Ruth Waldrop Occupational Therapist

09/07/2025

We do children a disservice when we reduce early childhood to colors, numbers, shapes, and letters. These concepts will come, but when we fixate on them too early or too narrowly, we risk turning learning into pressure, rote drills, and forced lessons that dampen curiosity. Instead of opening children up to the joy of discovery, this approach can make learning feel like a performance or a checklist to get through.

What often gets overlooked are the skills that matter most for long-term cognition: problem-solving, persistence, self-regulation, creativity, language, and the ability to connect ideas across experiences. These are the foundations that make colors, numbers, shapes, and letters meaningful later on. When early childhood is reduced to surface-level academics, we rob children of the chance to build the deeper capacities that allow true learning to stick.

Early childhood is about so much more. It is about building the brain through play, strengthening the body through movement, wiring for empathy and regulation through relationships, and developing a love of learning that lasts far beyond preschool. When we allow concepts like numbers, letters, shapes, and colors to be discovered in meaningful, everyday contexts, children connect with them naturally and deeply.

09/04/2025

In 1915, a German princess was born with Down syndrome—and unlike many children of her time, she was never hidden away.
Her name was Princess Alexandrine Irene of Prussia, the oldest daughter of Wilhelm, German Crown Prince, and Cecilie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. At a time when disability was often met with silence and secrecy, her family chose love and openness.
Nicknamed Adini, she was adored by her parents and siblings. They ensured she was educated, included in family life, and present at public events. To see her standing alongside royals at official gatherings was extraordinary for her era.
Many aristocratic families of the early 20th century concealed relatives with disabilities, shielding them from the public eye. But Alexandrine’s life was different. She was not only visible but valued. Her mother in particular devoted herself to ensuring her daughter’s dignity and inclusion.
She lived with her mother until 1954, remaining closely tied to her family. She enjoyed a life of affection, stability, and respect that defied the conventions of her time. When she passed away in 1980 at the age of 65, she left behind a quiet but powerful legacy of acceptance.
Her story is rarely told, yet it reminds us that even in rigid royal courts, compassion sometimes triumphed over custom.
Had you ever heard of a royal family breaking tradition in this way? Do you think history might have been different if more families had followed their example?

08/18/2025

So true. Thanks Perth Children's Occupational Therapy.

08/18/2025

08/18/2025

Institute of Child Psychology ❤️

08/06/2025

Looks like a fun scissor cutting activity

08/05/2025

03/16/2025

Proprioceptive Behaviors: Typical vs. Atypical & Intervention Strategies
Follow IEP Individualized Education Program