Promoting independent sitting in babies is an exciting developmental milestone that typically occurs around 6 to 8 months of age. It's important to note that each baby develops at their own pace, so patience and support are key. Here are some tips to encourage and support your baby as they develop the strength and balance needed for independent sitting:
1. Tummy Time:

• Start Early: Begin tummy time as early as possible. This helps strengthen your baby's neck, back, and core muscles, which are essential for sitting.
• Gradual Increase: Gradually increase the duration of tummy time sessions. Initially, start with a few minutes and gradually extend as your baby becomes more comfortable.

2. Use Supportive Seating:

• Boppy Pillow or Nursing Pillow: Place a Boppy pillow or a nursing pillow around your baby to provide support during playtime. This gives them a sense of security and helps them practice the sitting position.

3. Surrounded by Toys:

• Encourage Reach and Grasp: Place toys slightly out of reach to encourage your baby to reach and grasp. This helps build arm and upper body strength, promoting the development of sitting skills.

4. Sit Them Up:

• Assisted Sitting: Support your baby in a sitting position using your hands or by placing cushions around them. This provides them with a sense of balance and helps them get used to the seated position.

5. Cushion Support:

• Surround with Cushions: Place soft cushions or pillows around your baby while they are sitting to provide a supportive and safe environment. This helps prevent them from toppling over and builds confidence.

6. Mirror Play:

• Use a Mirror: Place a baby-safe mirror in front of your baby during sitting practice. Babies are often intrigued by their own reflection, and this can encourage them to maintain the sitting position while engaging with the mirror.

7. Interactive Play:

• Engaging Toys: Use toys that capture your baby's interest and encourage them to maintain a sitting position while playing. Interactive toys that make sounds or have colorful features can be especially engaging.

8. Encourage Crawling:

• Crawling Practice: Encourage your baby to practice crawling. Crawling helps strengthen the muscles necessary for sitting independently and promotes overall mobility.

9. Supervised Playtime:

• Supervise Carefully: Always supervise your baby during sitting practice to ensure their safety. Be ready to provide support if they start to tip over.

10. Use a High Chair:

• High Chair Sitting: Use a high chair during mealtime or playtime. The supportive structure of a high chair helps your baby practice sitting with less risk of falling.

11. Offer Positive Reinforcement:

• Celebrate Achievements: When your baby manages to sit independently, celebrate the milestone with positive reinforcement. Encouraging words, clapping, and smiling create a positive association with the achievement.

12. Avoid Forcing:

• Let it Happen Naturally: Avoid forcing your baby into a sitting position. Allow them to develop the necessary strength and balance naturally through play and exploration.

Remember that each baby progresses at their own pace, so it's essential to be patient and supportive. If you have concerns about your baby's development or if they are not reaching developmental milestones within the expected timeframe, consult with your pediatrician for guidance.

Visual development in infants is a dynamic and intricate process that involves the maturation of the eyes, the development of visual pathways in the brain, and the refinement of various visual skills. Understanding the stages of visual development in infants is crucial for caregivers and parents to provide an environment that supports healthy vision. Here's an overview of the key aspects of visual development in infants:
1. Newborn Vision:

• Limited Visual Acuity: Newborns have limited visual acuity and can see best at a distance of 8 to 12 inches, which is approximately the distance between their face and a caregiver's face during feeding.
• Preference for High Contrast: Infants are attracted to high-contrast patterns and bold, black-and-white images.

2. Tracking and Following Objects:

• Tracking Movements: Around 2 to 3 months, infants begin to develop the ability to track moving objects with their eyes.
• Smooth Pursuit: Smooth pursuit movements, where the eyes smoothly follow a moving object, start to emerge during this stage.

3. Depth Perception:

• Binocular Vision: By 4 to 5 months, infants typically develop binocular vision, enabling them to use both eyes together to perceive depth and three-dimensional space.

4. Hand-Eye Coordination:

• Reaching and Grasping: Infants start reaching for objects and developing hand-eye coordination around 3 to 4 months, refining these skills as they grow.

