Simple Joys Occupational Therapy

06/15/2025

01/05/2025

Nose blowing is incredibly difficult for some of the kids we work with in OT, and every kid! It is totally a developmental process...and one that needs taught!

Here is what you need to know about teaching kids to blow their nose. Including the developmental components, sensory considerations, and nose blowing tips!
It's that time of year! 🤧

https://www.theottoolbox.com/tips-help-kids-learn-how-to-blow-their-nose/

12/24/2024

Remember it's okay to bring some tools for our sensory sensitive kiddos. Some times lots of noise (many conversations, background music, etc.) can be just as alerting to the nervous system as a loud noise like a siren. Here's my kiddo who is normally a really good eater, but had a hard time eating with all the noise until he had his headphones 🎧

12/22/2024

Some people bring their kids to OT and hope that I'm going to give 'em back a different kid.

I'm not, but I might give 'em a more empowered kid and a list of adjustments that could be made. 😊

[Image description: A pastel rainbow background with white font over it which reads,
"You can change...
-yourself
-the environment
-supports and accommodations
-your expectations
-your relationship with the child

You can't change...
-the child
(That's their job.)"

If I'd made this image today, I might've added, "...if they want." When I made the image, I was thinking of the word "change" in the sense of growth, learning, change over time, rather than suggesting that children must change who they are at their heart to "fit in"!

The image also has my handle on it, . End description.]

12/17/2024

Some children have difficulty cutting with scissors due to delays in motor planning, motor control, or spatial perception.

While they may manage cutting along straight lines, they often struggle with knowing when and how to turn the scissors or adjust the cutting direction when navigating shapes. This can affect their ability to complete tasks requiring precision and coordination.

To support these challenges, a scissor skills sequence can help teach cutting corners in simple shapes.

Activities can be graded to match the child’s skill level: thicker cutting lines provide clear visual boundaries, while using index cards offers resistance to develop hand strength and control.

Adding marker dots or stickers as visual cues can guide the child to pause, turn the scissors, or cut through to the edge of the card before turning. These strategies build the foundational skills needed for successful cutting.

For more details, visit: https://www.theottoolbox.com/scissor-skills/

12/14/2024

Check out the types of rest we all need especially going into the holiday season ❤️

Self-care is taking rests when needed. What type(s) of rest do you need right now?

12/09/2024

12/05/2024

Come check us out at Erin Minogue Physiotherapy and Simple Joys Occupational Therapy in Rowleys building. We have Brick and Mortar and Pittman Girls Trades and Crafts here! And come and enter our raffle!

11/15/2024

Need some Christmas gift ideas? Here is a great list of ideas.