Top Sail Therapy

09/11/2023

Had an excellent time presenting at the Solon Library last Friday. This free event was a great resource for families to learn about how they can expand language in the home with minimal resources. We hope to continue this community reach-out tradition and provide free resources for families with the library multiple times per year. Thanks for coming out!

06/11/2023

Having a great time talking to families and being a resource for the Secular Homeschool Resource Fair! Great event!

02/24/2023

While it’s not exactly an “addiction,” screens are designed to release tons of dopamine in our brains and provide stimulation that our brains need. When kids have an elevated baseline level of stimulation, they become quite dependent and almost “addicted” to screens.
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So how do wean them off screens without huge battles and meltdowns?
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Our latest blog post focuses on WHY and HOW. And no, we aren’t going to suggest timers, limits, and sticker charts. Those are nifty, but aren’t going to work smoothly for everyone, and certainly not the kids needing extra stimulation due to elevated baseline levels of stimulation.
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Our suggestions might be easier, simpler, and different than you’d expect! Click the link for specific tips. Scroll to the numbers to skip the “why” and get straight to the tips on “how” if you’d like!

12/02/2022

Screen time and little minds.
Navigating screen time and deciding what’s right for your family in a world filled with screens is a challenge that today’s parents are dealing with in a capacity unlike any other generation. Finding answers rooted in science, sound reasoning, evidence/research, and compassion can be hard to find when there are so many opinions, judgements, and myths on the internet.
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See our latest blog post for evidence based guidelines, tips, and reasoning to better understand screen time and how it affects children’s brains at different ages. No judgement, just information 💡

12/02/2022

11/21/2022

🧠🤪Research by Dr. Karyn
Purvis demonstrated that while in takes approximately 400 repetitions to form a new neural synapse in a child's brain, it only takes
10-20 repetitions when it's linked through play.
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So what does this mean??
It means that when we try to teach kids new skills by rote memorization and force, not only will it be less enjoyable, but it will be inefficient!
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When we make lessons and skill building FUN, we are setting the child's brain up for success.
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Their brains are wired to learn through fun, play, curiosity, and games. By teaching through play, we help their brains build new skills over 100x more efficiently. Plus, those smiles don't hurt either!
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Don't listen to someone who alludes that your child is learning better because they are sitting still and looking miserable.
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next time someone tells you that learning isn't fun and games, know that they quite literally couldn't be more wrong.
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11/10/2022

How to teach children to use their voices and set body boundaries!Tips below⬇️⬇️⬇️
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💭1. PLAN- plant the seed ahead of time and talk about body boundaries. Let your child know that no one is allowed to touch them without their consent. Sometimes, they might need to use their voices to tell others “no” or ask mom/dad for help. Let them know that that is OK and GOOD and you’ll always back them up and respect them.
🗣️ 2. MODEL - your child might be overwhelmed and need help using their voice. It’s up to parents to model language so that the child can hear how to politely* but firmly set boundaries. Ex: “Grandma, Mikey doesn’t want to hug you. Please give his body some space. You can wave to him or ask first.”
*also, while it’s nice to be polite when possible, respect impolite body boundaries too! Your child shouldn’t be in trouble for screaming “NO!” Or hitting a hugger. Respect their intention and model politer ways to try before resorting to fighting.
👩‍👧‍👦3. PRACTICE - role playing at home is a great way to help your child learn the language and practice a “script” to resort to when they are scared or overwhelmed. You can practice by role playing at home. “Now you can be Auntie and I can be you! Let’s switch next time!”
✔️ 4. PREP - prepare by chatting with relatives if you know it’s an issue. You can let your parents know that you are practicing boundary setting language and you’d love for them to try a hug AND respect when the child tries setting a boundary. Family is usually well-meaning and wanting to make the child comfortable and feel loved. Enlist them to help with learning and prep them for responding positively so the child can build this skill with confidence!

11/04/2022

TOP SAIL Therapy is committed to helping clients reach their full potential through effective, evidence-based, person-centered speech and language therapy. We don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach – we tailor the therapeutic experience to support children and families in a way that is fully customized. Based in Northeast Ohio, our therapists travel to your home or school to support clients in their most natural environments and provide convenient solutions to busy families.