How to Properly Fit Your Child's Backpack

Every day, parents hug and kiss their babies and send them off to school wearing their backpacks. Unknowingly, these loving parents, if uneducated about backpack safety, could be placing their child at an increased risk for neck and back pain.

Here are a few tips for safe backpack use...

9 Dollar Store Finds to Keep Your Kids Busy This Summer!

We have scoured the web and the brains of our fabulous staff to come up with 9 super-fun, super-inexpensive summer activities for you and your child!

These dollar-store activities will help your child’s development by teaching them to exercise their minds and their bodies. To get the full benefits of learning, play, enjoyment, and child development out of these activities, have your child help with every step!  

Tips for Teletherapy

Teletherapy is a word that we’ve all become familiar with over the past few weeks and probably a word we didn’t know much about until now. We’ve all had to be catapulted out of our comfort zones during these unprecedented times and how we facilitate therapy is no exception. Therapists, parents, and most importantly our children, have been expected to do their therapy sessions on a computer, phone, or tablet. It’s different than anything we’ve ever experienced before. But teletherapy doesn’t have to be intimidating. Our job is to make it fun and enjoyable for everyone. Here are a few tips that can make teletherapy sessions go a little smoother.

Physical Therapy at Home

As a parent, you know how important physical activity is for your child. During this time where a lot of families are at home, we put together some fun physical therapy tips to do at home.

Speech Therapy at Home

In this season of life, a lot of parents are home with their children for an extended period of time. You might be struggling with things to do or what to work on with your kiddo that might be used to receiving therapy during the day. For those children who had been receiving speech therapy, these are some great ways to continue their progress at home...

Preschool At Home

During this unprecendented time, while our preschools might not be functioning in the way that we normally are, our preschool staff are working tirelessly to get educational activity packets to our families each week.

Occupational Therapy at Home

As a parent during this crazy time, you might be at home with your kiddo or are looking for ways to fill their time on the weekends. We know it is hard to come up with activities, so we wanted to get together some fun occupational therapy tips to do at home. It's more important now than ever to find ways to retain some normalcy in the midst of uncertainty. So below are some occupational therapy tips to do at home with your littles to help maintain their development.

The Benefits of Speech Therapy

Speech therapy is often believed to be primarily focused on helping children produce speech sounds more accurately; however, speech therapy involves much more than teaching sounds.

February Sensory Bin | Can't Help Falling in Love...with Peds Plus

This month's bin theme is Can't Help Falling in Love...with Pediatrics Plus!

January Sensory Bin | Penguin Wonderland

12 Days of Christmas | Developmental Gift Guide

What's the Plus with Physical Therapy

What's the plus with pediatric physical therapy? We'd love to show you!

What's the Plus with Occupational Therapy

Ever wonder how Occupational Therapy can help your child? Check out our video to learn about OT and its benefits.

Preschool | Frequently Asked Questions

Are you ready for the first day of Preschool? Check out these Frequently Asked Questions from Parents...

What's the Plus with Speech Therapy

What's the plus of Speech Therapy at Pediatrics Plus? Our therapists provide a comprehensive evaluation focused on key components of communication and utilize both play-based and clinician-directed activities to help each child reach their greatest potential.

What's the Plus with ABA Therapy

At Pediatrics Plus, ABA Therapy utilizes specialized natural-environment spaces and collaborates with occupational, physical, and/or speech therapy to empower our kiddos with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Through this collaborative approach with teachers, therapists, and families, our goal is to assist children to reach developmentally appropriate milestones!

What's the Plus with Nursing Services

What's the plus of having an on-site nurse at each Peds Plus location? We'd love to show you!

What's the Plus with a Developmental Preschool

Have you wondered what the 'Plus' means in Pediatrics Plus? We feel that the Plus represents the many additional pediatric services we offer, including our developmental preschool. Did you know we have preschools in both Arkansas and Texas? Click here to learn more about how to Enroll Now.

 

Empowering Parents: How to Prevent Biting

What are some tips to prevent biting?

The best strategies to decrease/eliminate biting are:

1. Prevention
2. Providing sensory input to decrease the “need to bite”.

Empowering Parents: Will Two Languages Hinder My Child's Speech

IF MY CHILD IS LEARNING 2 LANGUAGES, DOES THAT DELAY THEM FROM SPEAKING AT A CERTAIN AGE?

