Blog

Reflections of the year that was, goals for the new year, and transitions for new learning environments

Wishing everyone a happy 2024 and reflecting on the lessons taken forward from 2023. Such an enriching time (and a very hot humid summer here). Thanks heavens for air-conditioning!!Shared wisdom from the last 12 months that can enhance therapy :- Skills learnt about...

As January races away from us already - its a good time to 1) reflect on past experiences and learning,2)  look towards new challenges and inspirations and to 3) savour each moment as we go! So much was shared and learnt in 2022 - notably more awareness of the...

An exciting delivery happened this week! It was a parcel with the book "All about Dyspraxia - understanding Developmental Coordination Disorder" by local author Kathy Hoopman - a beautifully illustrated insightful (and gently humorous) book about living with...

Empathy, vulnerability, and getting kids to listen (and talk to you)   I’ve been fascinated lately with the concepts of attuned relationships (especially parenting/reaching children) especially encouraging listening, and opening up about emotions and thoughts.  I...

Happy New Year! This visual (found/shared on Facebook) is a reminder that it is important to take risks in order to develop, grow and strengthen. Professor Anita Bundy has done in-depth research on this topic, establishing that reasonable risk-taking in play for...

While face-to-face contact is out right now, and this is incredibly hard, this is a time for choosing to focus on new positive activities.  My 'aha' choice has been to take the time to read Tara Brach's latest book, "Radical Compassion - learning to love yourself and...

I'm keen to share a new visual from an OT Facebook site as it 'says a thousand words' Email or phone me if you wish to discuss further

I'm keen to share the latest great book that a webinar on positive parenting uncovered : "Listen" by Patty Wipfler and Tosha Schore M.A. Its a gem with a clear and simple message ie "Five simple tools to meet your everyday parenting challenges" with many real-life...

This great article just landed in my inbox as part of the Greater Good Science CentreNewsletter (see link)...

There's been quite a lot in the media lately about the push for more physical movement in the school day.  This a great idea, as kids (and adults) need to move for lots of reasons - for both physical and emotional well being.  All the research points to physical...

Reflections on 2017 highlights   So many new learnings in 2017 :- I always learn the most valuable information from my clients (and their families) – what works for them, their creative solutions, what new challenges arise – every year a greater depth of...

Be a superhero! Kids just love superheroes!  They can be inspiring and motivating for them.  Recently the teacher of one little guy that I had been working with told me that he hadn't been comfortable in using the 'special' supportive pencil that I had organised for...

Sensory issues in context of whole body and occupational performance Hi all!  I'm very pleased to have my site up and running again after some 'technical difficulties' with our national carrier! I (together with my colleagues Nerida & Julie and more recently,...

​Lately I have been researching more about how to help children who have difficultly in motor planning and/or knowing where their body is in space. The Anat Baniel method was mentioned in a recent online webinar.  Information on Anat's website :...

​These three key  daily living activities are vital to a balanced lifestyle and optimal performance (for children and for adults). Good nutrition is a regular topic in the media, and an emotive area for parents - if they have a 'picky' eater or a child who...

​Berkeley University's Greater Good Science Centre (notably Scott Barry Kaufman Ph.D. with Carolyn Gregoire from Huffington Post)  have shared a ​summary from their book "Wired to create: unravelling the mysteries of the creative mind". We can gain insights from them...

​​Star Wars ​characters in activity sheets​, dress-up props/imaginative play are great for facilitating engagement in therapeutic activities - and I'm finding that there's some great quotes and concepts from the stories that can be used to enhance the understanding of...

​Two buzz words and powerful tools in our mental health through the ages - I'm working on using both in therapy as much as possible - this article is very relevant in pointing out the benefits of gratitude:​ Evidence is mounting that gratitude makes a powerful impact...

​This topic seems always relevant - especially for babies and young children, but also right across the lifespan At a recent OT meeting, we had a great presentation by Catherine Daly, who had very pertinent and up-to-date information on attachment and related issues....

​I've had the opportunity to attend some very exciting and illuminating presentations this year on this topic - which have helped to validate my experience and way of thinking and working, as well to shape future ​professional and personal interactions. The first was...

​The short answer is a resounding 'yes'!  It can help make learning easier, and may help you to think better! Although keyboarding is becoming mandatory earlier in schooling, research shows that handwriting needs to be still taught and required if physically possible...

​A great new addition to my therapy centre has just ben installed  - a "Yogapeutics" hammock! I've been waiting for its delivery for some time now (after discovering the resource through Pinterest).  Lots of others must have also discovered Lindsey's site - as there...

​I am enthusiastic about this topic now, as yesterday I attended the same-named great workshop run by Megan Shiel, Art Therapist and Dialectical Behavour Therapist.  Right from Teacher's college days when I loved our textbook on Creative & learning development, I...

​School holidays can be a great time for both children and their parents to  take time to recharge and relax.  Sometimes children's development seems to consolidate/progress better at holiday time. John Medina's just updated 2014 edition of "Brain Rules" notes the...