5. Color Vision:

• Color Discrimination: Color vision continues to develop during the first few months, with infants becoming more adept at distinguishing colors.

6. Object Recognition:

• Recognition of Faces: Infants are drawn to faces and can recognize familiar faces, especially those of their primary caregivers, from a young age.

7. Visual Exploration:

• Visual Exploration of Surroundings: As infants become more mobile, they engage in visual exploration of their surroundings. This exploration is essential for cognitive development.

8. Refinement of Visual Skills:

• Fine-Tuning Visual Skills: Throughout the first year of life, visual skills such as visual tracking, focusing, and depth perception continue to refine as the neural connections in the brain mature.

9. Screen Time Considerations:

• Limiting Screen Time: Excessive screen time, especially in the early years, may have potential implications for visual development. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limited or no screen time for children under 18 months.

10. Regular Eye Exams:

• Monitoring Eye Health: Regular eye check-ups are crucial to monitor eye health, detect any potential issues early on, and ensure that visual development is progressing as expected.

11. Responsive Caregiving:

• Responsive Interaction: Providing responsive caregiving, such as making eye contact, talking to the baby, and using visually stimulating toys, supports healthy visual development.

In conclusion, visual development in infants is a multifaceted process that involves the integration of various visual skills over the first year of life. Caregivers play a vital role in supporting this development by creating visually rich environments, engaging in interactive play, and ensuring regular eye check-ups to address any potential concerns promptly. Understanding the milestones and stages of visual development empowers parents to foster healthy vision in their infants.

Welcoming a newborn into the world is an exciting and joyous experience for parents. As caregivers, we strive to provide the best environment for our little ones to thrive and develop. One often overlooked yet crucial aspect of infant development is "tummy time." This simple practice has far-reaching benefits that contribute significantly to a baby's physical, cognitive, and sensory development.
What is Tummy Time?
Tummy time refers to the practice of placing an infant on their stomach while they are awake and supervised. This activity encourages babies to lift their heads, strengthen their neck and upper body muscles, and explore their surroundings from a different perspective. While it may seem like a small and straightforward activity, the impact of tummy time on a baby's development is profound.
Physical Development:

1. Neck and Upper Body Strength: Tummy time is instrumental in developing the muscles in a baby's neck and upper body. As they push up and lift their heads, they engage core muscles, helping them gain strength that is crucial for later developmental milestones like crawling and sitting.
2. Preventing Flat Head Syndrome: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, spending too much time on their backs can lead to flat spots on the back of a baby's head. Tummy time helps alleviate this concern by providing an opportunity for babies to change the position of their heads and reduce the likelihood of developing flat head syndrome.

Cognitive Development:

1. Visual Stimulation: Tummy time offers babies a different visual perspective, allowing them to explore and engage with their surroundings. This exposure to various stimuli contributes to the development of visual and cognitive skills, as babies learn to focus on objects, track movement, and develop spatial awareness.
2. Sensory Exploration: Being on their tummies enables infants to use their hands and fingers to explore different textures, promoting sensory development. This tactile exploration is essential for the development of fine motor skills, which are crucial for later activities like grasping objects and eventually, self-feeding.

Sensory and Motor Skills Development:

1. Balance and Coordination: Tummy time helps babies develop balance and coordination as they learn to control their movements. These foundational skills are vital for later milestones such as sitting, crawling, and eventually walking.
2. Reflex Integration: Tummy time facilitates the integration of primitive reflexes, such as the tonic neck reflex, which is crucial for the development of voluntary movements. This integration supports the transition from involuntary reflexive actions to purposeful and controlled movements.

Incorporating regular tummy time into a baby's daily routine is a simple yet powerful way to support their overall development. This practice not only strengthens essential muscles but also lays the groundwork for cognitive, sensory, and motor skill development. As caregivers, recognizing the importance of tummy time and making it a consistent part of a baby's routine can contribute significantly to their well-being and set the stage for a lifetime of healthy development. So, let's embrace tummy time as a meaningful and enjoyable activity that fosters growth, learning, and the bond between caregivers and their precious little ones.