There are a lot of myths associated with learning two languages. 

Empowering Parents: Tummy Time

HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD WE SPEND DOING TUMMY TIME?

From infancy, it is very important that babies get plenty of tummy time throughout the day.  We typically recommend for babies to get a minimum of 1 hour of tummy time each day.

Empowering Parents: When to Transition to a Sippy Cup

WHEN DO I TRANSITION MY BABY FROM BOTTLE TO SIPPY CUP?

Bottle weaning should be a slow process, eliminating 1 bottle feeding a month beginning at around 12 months typically through around 16 months.

Empowering Parents: When Can Toddlers Feed Themselves

When Can my toddler feed themselves without making such a MESS?

At around 15-18 months a toddler should be able to scoop food with a spoon and feed himself with some spilling.

Empowering Parents: How to teach my child to say "My name is..."

A good place to start would be to teach your child the concept of "my". Typically, a developing child begins to use appropriate pronouns such as "my, mine, I" around the age of 2.5 years.

Empowering Parents: When Should My Toddler Begin Speaking

At what age should my toddler begin speaking in full sentences?

Empowering Parents: How to PLAY with your child

What does it mean to "PLAY" with your baby? How do I do this? There is a lot of research that supports that babies learn through play and it's important to feel confident as a parent in your play skills! 

Empowering Parents: ABCs

At what age should my child be able to know his ABC's?

What is ABA Therapy?

Pediatrics Plus is now offering ABA therapy at some of our locations, however, unlike the other therapies we offer (OT, PT, Speech), it isn't as well known. Keep reading to find out more about ABA Therapy.

Tips for a Successful Halloween

Halloween is just a few days away and for many families it means celebrating school parties, church carnivals, or trick-or-treating. While it can be a fun and exciting time for children, it is important to remember that Halloween can also be stressful, especially for those children with dietary restrictions.

More Kindergarten Readiness Tips for Parents

The school year will be here before you know it, which can be stressful to some parents with children heading off to kindergarten. We have compiled a checklist of items to work on with your child to best prepare them for the big transition. Starting school doesn’t have to be scary with these helpful tips:

Kindergarten Readiness Tips for Parents

The school year will be here before you know it, which can be stressful to some parents with children heading off to kindergarten. We have compiled some items to work on with your child to best prepare them for the big transition.

Inexpensive Summer Activity Ideas

School’s Out and the fun of summer is upon us! Make the most out of summer with your children by organizing activities that promote movement and learning!

How to use household items to create developmental toys

During this unique time in our country, we know a lot of families are at home with their littles. Therefore, we wanted to offer you some great developmental toys you can make from items in your home! These toys are fun for both parents and children as you get to see your little one explore and learn new ways to problem solve. These toy examples are best for children up to age 5.

Encouraging an Attitude of Gratitude this Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, we are reminded of the importance of thankfulness. Since gratitude is on our minds this time of year, it serves as a great opportunity to reinforce an attitude of gratitude with your children. Pediatrics Plus has compiled a list of ways to help incorporate this into your everyday family life.

Halloween Costume Ideas for Wheelchairs and Walkers

Halloween is a holiday with no limitations. It is the one day of the year where we can be absolutely anything we want! This includes children and adults in wheelchairs. While some may feel that a wheelchair gets in the way of expressing full Halloween creativity, we have seen that this is anything but true. 

Free Halloween Printable for Non-Verbal Kids

All the fun of trick or treating that comes with Halloween is something most families look forward to. For those living with a special needs child, this holiday can present some unique challenges. We have created a FREE printable card for children who are non-verbal or not comfortable saying "Trick or Treat." Have your child use this card to make their Halloween night a little more enjoyable!

How to Help Your Child be a WINNER in Youth Sports and Life

Sports are an excellent way for children to learn a variety of important life skills such as work ethic, coordination, teamwork and social skills. As parents, we have both the privilege and responsibility to assist our children in using opportunities such as youth sports to grow and develop in these areas. Below are a few tips that can help you and your child get the most out of youth sports. 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST BOOK FOR YOUR CHILD

Reading with your child is one of the best activities you can do to build his language and literacy.  However, it can be challenging, especially if your child doesn’t seem to be interested. Did you know that his lack of interest could be due to his choice of book? Since a child’s ability to engage with books can vary by age and developmental level, we have compiled a guide to help you choose the best, age appropriate books for your child.

