Building Strong Kids: Tools for Parents and Caregivers

Caregiver Resources
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This series was created to provide parents and caregivers with information and resources on important topics relating to their child's development. Each episode covers a topic, including sleep and mealtime routines, building play skills and language skills during play, and challenging behaviors in children. These episodes are meant to be a tool for parents and caregivers to use as their child continues to develop and grow. Enjoy!

Episodes

  1. 04/08/2021

    Building Language Skills during Play

    In this episode, we are going to talk about language expansion strategies for your child. These are strategies that can be incorporated into play and everyday activities and routines to promote language development. I will have a special guest join me to talk through some of the strategies and I will be asking her some questions. We are also going to be talking about ‘core words’ and how you can use them during your play interactions to help your child incorporate these words into their daily life and communication. You can find resources used to develop this podcast below.  Jarzynski, B. (2014). The effectiveness of language facilitation. Retrieved from https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/the-effectiveness-of-language-facilitation/full/ Language expansion techniques for parents to use at home. (2013). Retrieved from https://www.speechbuddy.com/blog/speech-therapy-techniques/language-expansion-techniques-for-parents-to-use-at-home/ “Play is the work of childhood”. (2019). Retrieved from https://advantagespeech.com/blog/play-is-the-work-of-childhood The importance of play for speech and language development {with tips}. (2018). Retrieved from http://www.playingwithwords365.com/the-importance-of-play-for-speech-and-language-development/ Swanson, J., Raab, M., & Dunst, C. J. (2011). Strengthening family capacity to provide young children everyday natural learning opportunities. Journal of Early Childhood Research, 9(1), 66-80. doi:10.1177/1476718x10368588 5 ways to get your toddler talking. (2020). Retrieved from https://pathways.org/daily-toddler-communication-activities/

  2. 03/02/2021

    Building Play Skills for your Child

    In this podcast episode, we are going to talk about play and the importance of play for children. We're going to talk about topics such as why is play important? What can play look like? Is my child ready to play? We’re going to talk about foundational play skills and how to best “get ready for play” with your child to be able to create meaningful experiences. You can find resources used to help develop this podcast episode below. Adamson, L. B., Bakeman, R., Suma, K., & Robins, D. L. (2017). An expanded view of joint attention: Skill, engagement, and language in typical development and autism. Child Development, 90(1). doi:10.1111/cdev.12973 Gibson, J. L., Cornell, M., & Gill, T. (2017). A Systematic Review of Research into the Impact of Loose Parts Play on Children’s Cognitive, Social and Emotional Development. School Mental Health, 9(4), 295–309. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-017-9220-9 Growing through play: Tips for playing with young children. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://centerforparentingeducation.org/library-of-articles/baby-through-preschool-articles/growing-through-play-the-importance-of-play-in-your-childs-development/ How to pick a toy: Checklist for toy shopping. American Occupational Therapy Association. Retrieved from https://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Patients-Clients/ChildrenAndYouth/Toy-Shopping Lipp, M. (2020). Everything You Need to Know About Loose Parts Play for Kids. Fantastic Fun & Learning. https://www.fantasticfunandlearning.com/loose-parts-play-kids.html. "Play is the work of childhood". (2019). Retrieved from https://advantagespeech.com/blog/play-is-the-work-of-childhood  Rudy, L. J. (2020). Floortime Play Therapy for Children With Autism. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/floortime-play-therapy-overview-4582061. Yogman, M., Garner, A., Hutchinson, J., Hirsh-Pasek, K., & Golinkoff, R. M. (2018). The power of play: A pediatric role in enhancing development in young children. Pediatrics, 142(3). doi:10.1542/peds.2018-2058

  3. 03/02/2021

    Building Positive Strategies for Challenging Behaviors

    In this episode, we are going to talk about challenging behaviors in children and those who may have difficulty with transitions or change. We will go through some general strategies that you as the caregiver or parent can use that may be helpful in addressing these behaviors and help your child be able to fully participate in everyday life and activities. These are strategies that can be applicable to a range of young children, with varying behaviors. You can find resources used to help develop this podcast below. Challenging behaviors tool kit. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/challenging-behaviors-tool-kit Challenging behavior. (2019). Retrieved from https://childdevelopment.com.au/areas-of-concern/behaviour/challenging-behaviour/ Tips to deal with a screaming toddler. (2018). Retrieved from https://day2dayparenting.com/tips-to-deal-with-a-screaming-toddler/ 4 tips for temper tantrums. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/tips-for-temper-tantrums

  4. 03/02/2021

    Building a Mealtime Routine for your Child and Family

    In this episode, we are going to talk about the importance of mealtime routines for your children and family. I will share some strategies you can use to help establish a good mealtime routine and involve your child during mealtimes. I am also going to have a special guest join me and talk about things such as exploring food and picky eating for your child. You can find resources used to help develop this podcast episode below. Ausderau, K. K., St. John, B., Kwaterski, K. N., Nieuwenhuis, B., & Bradley, E. (2019). Parents’ strategies to support mealtime participation of their children with autism spectrum disorder. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 73(1). doi:10.5014/ajot.2019.024612 Establishing mealtime routines for children. (2014). Retrieved from https://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Patients-Clients/ChildrenAndYouth/Mealtime.aspx Fiese, B. H. (2007). Routines and rituals: Opportunities for participation in family health. OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health, 27(1_suppl). doi:10.1177/15394492070270s106 Fiese, B. H., Foley, K. P., & Spagnola, M. (2006). Routine and ritual elements in family mealtimes: Contexts for child well-being and family identity. New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development, 2006(111), 67-89. doi:10.1002/cd.156 Healthy eating Using MyPlate. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/nutrition-education/nutrition-education-materials/healthy-eating-using-myplate

  5. 03/02/2021

    Building a Sleep Routine for your Child

    In this episode, we are going to be talking about the importance of sleep and building a sleep routine for your child. I will talk about some strategies that can be incorporated into your child’s and your family’s sleep routines that can hopefully help your child get a good night's sleep! I will also be talking with and be asking questions to a special guest about her experiences as a mother and her children's sleep routines.  See below for resources used to help develop this podcast.  Back to school sleep tips: Routines, schedules, & sleep hygiene. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/school-and-sleep/back-to-school-sleep-tips Jepsen, K. (2020). Why sleep meditation works for kids and how to try it. Retrieved from https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/sleep/issues/why-sleep-meditation-for-kids-works-and-how-to-try-it/ Kidney, E., McGhee, K., & Reynolds, S. (2019). Occupational Therapy’s Role in Addressing Sleep Problems in Children. OT Practice. Retrieved from https://www.aota.org/Publications-News/otp/Archive/2019/children-sleep.aspx Sleep Hygiene tips. (2016). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html

  • 5 Episodes

About

This series was created to provide parents and caregivers with information and resources on important topics relating to their child's development. Each episode covers a topic, including sleep and mealtime routines, building play skills and language skills during play, and challenging behaviors in children. These episodes are meant to be a tool for parents and caregivers to use as their child continues to develop and grow. Enjoy!

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