​The Role of Sensory Processing in Children's Sleep Habits

The Importance of Sleep in Children
Sleep plays a vital role in a child's overall development and well-being. It is during sleep that their bodies and minds have a chance to rejuvenate and repair themselves. Sleep is crucial for growth, learning, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation in children.
Research has shown that children who get sufficient sleep have better cognitive functioning, attention span, and academic performance. They are also less likely to experience behavioral problems, mood swings, and emotional instability. On the other hand, insufficient sleep in children can lead to a host of problems such as difficulty concentrating, impaired memory, reduced immune function, and even obesity.
In addition to these cognitive and physical benefits, sleep is also important for emotional regulation in children. Lack of sleep can make children more irritable, impulsive, and prone to emotional outbursts. It can affect their ability to manage stress and cope with daily challenges.
Parents and caregivers need to prioritize and promote healthy sleep habits in children. This includes ensuring that they have a consistent bedtime routine, creating a conducive sleep environment, and establishing a regular sleep schedule. By doing so, children are more likely to get the recommended amount of sleep for their age, allowing them to thrive and reach their full potential.

Common Sleep Issues in Children
Sleep is essential for a child's growth and development, but many children experience sleep issues that can impact their health and well-being. Some common sleep issues in children include:
1. Difficulty falling asleep: Many children struggle to fall asleep at night, which can be due to anxiety, overstimulation, or an irregular sleep schedule.
2. Nighttime waking: Some children wake up multiple times during the night, either due to nightmares, bedwetting, or other issues.
3. Snoring: While snoring can be common in children, it can also be a sign of sleep apnea, which can have negative effects on a child's development.
4. Restless sleep: Children who toss and turn or grind their teeth during the night may not be getting restful sleep, which can affect their mood and behavior during the day.
It's important to identify and address any sleep issues your child may be experiencing. In the next section, we'll discuss how sensory processing can impact sleep quality and offer tips for promoting better sleep in children.

Understanding Sensory Processing
Sensory processing refers to how our brains receive, interpret, and respond to sensory information from the environment. In children, sensory processing plays a crucial role in their overall development and well-being. It involves the integration of various sensory inputs, including touch, sight, sound, taste, and smell.
Some children may have difficulties processing sensory information, which can significantly impact their sleep habits. For example, a child who is overly sensitive to certain sensory stimuli, such as noise or touch, may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. On the other hand, a child who seeks sensory stimulation excessively may struggle with self-soothing and settling down for bed.
Understanding a child's sensory processing patterns can help parents and caregivers identify the factors that may be affecting their sleep. It is essential to observe how a child responds to different sensory inputs and how these responses may influence their sleep routines. By recognizing and addressing sensory processing issues, parents can make necessary adjustments to create a more conducive sleep environment.
It is important to note that each child's sensory processing patterns are unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. Consulting with a pediatrician or occupational therapist who specializes in sensory processing can provide valuable insight and guidance on how to support a child's sensory needs.
Overall, understanding sensory processing is crucial for promoting healthy sleep habits in children. By recognizing and addressing sensory challenges, parents and caregivers can create an environment that promotes relaxation and better sleep quality for their children.

