BreakThrough Pediatric Therapy

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween from all of us at BreakThrough Pediatrics!

🎃 We hope your little ones have a spook-tacular day full of fun and treats!

Stay safe and enjoy the festivities! 👻

10/09/2024

🌟 Welcome to BreakThrough Pediatrics! 🌟

We’re excited to reintroduce ourselves as your trusted partners in pediatric physical and occupational therapy. Our mission is to empower children and support their unique developmental journeys, helping them reach their fullest potential!

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our dedicated team is here to provide personalized care and support, ensuring each child feels empowered on their path to growth and independence.

Join Us on This Journey!
Feel free to reach out with any questions or to learn more about how our services can benefit your child. Together, let’s create a brighter future! ❤️

Call us at (919)380-7171 or send us an email at CaryPeds@BreakThrough-pt.com

09/30/2024

Meet the Team! 🎉

💡 This week’s spotlight goes to our amazing Occupational Therapist, Taz! 💡

Is your older or homeschooled child in need of extra support? Meet Taz, a skilled Occupational Therapist dedicated to helping children reach their fullest potential. With experience in Pediatrics for 10+ years, Taz uses a personalized approach to enhance your child’s sensory processing, fine motor skills and handwriting abilities to support your child's development. Plus, he’s Kinesiology Taping certified, providing additional support for weak hands and limbs.

What We Offer:
- Customized OT sessions tailored to your child’s unique needs
- A supportive and encouraging environment
- Strategies to build confidence and independence

Our after-school appointment slots fill up quickly, but if you have free mornings, you may be a great fit for our program! Every child deserves the chance to shine! ✨

📞 Contact us at (919) 380-7171 today to learn more about how we can support your child’s journey!

10/29/2021

Happy Halloween!

08/18/2020

How do I help my kid keep their mask on?!
In this changing world, and especially with reintegration back into our communities during this challenging time, it is important to help our children keep their masks on! Here are a few ways to help empower your child to make the safe choice of keeping their mask on.
1. Make sure they fit! If the ear loops are too tight and pushing on their ears, or if its too loose and falls down off the nose, those are sure ways to keep the mask off their face.
2. Offer choices. Select 2, 3, or 4 different brands to try, and let your child pick which one they want to wear. By providing choices, you are allowing your child some independence. A child will most likely keep a mask on that they picked out themselves rather than one that mom or dad chose for them and told them they had to wear.
3. Choose breathable fabric. The number one complaint I hear from kids about wearing their masks is, "it's hard to breathe with it on!". If you select masks that have lighter weight fabric, this may help your child feel more comfortable wearing them.
4. Find kid friendly patterns. There are many options for child friendly masks. Choose ones that allow your child to express their interests, such as Avengers, Disney Princesses, or cute animals. Make masks a fashion accessory rather than an annoying obligation.
5. Add scent. If all else fails and your child refuses to wear a mask, make it more enjoyable by having it smell good! You can add a few drops of a preferred essential oil scent or plant extract to make your child's mask scented. If you add some vanilla extract or cocoa extract, your child may be more willing to keep their mask on their face if it smells like cupcakes!

04/24/2020

It’s the end of the week full of successes and probably "failures" (but learning opportunities sound better! )
Keep in mind to keep YOUR tank full..

It's okay if you drop the balls that bounce ⚽️🏀🏐

04/22/2020

Do you know what day it is today? That’s right, it’s EARTH DAY!!! We at BreakThrough Pediatric Therapy would like to challenge each one of you to take a break from your screens and take your family outside to enjoy our beautiful natural earth. Being outside is a wonderful SENSORY experience that can benefit everyone. Here are some suggestions of how to get the most of your sensory time outdoors.

🌎Stop to think about each of your senses. Talk about what you see, hear, smell, and feel.
🌍 Lay in the grass and use your imagination to see different shapes and pictures in the clouds.
🌏Do a scavenger hunt to find all the colors of the rainbow outside.
🌎Count how many animals you see – squirrels, birds, bugs, dogs, etc.
🌍 Plant some flowers – engage your child in getting their hands dirty in the soil and have them water the plants for heavy work activity.

