by Melissa Collier | Jun 18, 2019 | For Parents/Caregivers
Zier Institute is a firm believer that a key component in the pediatric occupational therapy we provide is parent-inclusion. We strive to include the caregiver(s) of the child whenever, and as actively. as possible. Throughout our years working with Omaha families,...
by Melissa Collier | May 31, 2019 | Having Fun/Engaging, For Parents/Caregivers
So much incredible advice and information to unpack from THIS terrific report about the importance of play! As occupational therapists who focus on play-based therapy techniques, we want to shout the findings of playful parenting revealed here from our rooftop. Maybe...
by Melissa Collier | May 15, 2019 | Having Fun/Engaging
Warmer weather is showing its pretty face, making it a natural time for outdoor play. According to Angela Hanscom, author of Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident and Capable Children, outdoor play is exactly what kids of all...
by Melissa Collier | May 6, 2019 | For Parents/Caregivers
How we help children self-regulate their emotions without feeling shame or inadequacy when behavior issues arise is tricky. It can be a fine line between encouraging different behaviors without the child feeling as though parents, teachers and caregivers are trying to...
by Melissa Collier | Apr 10, 2019 | Having Fun/Engaging
After a long winter, spring has officially sprung! By now, everyone wants to be active and outdoors, which is also a terrific way to redirect children’s behavior. After a cold winter inside, we probably all need to check our behaviors and attitudes. Fortunately, it...
by Melissa Collier | Mar 20, 2019 | For Parents/Caregivers, For Educators
It’s in our nature as parents, caregivers, teachers and therapists to protect kid from failure. No one like to see their children deal with unpleasantness. We’re quick bust out the emotional bubble wrap in order to soften the blow and protect their self-esteem. But...
by Melissa Collier | Feb 25, 2019 | Science/Research
“These wise little teachers remind us, courtesy of their right brain, that life is about enjoying the little things, about enchantment and surprise; it’s about being present with another, offering them your gentle ear, hearing between the lines, not just what is...
by Melissa Collier | Feb 8, 2019 | For Parents/Caregivers, For Educators
When an abundance of stimuli is beyond the child’s processing “threshold” and causes confusion and/or anxiety, children experience overstimulation. It’s a little like how many parents feel when facing 300 options in the cereal aisle, scrolling...
by Melissa Collier | Jan 13, 2019 | For Parents/Caregivers
Psychology Today recently published an article discussing the additional need of coping skills for Gen Z kids due to cultural and historical stressors. By fruition, these same stressors will apply to Gen Alpha children and likely affect the Millenial generation too....
by Melissa Collier | Dec 20, 2018 | For Parents/Caregivers
Need a unique gift idea for your kids that won’t lose its allure 3.2 seconds after it’s out of the box? Here’s one. This holiday season find time for you and your kids to do nothing together without any expectation and in a judgment free zone. It might be a little...