Sensory Processing and Sleep Quality
Sensory processing plays a crucial role in determining the quality of sleep in children. Sensory processing refers to the way our brains receive, organize, and interpret sensory information from our environment. This includes information from our five senses – sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell – as well as from our proprioceptive and vestibular systems, which help us understand where our body is in space and maintain balance.
When a child's sensory processing is disrupted, it can affect their ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. For example, a child who is oversensitive to sensory stimuli may be easily awakened by noises or lights during the night. On the other hand, a child who seeks sensory input may have difficulty winding down and calming their body before bedtime.
To promote better sleep quality in children, it is important to address their sensory processing needs. This can be done through creating a calming bedtime routine that incorporates activities to regulate sensory input, such as dimming lights, playing soft music, or engaging in gentle touch activities like a soothing massage or using a weighted blanket.
Additionally, it can be helpful to create a sleep environment that supports sensory processing. This may involve ensuring the bedroom is free from excessive noise or bright lights, providing comfortable bedding and pajamas, and using white noise machines or aromatherapy diffusers to create a soothing atmosphere.
By understanding the connection between sensory processing and sleep quality, parents and caregivers can take steps to support their child's sensory needs and promote better sleep habits. It's also important to consider the impact of sensory input during the day on a child's sleep quality at night. If a child is constantly bombarded with excessive sensory stimulation, their nervous system may be overstimulated, making it difficult for them to wind down and relax before bedtime. This can lead to bedtime battles and difficulties falling asleep.
To help promote better sleep, it's crucial to provide children with sensory breaks throughout the day. This can involve incorporating sensory activities into their daily routine, such as swinging, jumping on a trampoline, or engaging in deep pressure activities like squeezing a stress ball. These activities can help regulate their sensory system and provide a sense of calm before bedtime.
Another important aspect to consider is the use of screens and electronic devices before bedtime. The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. It's best to limit screen time at least one hour before bedtime and encourage more calming activities, such as reading a book or engaging in quiet play.
Lastly, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for children's sleep quality. This means establishing regular bedtimes and wake times, even on weekends. Consistency helps regulate their internal body clock and promotes more restful sleep.

Tips for Promoting Better Sleep in Children
Now that we understand how sensory processing affects sleep, let's look at some tips for promoting better sleep in children. 
1. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine: A regular bedtime routine helps your child's body and mind prepare for sleep. This can include things like a bath, storytime, and turning off electronics.
2. Create a Calming Environment: Make sure your child's bedroom is conducive to sleep. Keep the room cool, dark, and quiet. Some children may benefit from using a white noise machine or a weighted blanket.
3. Offer Sensory Input: For children who crave sensory input, incorporate activities such as brushing their skin or giving them a gentle massage before bedtime. This can help calm their nervous system and promote relaxation.
4. Limit Screen Time: Exposure to screens before bedtime can disrupt sleep patterns. Avoid allowing your child to use electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime.
5. Encourage Physical Activity: Regular physical activity helps children release energy and promotes better sleep. Encourage outdoor play or family activities such as walks or bike rides.

Task Behavior
On task behavior can be defined as paying attention to the task at hand, listening to adult directives and working with tools and materials as instructed.  On task behaviors are correlated with greater success in school.  Several students have difficulty with on task behaviors including children with ADHD, Autism, and sensory processing issues.  The use of fidgets to improve attention to task is often provided as an accommodation in 504 plans and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).  Based upon a review of the literature, the use of fidgets has not been studied much at all.  In 2017, a lot of blogs were written about the use of fidget spinners as they were extremely popular, and one could even say it was a fad.  Many of the blogs written at the time were not favorable and there was a lot of concern regarding the ingestion of small parts from the fidget spinners.  Only three studies looked at fidget spinners using scientific methodology.  The results of the studies were inconclusive.  Soares and Storm (2019) looked at the use of fidget spinners during the delivery of a video lecture with undergraduate college students.  They found that it had a negative impact upon memory.  Schecter, et. al (2017) conducted a review and found no empirical evidence that supports the use of fidget spinners however they found no evidence to suggest that spinners do not work either.  A third study was conducted but it only had four participants all with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and thus with an extremely small sample size the strength and validity of the study is very weak.  Cihon et. al (2020) did not find any significant changes in the four student’s ability to follow verbal directions.  It should be noted that all the studies located in the literature investigated the use of fidget spinners.  There are many kinds of fidgets and they do not all have small parts that can be ingested.  Many fidgets can be home made as the one illustrated in the video above.  Additionally, the type of fidget should be provided based on a person’s sensory preferences.  Some people tap their feet or fingers to maintain arousal while others play with a paper clip in their hand and still others chew on their pencil.  The type of sensory input that a person naturally seeks, is organizing and thus can help sustain arousal and attention to task.  The individualized approach to assigning fidgets and strategies is what all the studies in the literature thus far have lacked.  Clearly there is a gap in the literature, but the absence of evidence does not indicate that a strategy cannot be effective.