Making the Most of Play Time With Your Toddler

Playing with your toddler is one of the best activities you can do to enhance her brain development. But, what does play that best stimulates the brain look like? Below are a few ideas to help you understand how to create developmentally effective play opportunities for your toddler.

How to Make the Most of Playtime With Your Infant

Playing with your baby from the day she is born is one of the best things you can do to enhance her development. Unfortunately, many new parents don’t realize their new baby can actually engage in “play.”

Rephrase Your Praise: How to Praise Your Child

As parents, we've become addicted to praising our kids. But as we try to make them feel good about themselves 24-7, we actually may be harming them. Even if your praise is sincere, you may not be using it the right way. If you use it the right way, it's a valuable tool for reinforcing good behavior, boosting your child's self-esteem, and making him or her feel loved, appreciated, and inspired.

Youth Sports Injury Prevention

Youth sports are a great way for a child to get exercise while having fun! But unfortunately, all sports have a risk of injury. The more contact in a sport, the greater the risk of injury and most injuries in young athletes are due to overuse.  These tips can reduce the risk of injury and help parents promote a safe, optimal sports experience for their child.

Movement During Winter Months

Activities and exercise are important for children in order for them to maintain good health all year long. But, when the weather gets cold, it’s harder to get children outside to keep them moving.  With a few quick and easy ideas, you can turn your home into a safe and fun space to keep your kids moving throughout those cold months.

In the Kitchen with Hadley and Lizzy: Christmas Cookies

 

In this month's edition of In the Kitchen with Hadley and Lizzy, the girls make Christmas cookies with their friend Wyatt.

Having kids help in the kitchen introduces them to all kinds of new foods, helps teach math, shows kids how to follow steps in order, teaches critical thinking and problem solving, helps develop fine motor skills, and so much more! And most importantly, it allows you to spend quality time with your kiddos!

Cutting out and decorating Christmas cookies is something kids of ALL abilities can help with, so get in that kitchen and get to cooking!

20 Great Developmental Toys for Toddlers

With Christmas just around the corner, we have compiled a list of some of our favorite toys for the babies and toddlers in your life! These toys target fine motor, gross motor, sensory and cognitive development. The toys listed below encourage creative play and discovery.

Be sure to check out our post on How To Pick Good Toys for Your Child to ensure the toys you purchase for your special little one this year are fun and promote development.

How to Pick the Best Toys for Your Child

Determining the best toys to purchase for children at Christmas can be an overwhelming task with all of the choices available online and in stores. As parents and caregivers, we want to choose toys that our children will enjoy, but can also help promote their development. Although some toys are marketed as educational and developmental, they unfortunately may not actually be best for a child’s development.

More Benefits of Play

Play is the way children learn about themselves and the world. Through play, they learn to get along with others, sort out conflicts, practice language skills, and develop small (fine) and large (gross) motor skills. In addition, play encourages independence, self-esteem, and creativity!

In the Kitchen with Hadley and Lizzy: Thanksgiving Edition

 

Welcome to our second segment of In the Kitchen with Hadley and Lizzy! Cooking with your child is one of the best ways to make connections across and amongst many disciplines. Children learn by touching, tasting, seeing, feeling, and listening. 

This week, the girls have brought in a special guest, Logan, to teach us how to make Turkey Cheese Balls!

Tips for Picky Eaters

Family mealtimes allow for social modeling of our behaviors to expand what our children will eat.  Research shows we need at least 10 tries of a food on 10 different occasions to decide if we like it.  We can help our children by setting a mealtime routine and exploring foods through all of our senses.  

A mealtime will consist of the child and at least one adult. Each mealtime should consist of a protein, starch or carbohydrate, and fruit or vegetable.

Benefits of Play

Play is the way children learn about themselves and the world. Through play, they learn to get along with others, sort out conflicts, practice language skills, and develop small (fine) and large (gross) motor skills. In addition, play encourages independence, self-esteem, and creativity!

In the Kitchen with Hadley and Lizzy: Halloween Treats

We are excited to launch our fall series: In the Kitchen with Hadley Lizzy! At Pediatrics Plus, we are committed to promoting and encouraging healthy child development tips and activities that you and your family can try at home.

Cooking with your child is one of the best ways to make connections across and amongst many disciplines. Children learn by touching, tasting, seeing, feeling, and listening.

