Optimize OT

#FlipTheNarrative

Great opportunity to learn how to support your kiddo’s virtual learning while considering their vision health! Dr Carl Hillier is the best! Thank you La Jolla Learning Works for organizing and offering this to families. Sign up link in comments.

This is a great resource for our families! Check out this free 3 part series on how to best support your littles with tele-services and on-line schooling.

Our very own Charlie teaching! I’ve known this sweet young man since he was 2 years old and am so proud of him! You can see more of his artwork displayed at the clinic!

My niece just sent me this. Yep. Just yep.

Too often, I see children reprimanded when they're not able to control their behaviours and emotions. They’re expected to remain calm and happy, not get upset, ...not display anger, and quickly calm themselves down if they do get angry or upset. If they can’t do this, they may be referred to me for "self-regulation difficulties". Here's the thing. Self-regulation is a developmental process. Just as we wouldn’t expect a child to run before they can walk, we cannot expect children to self-regulate until they’ve experienced co-regulation time and time again. And unless a child has had it modelled enough, and their brain has developed enough, they will not achieve regulation on their own. Have a think - when was the last time you heard a 3 year old say I’m so angry my sister hit me! I need to calm down. I’m just going to take myself to the kitchen for a drink of water and do some deep breaths. Co-regulation begins from birth. When babies are unsettled and we cuddle them, rock them, feed them - we are helping them to regulate. When toddlers are angry that they can't have the toy they want, and we empathise with them, sit with them, get them a drink - we are helping them to regulate. When preschoolers are upset because they're not ready to leave their playdate, and we listen and help them take deep breaths - we are helping them to regulate. Self-regulation only BEGINS to emerge around 4-5 years. And whilst some 4-5 year olds may be able to regulate themselves, others may not be able to. Both are within the typical range of development. True self-regulation is not fully established until our mid-twenties. Even then, we often turn to others to help us feel better when we are feeling low. And we are often quite happy to help other adults feel better when they're feeling low, however when children need our help, we may be reluctant to give it, perhaps in fear that we will stunt their emotional resilience (amongst many other understandable but unfounded fears). When we ask a child to regulate themselves before they're ready, we risk shaming them, affecting their self-esteem, and affecting their relationship with us. Co-regulation needs to come first. You may not be able to help your child regulate 100% of the time, and that’s okay. Just know that they may not be ready to do it themselves.

We have been able to provide telehealth for many of our families but we sure are missing seeing everyone in person!

My niece just sent me this. Yep. Just yep.

Our therapists are here for you. Let us know how we can support you and your family!

We'd love to have you join us for a great cause! Let us know if you'd like to walk with us!

Our first Parents' Night Out was a success! So fun spending the evening with theses kiddos while their parents took a couple hours to themselves. Thank you to our volunteers and to Kristine Ching for organizing the event! If you missed it, there will be more opportunities in the near future!

Do you agree? The best toy in the world... Mona Delahooke, Ph.D.