04/21/2020

We had a blast visiting our families on Sunday! It was great to see everyone! Remember a smile can go a long way, we can’t wait to get back to our regular schedule, We miss you all!!!

12/20/2019

The holiday season can be difficult for children who thrive on routines or have difficulty with sensory processing. All the lights, smells, company… it can be a lot for them to manage and process all the changes! Here are some tips on helping your child stay regulated during the holiday season.
-Keep bedtime and mealtimes as close to the “norm” as possible.
-Prepare your child in advance what to expect on Christmas. Talk to them about the details of Christmas and read social stories to prepare them for holiday traditions and situations.
-Make a visual calendar of all events that will be occurring over the holiday.
-If you are spending time with extended family or friends (either at home or at someone else’s) make sure your child has a quiet space available and some preferred toys in case they become overwhelmed.
-Have a time limit when guests are over, it can be very overwhelming!
-If your child is overwhelmed while opening presents, ease into it gently. They do not have to open them all at once, or even all on the same day.
-Consider skipping or modifying holiday activities such as: sitting on Santa’s lap, going Christmas shopping at the mall, decorating the house (some bright lights or musical decorations may be too much sensory input), and going to see Christmas shows or light displays.
-Consider use of a weighted blanket or noise cancelling headphones to prevent over-stimulation.

12/19/2019

Holiday Themed Fine Motor Activities!

Yarn-Wrapped Christmas Trees - https://teaching2and3yearolds.com/how-to-create-a-chrismtas-fine-motor-activity-using-yarn-and-paper/

Foam Geoboard Tree - https://fun-a-day.com/diy-foam-geoboard-tree/

Star of David with Threading Skills - https://www.makeandtakes.com/holiday-abc-series-h-is-for-hanukkah

Christmas Tree Shape Cutting - https://www.ot-mom-learning-activities.com/Christmas-tree-cutting-activity.html

Paper Angels - https://www.ot-mom-learning-activities.com/paper-angel-craft.html

Q-Tip Christmas Trees - https://www.messforless.net/christmas-crafts-for-kids-q-tip-tree/

Egg Carton Christmas Tree - https://www.theottoolbox.com/fine-motor-egg-carton-christmas-tree/

Star of David With Popsicle Sticks - http://punktorah.org/popsicle-star-of-david-bunting-jewish-crafts/

12/17/2019

Holiday Gross Motor Idea’s to Keep Your Little One Active!

Snowman Ball Toss Game - http://frogsandsnailsandpuppydogtail.com/snowman-ball-toss-game/
Christmas Tree Bowling - https://www.stirthewonder.com/christmas-tree-bowling-gross-motor-activity/
Candy Cane Hunt - https://messymotherhood.com/candy-cane-hunt/
Paper Plate Skating - https://theinspiredtreehouse.com/lets-go-skating/
Christmas Yoga - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMeKIAEpWxw
Brain and Movement Break Ideas - https://www.pinkoatmeal.com/christmas-brain-breaks-and-gross-motor-ideas/
Gross Motor Bingo - https://theinspiredtreehouse.com/christmas-activities-for-kids-gross-motor-bingo/ =3001151

12/12/2019

This is a short list (not exhaustive by ANY means) of brands that we recommend for footwear! We’ve included recommendations for those sometimes tricky to accommodate AFO’s and bracing!
-
Typical Footwear:
👣MoMo Baby – rubber soled shoes made of genuine leather lightweight, breathable, comfortable, and flexible
👣Stride Rite – adjustable durable and flexible
👣Keen – shoe and sandal options with cushioning and support
👣Asics – offers support and style
👣New Balance – nice support for pre-school/school age kids
-
Orthotic Friendly:
👟Nike Fly ease
👟Plae
👟Billies
👟New balance -wider fit
👟Nordstrom department store – will let you purchase two different size shoes!
👟Zappos – their website has a search filter to browse by orthotic friendly!
https://www.zappos.com/shoes/CK_XAToC1R7iAgIBBw.zso
➡️go to L hand side of screen to “ features” and select “AFO Friendly” or “orthotic friendly”