So where do we go from here?   
​The literature cannot be used to guide decisions as to whether to implement the use of a fidget to improve attention to task.  But it is imperative to note that evidence-based practice entails more than just a review of the literature.  Clinical decisions are made based upon the literature, personal experience, and patient values.  It is important to discuss with your therapist or teacher, the lack of evidence supporting the use of fidgets, but it is equally important to acknowledge your own values.  If you value trying a strategy that will not harm but could benefit your child, then it should be considered.  If your provider has had personal experience and stories of success with other students or clients; that experience needs to be considered.  If you choose to provide your child with a fidget that is matched to their sensory preferences, then it is important to take data to ensure that it is working.  You can easily create a simple tally sheet to track on task behaviors when the fidget is being implemented.  If the fidget is not yielding the expected results, then perhaps it is not effective for your child.  

​        Aishworiya, Chan, Kiing, Chong, Laino and Tay assert that “sleep plays an integral role in the normal development of children” (2012, p. 99).  Sleep disturbances in infancy and early childhood are correlated with increased incidence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in children three years of age (Jansen, Saridjan, Hofman, Jaddoe, Verhulst & Tiemeier, 2011).  Children who have irregular sleep patterns or sleep disturbances are more likely to injure themselves unintentionally than children with better sleep habits (Koulougloit, Cole & Kitzman, 2008).  There are several factors that can have a profound impact on an infant or toddler’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep such as gastrointestinal reflux, maladaptive routines, and sensory issues. 
         Gastrointestinal reflux can have a profound impact upon sleep and rest.  This may be caused by a weak lower esophageal sphincter.  The stomach acid that flows back in the esophagus can wake a sleeping infant.  Infants and toddlers with gastrointestinal reflux (GER) are likely to have issues with sleep (Fonkalsrud & Ament, 1996).  Often medical intervention such as reflux medications are needed to address the underlying issue. 
         Sensory processing can affect the activities that a child and family perform when getting ready for sleep and going to sleep.  Children with a high arousal level have difficulty with organizing their bodies and relaxing at nap or rest time and before bedtime.  Liu, Hubbard, Fabes and Adam (2006) report that “multiple neurodevelopmental, medical, psychosocial and environmental factors may be associated with increased risk for sleep disorders in children with autism” (p.180).  Sensory processing disorder is very prevalent among children with autism.  They are more sensitive to environmental stimuli such as light, sound and touch than typically developing children (Lui et al., 2006).  Sensory issues can lead to behavioral issues that also need to be addressed and bedtime routines can be incredibly stressful for parents.  Children with sensory processing issues tend to be more rigid and inflexible.  They can have a heightened emotional response to situations that neurotypical children do not.  The combination of behavioral and sensory issues is a recipe for disaster at bedtime.  Hoffman, Sweeny, Gilliam, and Lopez-Wagner (2006) validated the prevalence of sleep disturbance in children with autism.  According to Hoffman et al. (2006) “parents of children with autism reported that their children have more difficulty with sleep then did parents of typically developing children” (p. 150).  Specifically, the findings suggest that children experience challenges with sleep onset and sleep duration.  Additionally, they experience more anxiety around bedtime routines, and they have more frequent night awakenings.  Children with learning disabilities such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with co-morbid attributes of sensory processing issues also have poor quality of sleep (Dorris, Scott, Zuberi, Gibson & Espie, 2008; Weiss & Salpekar, 2010). 
         The physical environment can have a significant impact upon sleep and rest in infant and toddler populations.  For a sample of nursery school and kindergarten children in a suburban community in Japan, environmental attributes such as sharing a bed and the amount of television played a more prominent role in sleep than the occupations of their parents or the family’s socioeconomic status (Kosuke, Akiko & Shihore, 2007).  Mann, Haddow, Stokes, Goodley and Rutter (1986) conducted a study to determine the effect of alternating night and day on sleep, feeding and weight gain.  The researchers found that when light and noise was reduced during nighttime hours, infants slept longer, required less time for feeding and gained more weight.  Changes to a child’s environment may include adjustments in temperature, light, sound and even clothing. 
