Everybody knows how to raise children, except the people who have them. – P.J. O’Rourke
When my son was born, I had many expectations on how I was going to raise him. Being a pediatric Occupational Therapist, I felt like I had an advantage. I assumed that the troubles and turmoil parents face could easily be solved with follow-through and consistency. I would often hear fellow colleagues tell me, “Wait until you have kids.”
Continue reading
Hey Everyone,
Since starting Child(ish) Advice, our mission has been to share Occupational Therapy and child development resources with parents. While Mary covers the therapy side of our mission, I’m contributing for the parenting side.
Together, we’re starting a new monthly series called Child(ish) Reads. Each month, we will talk about popular parenting books, podcasts, and articles and give you the rundown on the ones we enjoyed and recommend.
Since this month has been pregnancy-focused, our first series post will be on the ever-popular subject of Pregnancy Books.
Continue reading
Modern expectant moms (especially first-time moms) hear a gamut of unsolicited advice during their pregnancy term. “You need to take care of yourself,” strangely seems to be one of the more annoying pieces of noise.
It makes sense. But with a 9-month (or sooner) deadline, how can one balance preparing for baby AND fulfilling professional and personal commitments AND taking care of yourself? Let’s also not forget finding time to read the baby books, going to all of the appointments, and having people touch your belly all the time…
From an OT perspective, self-care is a part of daily living that includes meaningful and intentional actions to address one’s physical, mental, and emotional health. These activities can range anywhere from personal hygiene to health management, sleep, and social participation.
Continue reading
Oh, the baby registry. It’s an exciting time to search for all the things that baby (and you) could ever need. But what is really necessary? When it comes to growth and development, here are our suggestions for items that help in more ways than one.
Continue reading
“We can’t bring a baby into this mess!?!?…”
In pregnancy, some women may feel this incessant internal urge to clean. Nothing ever seems to be together. Everything revolves around getting and being ready.
Nesting is the process of preparing for a newborn’s arrival; turning a house into a home and providing a place of comfort, belonging, and physical and emotional stability for your baby.
How is nesting related to OT? Because it is something meaningful to you. You are investing your time and energy in activities necessary to care for your little one.
Continue reading
Child(ish) Advice 