Halloween Costume Ideas for Wheelchairs and Walkers

Halloween is a holiday with no limitations. It is the one day of the year where we can be absolutely anything we want! This includes children and adults in wheelchairs. While some may feel that a wheelchair gets in the way of expressing full Halloween creativity, we have seen that this is anything but true. The internet is full of fanciful, fun, imaginative costumes for both children and adults in wheelchairs, walkers, and other devices. For this halloween, we have put together some of our favorite costumes with how-to tutorials! So put on your creativity hats and make this year's costume the best one yet for your child!

7 Rules of Bicycling Safety

According to the National Sporting Goods Association, more Americans ride bicycles than ski, golf, or play tennis combined. As you and your family embark on a fun day of bicycle riding, it is important to remember that bike safety should involve a lot more than just a helmet and observing the rules of the road. In fact, the American Physical Therapy Association says that bike-related injuries are largely preventable. Check out the 7 rules of bicycling safety and perform a basic bike check on all bikes in your home to ensure a fun and safe ride!

How To "Read" a Book to Your Young Child

Have you been unsuccessful trying and sit down with your young child and read to him?  Does he listen for about 30 seconds, then jump up and run away? 

You hear the importance of early literacy on a child’s brain development and want to help your child develop a love for reading….so what can you do if you can’t get him to participate?

Try these tips...

SQ3R: An Effective Reading Method for All Students

A textbook chapter can appear monumental to a student with ADHD, but when broken down into sections the task becomes less overwhelming and threatening. When studying chapters in a textbook, students can use the popular SQ3R Method.

Screen Time: Friend or Foe?

As child care professionals, parents, and adults involved in child development, it is important to constantly ask yourself: “Am I allowing a screen to replace a person in teaching and playing with this child?” All too often, as therapists, teachers, and parents, we rely on a device to teach language, hand-eye coordination, and concepts in place of ourselves. In doing that, we are promoting static brain development over an engaged brain.

A Guide for School Success: 11 Tips for Students with ADHD

Because of the nature of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, students with ADHD face special challenges at school. For instance, most students lose focus easily, while some students have difficulty completing boring or demanding tasks.

Studies have found that homework problems increase as children get older, and that children with both ADHD and learning disabilities struggle even more with studying. But your child can succeed in school if he or she has the right tools!

More Fun Summer Activities (with how-to videos)!

As summer is winding down, we want to share two more summer activities that will be fun for your child while helping with fine motor skills, peer interaction, motor planning and more!

Parenting Tip: Families on the Go

For many families, summer activities can lead to time in the car traveling, time in the bleachers or stands, or time waiting on one sibling's activity to end and the next to begin.

This summer, try packing a bag of developmentally appropriate toys and activities to engage your child and keep from having meltdowns that occur when a child is bored.

Summer Activity: Photo Scavenger Hunts

Looking for a fun summer activity for your child? Send them on a photo scavenger hunt! Did you know that this fun activity can benefit your child in several different ways.

Continue reading to learn more!

 

Looking for a fun summer activity for your child? Send them on a photo scavenger hunt!

Developmental Crafting Fun

While store-bought toys are typically thought of as being essential to playtime, inexpensive household items can make a great alternative for creating fun summer activities and toys that can help your child’s development.

This activity will spark creativity, build fine motor skills, and can be a learning aid to teach children about the animals they are making.

10 Wordless Picture Books to Help Your Child Become a Better Reader

"Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him." -Maya Angelou

Discover 10 picture books that can help your child prepare for kindergarten and develop cognitive searching, cross-checking, self correction, and rereading skills before they transition to primary-grade literacy curriculum. 

Swaddling 101

When performed correctly, swaddling can be a safe and effective way to calm babies and promote better sleep. 

Learn more in our step-by-step swaddling guide!

 

Potty Training Tips

Potty training is a major milestone for both you and your child. Check out our potty training guide put together by licensed therapists who also happen to be moms! 

Is your child developing appropriately?

The early years of a child’s life are very important for his or her health and development. Skills such as  taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye bye” are called developmental milestones. Children reach milestones  in how they play, learn, speak, behave, and move (crawling, walking, etc.). 

Download our printable Developmental Milestones Guide to use as a reference for your child's development.

Developmental Milestones

And remember, every child is different! These are guidelines not the rulebook. If your child is not hitting these milestones, talk to your pediatrician at your next checkup.