         Children with sensory processing issues and other developmental disabilities can present with challenges that lead to maladaptive routines and habits.  Sleep is a co-occupation for newborn babies, young children, and their parents.  That is, it can be viewed as a shared occupation.  Both parent and infant need to get an optimal amount of sleep and rest to function in daily life.  If a baby or toddler is not sleeping through the night, both mother and child can be irritable and lack the energy to engage in other meaningful or essential occupations that would normally take place during the day (Komada, Adachi, Matsuura, Mizuno, Hirose, Aritomi & Shirakawa, 2009). 
         Napping has been demonstrated to have positive effects on long-term memory (Hupbach, Gomez, Bootzin & Nadel, 2009).  It also has a significant impact upon the social emotional development of premature infants.  Schwiztenberg, Shah and Poehlmann (2013) note that infants who sleep more during the day have more opportunity to “regroup” and reorganize” and have more secure attachments with their mothers.  Berger, Miller, Seifer, Cares & Lebourgeoise (2012) found that removing naps results in substantial changes in the emotional responses of relatively well rested children.  The effects of sleep restriction were significant and resulted in a 34% reduction in positive emotional responses and a 31% increase in negative emotional responses.  Research demonstrates a link between increased parental involvement at bedtime and decreased self-soothing during night waking which leads to a subsequent deficit in the ability of toddlers to settle themselves.  Interestingly the daycare staff of the same toddlers with difficulty settling themselves at night were shown to provide increased staff involvement during nap time.  The researchers concluded that increased adult involvement in the settling process at nap time and bedtime may lead to decreased self-regulation and self-soothing.  They further supported findings in previous research that poor sleep at night corresponds to decreased adjustment during the daytime and correlates with increased problematic behaviors (Hall, Schar, Zaidman-Zait, Espezel & Warnock, 2011).
         The most common interventions for sleep disturbances fall into the following three categories:  sleep hygiene, behavioral plans, and sensory strategies.  Sleep hygiene is an intervention strategy that targets performance patterns.  It is important to set up realistic expectations and parameters for bedtime routines.  Suggestions for activity modification prior to bed are a part of this strategy.  An individualized list of relaxation activities to engage in before bedtime can be helpful.  One such activity may be to take a warm bath or read a story.  This approach has been demonstrated to be an effective intervention choice in the literature (Weiss, Wasdell, Bomben, Rea and Freeman, 2006). 
Sleep restriction “involves restricting the amount of time in bed to the total amount of time asleep, thus reducing or eliminating time spent awake in bed” (Christodulu & Durand, 2004, p.131).  This approach has been shown to demonstrate improvements in children’s behavior at bedtime and increased parental satisfaction with bedtime routines.  Children required less time to fall asleep and they had longer duration of uninterrupted sleep or less night waking. 
         Occupational therapists educate families in the use of sensory strategies or techniques to support nighttime routines.  Piravej, Tangtrongchitr, Chandarasiri, Paothong and Sukprasong (2009) conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to examine the effects of Thai traditional massage on autistic behaviors.  They found a significant improvement in sleeping behavior after eight weeks of intervention but could not definitively conclude that it was due to the massage versus traditional occupational therapy sensory integration treatment.  Other massage techniques such as Qigong massage have been shown to yield positive results and the effects have been demonstrated to last ten months after the intervention (Silva, Schalock, Ayres, Bunse & Budden, 2009).  Jorge, de Witt & Franzsen (2009) found that parent education and the use of sensory diets had a positive impact upon the sleep patterns of infants in a relatively small sample of children with regulatory sensory processing disorder.  A cursory review of social media sites provides anecdotal evidence to support the use of weighted blankets as parents report improvements in sleep behavior.  Swaddling is a form of deep pressure that can be effective in helping infants to maintain quiet sleep (Gerard, Harris & Thach, 2002).  Using a sensory integrative approach that promotes opportunities for movement experiences such as swinging can be an effective method to improve the nighttime routines in children with autism or sensory processing disorder (Schaaf, Hunt & Benevides, 2012). 

