love languages

Gifting the Village

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

“It takes a village to raise a child” is one of those sayings that sounds nice until you become a parent. Then, you realize just how true it is.

Behind every thriving child is a whole cast of supporting characters. There are teachers who spark curiosity, therapists who celebrate hard-earned milestones, coaches who build confidence, caregivers who provide comfort, and countless others who cheer from the sidelines every step of the way.

While the holidays naturally inspire us to focus on family and friends, they’re also the time to recognize the people who make up our children’s village. These are the individuals who invest their time, energy, expertise, and heart into helping our kids learn, grow, and thrive throughout the year; extending far beyond the classroom, playing field, therapy room, or after-school program.

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Kids and the Concept of Love

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

“I’m in love.”
“No, you’re not. You don’t know what love is. You love cupcakes and ponies.” – Steve Byrne, The Byrne Identity

Kids are funny when it comes to love. Adults see it as a deep emotional connection, but children are still figuring out what that feeling even is. They might say “I love you” to a parent, announce plans to marry a playground friend, or juggle “relationships” with multiple classmates. They hug with their whole bodies and may even offer a kiss simply because they don’t know another way to show affection.

Kids may not fully grasp what love means, but they’re learning how it feels, how to express it, and how to set safe boundaries—and that learning begins from the moment they’re born.

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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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