Connect Pediatric Therapy

09/05/2025

Are you concerned with your child's feeding habits? Here at Connect Pediatric Therapy, we offer feeding therapy for infants all the way through the teenage years. Reach out to set up a FREE consultation call to see how we can help! Call 402-413-1356 today!

09/02/2025

As many of you know our incredible clinical coordinator Jessica passed away last week. This is a devastating loss as she touched so many lives. She will never be forgotten.

Below is information on her celebration of life service.

https://www.roperandsons.com/obit/jessica-j-andersen-anschutz/

09/01/2025

08/28/2025

🌟 Flexible Thinking in Kids – Why It Matters 🌟

Flexible thinking is the ability to shift ideas, adapt to changes, and see things from a different perspective. It helps kids manage everyday challenges like…
✨ Adjusting when plans change
✨ Trying new foods or activities
✨ Handling frustration when something doesn’t go “just right”
✨ Problem-solving in school and play

💡 Some kids struggle more with flexible thinking. You might notice:
➡Meltdowns when routines shift
➡Difficulty moving from one activity to the next
➡Trouble coping when rules change in games
➡Getting “stuck” on one idea or way of doing things

👩‍⚕️ That’s where occupational therapy can help! OTs use play-based strategies to build flexibility, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills—helping your child feel more confident and capable in daily life.

👉 If you notice your child often struggles when things don’t go as planned, it may be time to reach out for support.

💬 We’re here to help—contact us anytime to learn more! Call 402-413-1356 to set up a free, no obligation consultation call today!

08/26/2025

Happy National Dog Day to our one and only therapy dog, Diesel! 🐾

The patients here at Connect Pediatric Therapy love to pet and snuggle Diesel. He is a calming presence and adds a lot of joy to our clinic! 💖

08/24/2025

We are asking for prayers tonight.

Jessica our clinical coordinator had a medical emergency over the weekend.

She needs a miracle.

08/24/2025

Join us for a pirate themed sensory story time! ☠️⚓️⛵️ We will read books, sing songs, and have a sensory activity. All attention spans are welcome.
We hope to see you there! 📚

08/22/2025

🌟 Recess is more than “just play”—it’s an important time for movement, socializing, and self-regulation. But for some kids, it can feel overwhelming. Here are some OT tips to help!

1️⃣ Choose a “Go-To” Activity
Encourage your child to pick one comfortable activity (swinging, four-square, walking the track) they can start with before trying new things.

2️⃣ Build Social Scripts
Practice short phrases like, “Can I play?” or “Want to be on my team?” so they feel prepared to join in.

3️⃣ Support Sensory Needs
For kids sensitive to noise, sunglasses, or busy spaces, offer coping strategies—deep breaths before heading out, noise-reducing earbuds, or starting in a quieter corner of the playground.

4️⃣ Practice Body Awareness Skills
Games that involve balance, climbing, or catching can be tough. Practice similar movements at home so playground play feels more familiar.

With the right tools, recess can become a time your child looks forward to—a place to move, connect, and recharge for learning. 💛

08/20/2025

✨ “My child can’t sit still at school!” ✨
For some kids, constant wiggling, fidgeting, or moving around isn’t about misbehavior—it may be a sensory need. The vestibular (balance) and proprioceptive (body awareness) systems help kids feel grounded and focused, and when those systems need extra input, kids often seek movement in the classroom.

In our latest blog, we explain:
✅ What vestibular & proprioceptive needs look like at school
✅ Simple activities you can try at home to help
✅ When it might be time to seek OT support

Connect Pediatric Occupational Therapy is located in Lincoln, NE. Connect offers help to children with picky eating, sensory processing challenges, and more.

08/18/2025

Lunch can be a sensory and social challenge. Here are some tips to help:

🥪 Practice food routines at home. Rehearse school lunch by packing their lunchbox at home and having a "school-style" lunch at the table. Let them open containers, peel fruit, and eat with minimal help to build independence.
🍱 Use easy-open containers. Test all packaging at home—some kids struggle with tight lids or tricky wrappers. Consider switching to bento boxes or containers with pull tabs or zipper pouches they can open on their own.
🥨 Include a “safe food.” If your child is a picky eater or anxious about eating at school, always include at least one food they reliably eat to reduce stress and increase success.
🍎 Add a visual cue. For younger children or those with executive functioning challenges, use a simple photo or drawn checklist in their lunchbox (e.g., 1. Eat, 2. Clean up, 3. Throw away trash).
🧃 Think sensory-friendly. Cafeterias can be loud, bright, and chaotic. If your child is sensitive to this, talk to the school about quieter lunch spots or practice coping strategies like deep breathing or fidget use before meals.
🍪 Sneak in fine motor practice. Pack items they can peel, unwrap, or scoop. These small motor tasks build strength and coordination in a natural, motivating setting.

08/15/2025

🎒Backpack battles? OT to the rescue!

Heavy, disorganized backpacks can be overwhelming.

➡️ Use clear or color-coded pouches for different supplies (e.g., one for writing tools, one for snacks, one for personal items). This builds independence and reduces overwhelm.
➡️ Add a simple picture checklist inside the backpack flap or on a keyring tag so your child can check for key items each day (folder, water bottle, lunchbox, etc.).
➡️ Designate a “homework folder” that always comes home—even on no-homework days—to help build the routine.
➡️ Practice a daily backpack check together.
➡️ Keep extra items at school when possible (e.g., separate set of markers or extra clothing) to reduce daily carrying and clutter.

⭐️These tips not only keep things tidy—they promote executive function, fine motor development, and confidence in managing daily tasks!

08/13/2025

🏫🛎 School is out for the day—now what?

If your child comes home cranky, hyper, or shut-down, that’s totally normal. The school day is long and full of sensory, social, and emotional demands. Giving your child some time to transition can help prevent an emotional or energetic "overflow" from showing up in negative ways. Try a sensory "reset" before jumping into homework or activities—swinging, squeezing a stress ball, or quiet time in a cozy corner can work wonders. Being supportive and offering simple strategies now helps your child build lifelong self-regulation skills.