Parenting Resources Archives - Page 2 of 9 - Connect the Dots Pediatric Therapy

5 Easy Language-Building Moments During the Holidays

At Home, Holidays, Parenting Resources, Speech Therapy / By Connect the Dots

The holidays are full of natural moments to support your child’s language skills, no flashcards required. From cozy routines to everyday traditions, simple interactions can turn into powerful learning opportunities when kids are engaged, relaxed, and having fun. Here are 5 easy, parent-friendly ways to encourage language development during the holiday season (without changing your

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How Your Baby Builds Words Into Sentences (And How You Can Help!)

At Home, Parenting Resources, Speech Therapy / By Connect the Dots

Babies usually start saying their first words around 9–12 months of age. It’s such an exciting milestone—and once it happens, things really start to take off! By the time your little one is about 18 months old, you might hear around 50 words in their vocabulary. This is a great sign that they’re getting ready

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Flat Head in Babies: 5 Expert-Recommended Tips to Support Healthy Head Shape

Parenting Resources, Physical Therapy / By Connect the Dots

Becoming a new parent comes with a lot of surprises; some sweet, some confusing, and some you never saw coming… like noticing a flat spot on your baby’s head. If that’s you, take a breath, you’re not alone. Plagiocephaly, often called flat head syndrome, is very common in infants. The even better news? With early

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Speech Regression in Kids: What It Means and How to Help

Parenting Resources, Speech Therapy / By Connect the Dots

It can be incredibly challenging for families when a child experiences a regression in speech and language skills. A regression refers to a temporary decline or reversal in abilities a child once had, such as losing vocabulary, difficulty following directions, or struggling to communicate socially. While regression is often linked to autism, it can also

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A Speech Therapist’s Guide to Language-Rich Screen Time

At Home, Parenting Resources, Speech Therapy / By Connect the Dots

Screen time doesn’t have to be a passive experience — with a little intention, it can become a tool for building language, connection, and creativity. Whether you’re watching a show together on the couch or using a tablet during a road trip, these strategies can help make those minutes meaningful. Keep This List HandyThink of

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Navigating Brachial Plexus Injuries: What to Expect and How to Help Your Baby

Gross Motor, Parenting Resources, Physical Therapy / By Connect the Dots

Brachial plexus injuries in newborns, although not frequently discussed, are an important concern for new parents, particularly for those who have experienced a difficult or complicated delivery. These injuries, which affect a group of nerves located in the neck and shoulder region, can significantly impact a newborn’s ability to move their arm or hand. Understanding

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7 Ways to Remain Calm When Your Child is Upset

At Home, Occupational Therapy, Parenting Resources / By Connect the Dots

Parenting can be both beautiful and challenging, and one of the toughest moments is when your child is upset—whether they’re throwing a tantrum, crying inconsolably, or just feeling overwhelmed. In these moments, it can be hard to keep your cool. But your ability to stay calm has a profound impact not only on how the

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Boosting Regulation and Attention with Yoga Balls and Peanut Balls

Occupational Therapy, Parenting Resources / By Connect the Dots

At Connect the Dots, we love finding fun, movement-based ways to help kids feel calm, focused, and ready to learn. One of our favorite go-to tools? Yoga balls and peanut balls! These simple pieces of equipment can make a big difference in how a child regulates their body and attention—especially for kids with sensory processing,

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Preventing and Treating Abnormal Head Shapes in Babies: A Parent’s Guide

Parenting Resources, Physical Therapy / By Connect the Dots

As a parent, you want the best for your baby, and that includes their health and development. During the first year of life, babies’ skulls are still soft and developing, which means they are more prone to certain conditions that can affect the shape of their heads. Plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, and scaphocephaly are terms you might

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7 Simple Ways to Help Your Child When They Feel Overwhelmed

At Home, Occupational Therapy, Parenting Resources / By Connect the Dots

Ever had one of those days where everything just feels too much? Kids feel that way too—especially when their senses are on overload! When a child is overwhelmed, sometimes the best thing we can do is lower the demands and give them space to regulate. That doesn’t mean giving up on routines or expectations—it just

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