Does your child have empathy? Or should I ask, do you have empathy? One of the best ways to teach empathy is by modeling it for your child. If you show your child how to be empathetic with your actions, they will learn from you. But teaching empathy goes beyond being a positive role model for your child. What… Read More
Top 10 Play Tools Every Parent and Therapist Should Own
It’s National Play Therapy Week and as a nationally recognized Registered Play Therapist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I want to bring awareness to play this week as it is vitally important for a child’s growth, cognitive and emotional development, and overall mental wellbeing! And now, with the big role the pandemic has played with children’s mental health, play… Read More
Sensory Play, Pretend Play, and Role Play Ideas for Children with Autism
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder are typically encouraged to engage in three primary ways to play; sensory play, role play, and pretend play. Sensory play comes the easiest since many of these children are innately sensory seeking. Role play and pretend play often needs to be learned and practiced but can be a fun and playful way for caregivers… Read More
How to Utilize Play to Get Your Children to Do What You Want
As a Registered Play Therapist, play is the foundation to the way I help children conceptualize and conquer the world. Play is second nature to children and the way they respond to many of life’s obstacles. Sometimes as parents, it is easy to get into a power match with your children, especially when you want your children to comply with a request… Read More
Winter Break Hands-On Holiday Activities
Many of us are going to be home for the holidays this year, which means 2-3 weeks of free time when children are home without school all day and parents needing activities for their children to do to keep busy! But if you are like me, you want your children to participate in activities that involve play, creativity, imagination, and… Read More
Top 10 Homeschool Tips & Virtual Learning Must Haves
As the pandemic continues, parents are finding themselves wearing the teacher hat again this fall whether they are full blown homeschooling or assisting their child in virtual online learning through their child’s school. As a working mom with multiple jobs I know how much of a challenge this is and how many parents are dreading it. And I know it’s… Read More
10 Ways to Help Children Transition Back to School
Going back to school can be a really stressful time for many children, especially if they are starting a new school or transitioning into elementary, middle, or high school. Having a new teacher, making new friends, navigating new and possibly more challenging homework, and just giving up a fun and more unstructured summer break can be hard. Since I… Read More
Separation Anxiety: Top 10 Solutions and Resources for School Success
Now that school has started, your child may have some anxious energy. Some nerves are expected from young children at any age, but if your child becomes preoccupied with an intensive fear of not being with you or their primary caregiver and has physiological distress symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, excessive crying, defiance, or even panic attacks and or nightmares, they… Read More
Let’s Talk About: Why the UPPAbaby VISTA is My Dream Stroller
Before I was a mom it was imperative that I had the perfect pair of jeans. Once I found the ones that fit the best, I bought multiple pairs consistently going back to the same loyal, dependable, fashionable brand that I knew and loved. And now as a parent, when I find a baby brand I love, I hold… Read More
Let’s Talk About: How to Utilize Play for Positive Behavior and A Peaceful Home
I have always loved being a public speaker. When I was a senior in high school I used to work for The San Diego County Office of Education and other platforms presenting at school assemblies for students K-12 on a variety of topics including drug and alcohol prevention, eating disorders, and more. As I grew older I did other public… Read More