by Melissa Collier | Jul 1, 2024 | For Parents/Caregivers, Speech and Language Pathology
Speech and language therapy during the summer months is invaluable for children. It provides continuity in learning and development even when school is out of session. Summer speech also provides children with different and fun experiences that can boost their...
by Melissa Collier | Jun 4, 2024 | For Parents/Caregivers, Having Fun/Engaging
The benefits of summer camp and speech camp, like those offered by Zier Institute, are invaluable for children. They provide continuity in learning and development even when school is out, all in a setting that prioritizes fun and engagement. At Zier Institute, our...
by Melissa Collier | Feb 14, 2024 | DIR/Floortime, For Parents/Caregivers
Rough-and-tumble play (or rough-house play) can often feel out-of-control, violent, and overwhelming for parents, especially if their child may have challenges with regulating their emotions. Because of this, it may seem counterintuitive to allow or even promote...
by Melissa Collier | Oct 13, 2022 | For Educators, For Parents/Caregivers
How to combat the mental health crisis among teens is a topic the occupational therapists and mental health professionals at Zier Institute and Amy Zier + Associates have discussed for years. Fast forward to COVID-19 and “post” pandemic lives, there is a...
by Melissa Collier | Nov 24, 2021 | For Parents/Caregivers
The following 10 tips to help families through the holiday season appeared in this post many years ago. The advice for parents, regardless of the age of their child, stands the test of time. The holidays are challenging for teens and children with developmental...
by Melissa Collier | Aug 11, 2021 | Uncategorized
Going back to school after disrupted learning, COVID19, and during uncertain times has to be difficult for kids of all ages. It is critical for parents, caregivers, and teachers to understand that children cannot learn or interact when anxiety is high, or their...
by Melissa Collier | Jun 24, 2021 | For Parents/Caregivers
The pandemic’s effects on mental health are well-documented and evolving. Suicide attempts among teen girls increased by nearly 50% in the early months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2019. This significant increase both begs the question of why teen...
by Melissa Collier | May 21, 2021 | For Parents/Caregivers
Separation anxiety is typically experienced by infants or toddlers when they are separated from their parents. Most children outgrow it by approximately 3 years of age. Currently, there is much talk about the impending psychological pandemic due to the effects of...
by Melissa Collier | May 5, 2021 | For Parents/Caregivers
Scaffold parenting encompasses three pillars: support, structure, and encouragement. Think of it as a metaphor, in which your child is a “building,” and parents are the scaffold around him. As the child rises and grows, the scaffolds of your support, structure, and...
by Melissa Collier | Apr 12, 2021 | Having Fun/Engaging, For Parents/Caregivers
Bike riding is a rite of passage for kids, and it is an activity that is good for both their physical and mental health. Cycling offers a range of developmental benefits for typical and atypically developing children. Hiding behind a few bumps and bruises that may...
