the floor for a “balance beam”
🎯 Toss beanbags or stuffed animals into baskets
🕳️ Crawl through tunnels (or under chairs and blankets!)

Obstacle courses are more than just fun—they support your child’s gross motor skills, planning, and regulation, all OT-approved.

15/07/2025

Why Core Strength Matters More Than You Think (Even for Reading!)

Core strength isn’t just about fitness, it’s the foundation for everything your child does, from sitting upright in class to focusing on a book. Weak core muscles can lead to slouching, poor handwriting, and even trouble with attention.

The good news? You don’t need a gym. Activities like animal walks, yoga poses, and even climbing playground equipment build core strength through play and that means better posture, better learning, and a more confident kid.

10/07/2025

This month we teamed up with the amazing Social Mums Club to host a free community event at the Thorneside Community Hall — and what a beautiful turnout from our local families!

Our superstar OT Caity shared some really helpful tips on fine motor development and emotional regulation, giving families practical tools they can use every day 💛

A HUGE thank you to Lauren & Cooper Rowe - First National Cleveland for sponsoring our delicious morning tea — we’re so grateful for your support and generosity 🙏

We absolutely loved seeing everyone come together, connect, and learn in such a warm and welcoming space. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

08/07/2025

What is hand dominance and when should it develop?

Is your child switching hands often? That’s totally normal—up to a point. Most kids develop a clear hand preference by age 4–6.

But if your little one is struggling with coordination or grip, an OT can help spot whether it’s just part of development or something worth a closer look.

02/07/2025

Today is the day!! We hope to see you there!

FREE INCOMING EVENT!!

Are you curious about how Occupational Therapy can support your child’s development?

Want to learn more about these services in a fun, relaxed environment?

Join us for a morning of learning, activities, and community connection — designed for both parents and kids!

📍 Location: Thornside Community Hall
📅 Date: Thursday, July 3rd
🕤 Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
🎟️ Entry: FREE for the whole family!

Our amazing Social Mums Club Sponsor Squish Kids (Capalaba, Cleveland & Victoria Point) is bringing you an event that will be both informative and fun!

Here’s what you can look forward to:

- An engaging talk on Occupational Therapy, covering emotional regulation, fine motor development, and how to spot if your child could benefit from support
- Interactive OT activities and a chance to meet the Squish Kids team
- Q&A session so you can ask any questions you have
- FREE morning tea and drinks – because who doesn’t love a cuppa and a snack?

Whether you’re already part of our community or simply want to learn more, this event is the perfect chance to connect with us and learn while meeting other local families in a friendly and welcoming space.

Feel free to bring your friends and family along — the more, the merrier! We can’t wait to see you there.

01/07/2025

5 Easy Fine Motor Activities Using Things You Already Have at Home

No fancy toys needed! Boost your child’s fine motor skills with simple activities like:
🟣 Tweezers + pom-poms for pinching practice
🔵 Clothespins for grip strength
🟠 Play dough for finger muscles
🟢 Threading beads or pasta
🟡 Tearing paper for control

Fun, budget-friendly, and development-boosting! - Post five created

01/07/2025

We’re Hiring Paediatric OTs! (Two Roles)
Join the Squish Kids team in the beautiful Redlands (SE Brisbane)

We’re looking for:
1. Senior Paeds OT (4+ years paeds experience)
Step into a leadership role with a clinical caseload (~60%), supervising a supportive team of 6-7 OTs. Perfect for someone ready to grow their supervisory and leadership skills.

2. Paeds OT (any experience level)
New and recent grads welcome—supported and mentored from day one.

Why Squish Kids?
- Passionate, tight-knit team (est. 14 years ago)
- No KPIs, just high-quality care
- Strong supervision and PD (internal, external, and peer-based)
- Caseload: ASD, ADHD, sensory, developmental and neurodivergent kids
- Locations: Capalaba, Cleveland, Victoria Point
- Flexible work options (FT/PT), admin support, outreach, and fun vibes

We’re after OTs who:
- Love working with kids
- Value kindness, growth and team support
- Are eager to learn, lead, and contribute

Apply now!
Email your CV, cover letter + 3 referees (and SPEF-R if you're a student) to info@squishkids.com.au.
Start: ASAP for general role; mid-August for Senior (with 2-week handover).

Questions? Email directly to our lovely Practice Manager Mikayla at info@squishkids.com.au

Please also see the seek ad for more information!

Flexible positions in established teaching practice. Offering high quality OT with excellent clinical support. Experienced and supportive admin team

24/06/2025

What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why Are They Important for School Success?

Fine motor skills are the small but mighty movements that help kids write, cut, button, and more. Struggling with handwriting or using scissors?

These everyday tasks rely on hand strength, coordination, and control. Supporting fine motor development early on sets kids up for success both in and out of the classroom.

24/06/2025

FREE INCOMING EVENT!!

Are you curious about how Occupational Therapy can support your child’s development?

Want to learn more about these services in a fun, relaxed environment?

Join us for a morning of learning, activities, and community connection — designed for both parents and kids!

📍 Location: Thornside Community Hall
📅 Date: Thursday, July 3rd
🕤 Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
🎟️ Entry: FREE for the whole family!

Our amazing Social Mums Club Sponsor Squish Kids (Capalaba, Cleveland & Victoria Point) is bringing you an event that will be both informative and fun!

Here’s what you can look forward to:

- An engaging talk on Occupational Therapy, covering emotional regulation, fine motor development, and how to spot if your child could benefit from support
- Interactive OT activities and a chance to meet the Squish Kids team
- Q&A session so you can ask any questions you have
- FREE morning tea and drinks – because who doesn’t love a cuppa and a snack?

Whether you’re already part of our community or simply want to learn more, this event is the perfect chance to connect with us and learn while meeting other local families in a friendly and welcoming space.

Feel free to bring your friends and family along — the more, the merrier! We can’t wait to see you there.

17/06/2025

Vestibular vs. Proprioception: Why Spinning and Jumping Can Actually Help!

If your child loves to spin, bounce, or crash into things, they’re not just being “wild.”

They’re seeking input for their vestibular (balance) or proprioceptive (body awareness) systems. These movements can be calming! OTs use swings, trampolines, and deep pressure to help kids feel more grounded and focused.

15/06/2025

INCOMING EVENT!!

Are you curious about how Occupational Therapy or Paediatric Physiotherapy can support your child’s development? Want to learn more about these services in a fun, relaxed environment?

Join us for a morning of learning, activities, and community connection — designed for both parents and kids!

📍 Location: Thornside Community Hall
📅 Date: Thursday, July 3rd
🕤 Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
🎟️ Entry: FREE for the whole family!

We’ve partnered with the incredible Smilestones Therapy (Wynnum) and Social Mums Club (a fantastic local community for mums) to bring you an event that’s both informative and fun!

Here’s what you can look forward to:
• An engaging talk on Occupational Therapy, covering emotional regulation, fine motor development, and how to spot if your child could benefit from support
• Interactive OT activities and a chance to meet the Squish Kids team
• A short presentation from Smilestones Physiotherapy on paediatric physiotherapy and its benefits
• Q&A sessions after each presentation so you can ask any questions you have
• FREE morning tea and drinks – because who doesn’t love a cuppa and a snack? ☕

Whether you’re already part of our community or simply want to learn more, this event is the perfect chance to connect with us and learn while meeting other local families in a friendly and welcoming space.

Feel free to bring your friends and family along — the more, the merrier! We can’t wait to see you there!