Why Free Play Builds Self-Regulation in Children
For many of the children we see at Learn for Life, self-regulation is exactly the kind of skill families are hoping to support, whether that looks like big emotional reactions, difficulty coping with transitions, trouble sitting still during mealtimes, or finding it hard to calm down after an exciting or stressful moment. Interestingly, a recent […]
The Hidden Sense: Understanding Interoception in Children
When we talk about sensory processing, most people think of the five senses we learn about in school: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. In occupational therapy, we also talk a lot about the vestibular system (balance and movement) and proprioception (body position and awareness). But there is another sensory system that is just as […]
Is My Child Oversensitive, or Is Something Else Going On?
Does your child cover their ears at birthday parties? Refuse to wear certain clothes because the fabric “feels wrong”? Spin or crash into furniture when they seem wound up, or go completely flat and zoned out when the day gets too full? You’re not imagining it. And it isn’t just a phase. For many children, […]
Why Your Child “Loses It” – And What’s Actually Happening in Their Brain
Have you ever watched your child go from perfectly happy to completely falling apart in what feels like seconds? One moment they’re fine, and the next they’re on the floor, screaming, unable to hear a word you’re saying. You try to talk them down, but it’s like nobody’s home. Or maybe you’ve noticed that once […]
Supporting Your Child Through Changes and Transitions
“Just one more minute” turns into a meltdown. Does this sound familiar? You tell your child it’s time to leave the park and what follows is a complete shutdown, meltdown, or an all-out refusal to move. Or maybe switching off the TV before dinner feels like defusing a bomb every single night. Perhaps the first […]
Why Does My Child Fall Apart Over Small Rejections? Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and ADHD
Your child didn’t get picked for the team and is now refusing to go back to school. Your teen sent one text that went unanswered and has completely shut down for the evening. A teacher left a correction on their work and the rest of the day was a write-off. If this is a regular […]
Why Low-Demand Language Works — And How to Start Using It
If you’ve ever noticed that asking your child to do something simple can sometimes trigger a big reaction, you’re not imagining it. For some children, especially those who are neurodivergent or experiencing high levels of anxiety, everyday requests and questions can feel like pressure, even when that’s the last thing you intend. One small but […]
Building Resilience and a Growth Mindset: Raising Kids Who Grow Through Challenge
Watching your child fall apart over a lost game, a mistake, or a change in plans can be really hard. You want to help, but sometimes nothing you say seems to land. And if it happens often enough, you might start wondering whether something deeper is going on, or whether you’re somehow making it worse. […]
Helping Your Child Handle Bullying with Confidence: Practical Strategies from an OT Perspective
Has your child come home from school upset, but struggled to explain exactly what happened? Maybe they’ve said “no one likes me” or “everyone always leaves me out,” but you’re not sure if it’s a one-off situation or something more serious. Or perhaps your child is neurodivergent, and you’ve noticed they sometimes don’t pick up […]
Circle of Security: Raising Emotionally Connected Children
Your child is happily playing on their own, then suddenly they are at your side, clinging and wanting a cuddle. Or you move in to comfort them after something hard, and they pull away. Moments like these can feel confusing. But your child is not being difficult. They are communicating a need in the way […]