Ohana Therapy, 545 Orchard Road #14-01, Far East Shopping Centre, Singapore (2025)

09/08/2025

Play dough isn’t just messy fun, it’s a language goldmine! 🎉

As speech therapists, we love using play dough to sneak in rich language opportunities while kids are fully engaged and having fun. It’s hands-on, open-ended, and naturally encourages back-and-forth interaction.

Here are 4 simple ways to use play dough to support your child’s speech and language at home:
🔄 Model action words: roll, cut, squish, press
🧠 Build vocabulary: colours, shapes, animals, foods
🗣 Encourage communication: “I want pink!”, “Your turn!”
👂 Work on listening and following directions

The best part? You don’t need fancy tools! Just a tub of dough, a little imagination, and your child’s lead 💬✨ Need more ideas on how to engage your child? Leave a comment below and we'll sort you out!

07/08/2025

Animal toys 🦓 are more than just cute — they’re a wildly fun way to support your child’s development across all ages! From early sound play and sensory exploration to storytelling and emotional growth, animal play can grow with your little one at every stage.

In this post, we break down age-specific ideas for playing with animal toys, through the lens of speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy 🧠💬

Have questions? Reach out to our friendly team at Ohana Therapy — we’d love to help! ✨️

04/08/2025

Gagging during mealtimes can feel scary to watch, but it’s not always a red flag. In fact, gagging is a normal and protective reflex, especially when babies are first learning to manage solids or new textures. It helps prevent choking and is often more noticeable in children with sensitive gag reflexes or heightened oral sensitivity.

While it might look intense, gagging doesn’t mean your child dislikes the food, and it definitely doesn’t mean they’re choking. Gagging is usually noisy and responsive (think coughing or retching), while choking is silent and requires immediate help.

With time, repeated exposure, and calm support from you, most children adapt and grow more confident with eating. Offering safe, developmentally appropriate textures and staying present and reassuring can make all the difference.

Mealtime learning takes patience, but trust that your child’s body is doing exactly what it needs to figure things out. ✨

Concerned that your child’s gagging seems excessive or isn’t improving? Our feeding therapists at Ohana Therapy are here to help. Get in touch for a supportive, neuro-affirming assessment!

01/08/2025

August is our birthday month, but YOU get the gifts! 🎁

To celebrate, we’re offering 30% off across selected therapy services 🎉

Whether you're just starting your child's therapy journey or looking for the right fit, this is the perfect time to jump in and enjoy significant savings:
👄 Speech Therapy – 30% off initial assessment + 2 follow-up sessions
🍽️ Feeding Therapy – 30% off initial assessment + 2 follow-up sessions
📚️ Educational Therapy – 30% off initial assessment + 2 follow-up sessions
🎵 Music Therapy – 30% off initial assessment + 2 follow-up sessions
🌈 Play Therapy – FREE intake consultation + 30% off first block of 6 sessions

To qualify for this special birthday offer:
🎂 Follow us .sg
🎂 Like this post
🎂 DM or WhatsApp us to enquire, quoting "Happy Birthday!"

📍Applicable for clinic-based sessions only
🎁 Limited to the first 30 clients who get in touch, so don’t wait!
💌 Know someone who’s been considering therapy for their little one? Share this post with them — good things are better when shared 😉

T&Cs apply. Offer valid for August 2025. For new clients only. Therapist assignment is based on availability and cannot be selected. Ohana Therapy reserves the right to amend this promotion at any time.

30/07/2025

Not all high chairs are created equal, and picking the right one can make a world of difference for your baby’s feeding, focus, and comfort at mealtimes.

As speech and feeding therapists, we often see how a poorly fitting high chair can lead to slouching, fidgeting, shorter mealtimes, or even unsafe swallowing. But when a child is well-supported, they're more likely to stay regulated, engaged, and ready to eat!

Here are 4 evidence-backed things to look out for when choosing a high chair:
✅ Upright posture with hips, knees, and ankles at 90°
✅ A firm footrest (yes, even for babies!)
✅ Adjustable features that grow with your child
✅ Add-on supports for accessibility when needed

It’s not about picking the most expensive or trendy chair. It’s about choosing one that works for your child’s body, comfort, and developmental needs.

Want help making the right choice? A paediatric feeding therapist can guide you based on your baby’s unique profile 💡

Sources:
🔹 Arvedson, J. & Brodsky, L. (2002). Pediatric Swallowing and Feeding: Assessment and Management.
🔹 Gisel, E. & Patrick, J. (1991). “Identification of children with oral motor problems in a preschool population.” American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 45(9), 806–813.
🔹 Reilly, S., Skuse, D., & Wolke, D. (2004). “The nature of feeding difficulties in young children with developmental delay.” Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 46(9), 603–609.
🔹 Toomey, K. A. (2021). SOS Approach to Feeding Program.
🔹 Potock, M. (2015). Raising a Healthy, Happy Eater.

23/07/2025

Starting solids can feel like a huge milestone, and sometimes, a huge pressure too. Whether you're planning to follow baby-led weaning, traditional spoon-feeding, or a little of both, we want to reassure you: you’re not doing it wrong if you don’t follow one set method perfectly! Every baby is different, and so is every family's rhythm.

It’s okay if baby-led weaning feels overwhelming (all the mess, the gagging, the fear of choking, the mountain of Instagram-perfect plates 😥). Social media can make it look like BLW is the gold standard, but in reality, what matters most is that your baby feels safe, supported, and ready. There’s no award for skipping purées. And there’s no shame in blending approaches.

Research supports both BLW and traditional weaning when done responsively and with safety in mind. It’s not about choosing sides; it’s about following your baby’s cues, staying flexible, and creating positive mealtime experiences 💡

As feeding therapists (and fellow mums!), we’ve walked this journey ourselves. We’re here if you ever want guidance, reassurance, or just a listening ear.

