So far, we’ve covered games that implement basic game play etiquette and dabble in reasoning and logic. Let’s up the ante to one that requires a bit of strategy and fine motor precision. Say hello to Kerplunk.
Continue readingKerplunk
Playtime
Candyland
I always enjoy using board games when working with kids. Games are a familiar medium and improve a variety of skills, but they’re also fun. And if the kids are having fun, the better they’ll take to their new skills.
Because April is Occupational Therapy Month and board games are a frequent go-to for pediatric OTs, they’ve become our awesome #OTMonth blog theme. First up, CANDYLAND!
Continue readingCourse Notes: Torticollis and Flat-Head Syndrome
When the Back to Sleep campaign kicked off in 1994, there was a noted decrease in SIDS. However, the number of babies with developmental delays rose. Interestingly enough, the cases of torticollis and flat-head syndrome (aka plagiocephaly) dramatically increased as well. Coincidence? I think NOT!
Continue readingPlaydate Behavior
Based on our Playdate Reviews, you know that Mary and I have been doing bi-monthly playdates with our kids for over a year now since they’ve been in the school-age stage. But for the last couple big playdates, I started seeing some patterns.
I feel like what we are seeing is probably similar behavior to what you’ve seen when kids are in groups: talking over each other, getting louder in volume, fighting for attention and showing off, getting jealous, making rash decisions, and going apesh*t when the playdate ends.
At the end of these playdates, I’ve felt like I had to incessantly apologize and abort mission on more than occasion. Baby and toddler playdates are going to have a different vibe, obviously. We are far from the time when we could’ve just hung out with wine while the kids did whatever.
That is not to say that all playdates are like this. I look forward to picking and planning these outings and our kids very much see each other as best friends. So let’s talk about the ups and downs of playdate behavior and what Mary and I have done to stay cool.
Continue readingOur Splatter Studio Playdate Review
Coming back inside for our February Playdate Review. By now, I’m sure our kids are wondering why we keep taking them on all these surprise trips.
Quick review: The playdates need to be a something new that the kids have never done before. They need to be a more-involved playdate activity and have a combination of cognitive/motor/social skills and sensory integration. While I’m sure a normal playdate at the park will do just fine, we also want to help promote some cool activities and spots around our city.
Splatter Studio opened in Atlanta around three years ago, and recently opened a location in Sandy Springs. While I’ve been to Splatter Studio before for my birthday a couple years ago, they now have Family Sundays, where you get a free child ticket with the purchase of one adult ticket. Kids have to be under 13 years old, and you each get to take home your own masterpiece.
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Child(ish) Advice 