Get in (Mid)Line

September 15, 2021September 13, 2022 | Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

There are two sides to every story. The same applies to the human body.

Practically any movement we do, big or small, requires the left and right side to work together to stabilize and/or execute a motion. Even reading this post relies on such teamwork. Bilateral coordination (also known as bilateral integration) is the ability to simultaneously use both sides of the body. Like all developmental skills, this ability is gained through our own body awareness, experiences, and practice.

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Move with Intention: Motor Planning

September 7, 2021September 13, 2021 | Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

Remember playing Twister? Contorting your body to keep your hands and feet on specific colors without falling. This classic game utilizes a skill called motor planning – the ability to ideate, sequence, and execute movements to complete a task. Sounds easy, but this skill develops over time with body awareness, observation, and trial-and-error.

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Tummy Time Revisited

July 30, 2021July 29, 2021 | Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

“It’s so important that your baby does tummy time.”
Yes, it absolutely is. But, is there another option??

As we’ve discussed in our previous TT post, Tummy Time is one of the hardest, but most beneficial activities for your newborn to do. But why the fuss? The answer: The Safe-to-Sleep Campaign.

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A More Hands-On Approach

July 15, 2021July 14, 2021 | Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

Screen time is just an arm’s reach away and let’s face it, kids are more likely to lounge around face-down in their tablet rather than engage with the objects around them. To be fair, we’ve all had our fair share of staring at a screen this past year.

Although technology is changing how we function from day to day, it’s still important that your child gets hands-on interaction with their environment. Not only does it build their fine motor skills, but it also shapes how they engage with people and their surroundings.

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