Author: Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

Mary’s Favorite Post: 2025

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

Reflecting on 2025, I’m pleased with the content we’ve produced throughout the year. While I loved exploring topics like the Boy Brain and the Girl Brain, but my top pick has to be Mary’s School Update: New School, Who’s This?

School consolidations and closures have become increasingly common across the country in recent years, especially in cities that are reaching max capacity. On the flip side, new school construction and redistricting in growing communities can be just as challenging for parents to navigate.

When our school closed and we moved to a nearby one, the transition turned out to be far less daunting than we expected. In fact, the kids adapted more easily than the parents. And through it all, what truly makes a school special remains the same: the teachers, staff, and families that make the community.

Enjoy!

Kids and “Stuff”

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

The holidays have arrived, bringing with them the ritual of gifting wish lists. Yet, as every parent knows, last year’s treasures don’t always stand the test of time. While some presents do become beloved companions and favored sources of entertainment, others unfortunately break, or gather dust, or get lost in the abyss. When asked about it, they simply shrug before adding a nearly identical (and equally useless) toy to next year’s list. UGH! The audacity…

As the season of giving begins, we can’t help but wonder: If kids want these toys so badly, why don’t they care for them? And if they don’t, why ask for them at all?  There must be a good explanation for this, right? Turns out, there is.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2025: Mary’s Wishlist

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

‘Tis the season! You know the drill: as soon as the Thanksgiving dishes are cleared, the family Wishlist requests start rolling in. Last year, I was winging it. This year? I’ve got a game plan. Maybe I’ve just tuned in to what makes me smile, but my asks come with purpose. Here’s what I’m hoping to find under the tree this year…

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Holiday Gift Guide: Tweens, ages 10-12

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

This year, we’re introducing a new gift guide category just for tweens. With all the rapid growth and change happening in our families, we know they’re going to be firmly in this category soon. Even though it’s an awkward age group, they still have their own distinct developmental needs.

At ages 10-12, kids are no longer little but not quite teens. They ask bigger questions, challenge ideas, and start understanding how they learn. Language sharpens, conversations deepen, and puberty often begins, bringing physical changes and self-awareness. Emotionally, tweens explore identity, crave peer connection, and care deeply about fairness. Gifts for this age group should provide flexible structure, foster open communication, model emotional regulation, all while supporting their evolving interests.

You also want to be careful not to choose gifts that are either too adult or too infantile. They are right in between.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2025: Elementary Kids, Ages 6-9

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

Kids ages 6–9 are growing fast mentally, socially, and physically. They start reading independently, grasp abstract ideas, and enjoy creative and group play. Friendships deepen, empathy emerges, and they seek approval from peers. Motor skills sharpen, and they take pride in accomplishments. Gifts for this age group balance autonomy with guidance, and encourage curiosity, connection, and confidence.

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