Remember: the best feeding journey is the one that fits your baby, your lifestyle, and your peace of mind. ✨

21/07/2025

Looking to boost your little one’s protein intake, but tired of the usual chicken and fish? 🍳🥦

You’re not alone! Whether you’re feeding a meat-eater, a picky eater, or a mostly plant-based toddler, there are plenty of everyday foods that pack in protein (and other nutrients too!). Here are some of our go-to options that are perfect for little tummies:

🥦 Broccoli – small but mighty when blended into sauces or soups
🍲 Lentils – great for hearty stews, patties, or mixed with rice
🌱 Asparagus – not high in protein, but full of fibre and vitamins
🍚 Quinoa – a grain with bonus protein and iron
🧆 Chickpeas – mash into hummus or pan-fry into soft fritters
🍳 Eggs – quick, versatile, and full of brain-building nutrients
🥣 Greek yoghurt – mix into fruit bowls or serve with oats
🍛 Tofu – soft, neutral, and absorbs any flavour you cook it with

Protein isn’t just about muscles. It supports growth, energy, immunity, and brain development too. And it doesn’t always have to come from meat!

Save this post for your next grocery trip or meal prep day, and tag a fellow parent who needs fresh food ideas! 💬

17/07/2025

Weaning, which is the process of introducing solid foods to your baby while gradually reducing breast milk or formula, is an important milestone in your child's development. The right time to start weaning can vary for each baby, but there are general guidelines and signs to look for to help you determine when your baby is ready. ⁠
⁠
Most health organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommend starting solids around 6 months of age. This is when most babies are developmentally ready for solid foods. However, beyond this age estimate, there are actually signs that you can look out for to see if your baby is ready for solids?⁠
⁠
Some of these signs include:⁠
1. Your baby can sit upright in a high chair with good head and neck control. This is crucial for safe swallowing and reducing the risk of choking.⁠
2. Your baby watches you eat, shows interest in food, reaches for food, and may open their mouth when food approaches.⁠
3. The tongue thrust reflex, which causes babies to push food out of their mouths, diminishes around 4-6 months. This allows them to move food to the back of their mouth and swallow effectively.⁠
4. Your baby starts making chewing motions with their mouth, indicating they are ready to handle solid foods.⁠
5. Your baby may seem hungrier than usual and show signs of not being satisfied with just breast milk or formula.⁠
⁠
By understanding these signs, you can ensure a smooth and positive weaning experience for both you and your baby. Remember, every baby is unique, so follow their cues and enjoy this exciting milestone together! 🤩

10/07/2025

Dollhouses and pretend people aren’t just adorable — they’re powerful tools for language, emotional development, and creativity. From babbling with puppets to scripting social stories, this kind of play grows with your child in the most meaningful ways.

In this post, we break down how to play with dollhouses and pretend characters — across different ages and developmental stages — with ideas from our speech, occupational, and physiotherapists.

Play is never “just play”, it’s your child’s most important job! ✨️

07/07/2025

Parenting is messy. Even with the best intentions, there will be moments where your patience runs out, your voice gets loud, or you say something you regret. These moments don’t make you a bad parent — they make you a real one. What matters is what comes next. ➡️

When we model repair by apologising, reconnecting, and reflecting with our children, we teach them that relationships are resilient. We show them how to handle conflict and how to make amends. That’s far more powerful than pretending to be calm all the time. 🫂

At Ohana Therapy, we believe that parenting isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, honesty, and the willingness to grow alongside your child. There’s strength in saying, “I’m sorry. Let’s try again.” 🩵

You don’t need to be perfect — just present. We’re here to support you through the messy middle. 🫶🏼

Source: Siegel, D. J., & Bryson, T. P. (2014). The Whole-Brain Child.

05/07/2025

: Connection isn’t made in perfect moments, it’s made in the messy ones!

When your child is upset. When they cling to you. When they push away. When they come back, needing closeness again. That’s when connection is built, strengthened, and rebuilt.

It’s a bit of a dance, and we don’t always get the steps right. But that’s okay. What matters most is that our children feel we’re trying to understand them. Again and again.

🧠 Being with them when feelings are big
🫶 Offering comfort when things feel too hard
🌱 Letting them explore when they’re curious or playful
🏡 Welcoming them back when they need closeness again

These moments don’t require perfect parenting, just presence.
If you’re wondering where to start, try this:
✨Pause before correcting, and simply acknowledge the feeling first.
✨Use phrases like “I’m here” or “That was really big for you” instead of jumping straight to problem-solving.
✨Give space for your child to come back to you after being on their own, don’t rush the return.

Small shifts like these tell your child: you’re safe with me. And over time, those messages build the foundation for a secure, connected relationship.

You’ve got this! If you ever feel unsure, our team is here to walk alongside you. 🩵

02/07/2025

“They’re not listening.”

How many times have we found ourselves thinking that? In the middle of the school run chaos, or when we’re repeating ourselves for the tenth time. It can feel frustrating, disheartening, or even a bit personal.

But more often than not, “not listening” isn’t about defiance. It’s about something deeper going on under the surface. Maybe they’re tired. Hungry. Struggling with a big transition. Maybe their little nervous systems are just… overloaded.

As both parents and therapists at Ohana Therapy, we see this all the time, and we just want to say: it’s not your fault, and your child isn’t broken. Behaviour is communication, even when it’s messy or loud or hard to understand in the moment.

So next time the phrase pops into your head, try swapping “Why are they not listening” with “What are they needing right now?” You might not get the answer straight away, but it shifts how we show up for our little ones. With a little more patience. A little more understanding. And a lot more connection. 💛

Ohana Therapy

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