There is a growing body of literature to support the use of high intensity exercise to improve self-regulation, cognition, and mental health in children (Lubans et al., 2016).  Researchers have found that aerobic activity improves behavior in children, and it has been particularly beneficial to children with ADHD.  Manville moves is a cyber cycling intervention that has yielded positive behavioral outcomes amongst children with behavioral health disorders (Bowling et al., 2017).  Dr. Amy Wheadon is a former doctoral student of mine and she created the Kidshine Bootcamp program in 2016 based on the premise that intense physical exercise can improve self-regulation in children with sensory processing disorders.  As part of her doctoral program at New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) she conducted research at my clinic in Warwick, RI to investigate the efficacy of her program; the results were significant.  Children in the Kidshine Bootcamp groups improved in numerous areas of sensory processing.  For a more detailed description of the study, it can be found on research gate.  The Kidshine Bootcamp program draws upon a variety of theories and it includes interventions that target social skills, sensory processing, motor planning, coordination, self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-regulation.  This unique program is designed and implemented by occupational therapists who are trained to treat children holistically. 


I personally attend classes at Orange Theory Fitness (OTF) in Medway, Massachusetts. Orange Theory Fitness is a high intensity interval training for adults.  I joined OTF to achieve personal fitness goals but in reflecting about my own personal experience I realize that it has offered so much more.  I feel more regulated when I go to class in the morning.  Attending OTF has also had an impact upon my mental health.  I enjoy connecting with the coaches and the other members.  I feel like I am part of a community.  Through this pandemic we have supported and encouraged each other.  Staff and members have diligently maintained an atmosphere of safety while we work out in our masks behind plexiglass barriers.  Participating in classes help us meet our fitness needs, social emotional needs and the need for routine and normalcy during this past year.  I may not be the fastest or strongest athlete but my tribe at OTF makes me feel like I can do anything.


The parallels between OTF and Kidshine Bootcamp are many.  If children at my clinic can reap the benefits of intense exercise just as I have through my involvement in OTF, it is obvious, I have to offer it.  If your children would benefit from enhanced motor planning and coordination, improved sensory processing and self-regulation, increased self-confidence, and self-esteem, look for a Kidshine Bootcamp program at a clinic near you.

I am an occupational therapist who works with children who are picky eaters.  Confession, I am a picky eater myself.  When I was a child, my mother used to have to boil eggs so that the yoke was soft.  She would cut toast into strips with crusts removed for me to dip.  Once I dipped my toast, she would have to clean the yoke off the remaining egg white, cut it up and serve it with salt and pepper.  This is the only way I would eat the "jokes" as I referred to them.  As a teenager, I only ate Hawaiian pizza (pineapple and ham) but here is the kicker, I removed the pineapple because I do not like pineapple.  The point is that picky eating is prevalent.  A definition of picky eating based upon qualitative research is liking only a few foods; limited intake; resisting texture or appearance of foods; resistance to new foods.  Researchers have found that picky eating impacts the family meal by adding stress and changing meal preparation (Trofholz, A., Schulte, A., & Berge, J, 2017).  

Picky eating becomes problematic when a child restricts the amount of food they eat and the variety of food groups from which they choose to eat.  The purpose of this blog post is to share some tips to address picky eating, so here goes.

• Involve your children in meal preparation.  
• Pair preferred foods with non-preferred foods.
• Food chaining is when you introduce a food that is like one that they already eat i.e., color, texture, flavor.
• Provide positive reinforcement for accepting food on their plate, touching, or tasting the food.
• Set aside time to have fun with food perhaps snack time to take the pressure off eating.

If you are having difficulty with getting your child to eat and mealtimes have become stressful events in your household that disrupt your family function, picky eating may have become problematic and you may need help.  You can talk to your pediatrician about a referral to a feeding specialist who can support you in addressing your child's feeding issues.  Feeding is a complicated behavior.  We eat to get nutrition, to celebrate holidays and religious events, to socialize and we eat for pleasure.  It is not as simple as "to eat or not to eat".