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3 Activities to Get Your Little Ones Moving During National Physical Therapy Month
3 Activities to Get Your Little Ones Moving During National Physical Therapy Month 1080 1080 PTN Chicago

Did you know October is National Physical Therapy Month? This is the perfect time to shine a spotlight on all of the incredible work physical therapists do, and recognize the important role physical therapy can play in helping children move, grow, and thrive. At PTN, our amazing PTs help kiddos build important skills such as balance, coordination, mobility, and strength, all while supporting greater confidence and independence along the way.

To kick off the celebration, we’re sharing 3 activities to get your little ones moving during National Physical Therapy Month. Not only are these activities fun, but they also incorporate items that you probably already have at home. Let’s get started!

1. Mystery Movement Challenge

A great way to stay active during National Physical Therapy Month is to try a mystery movement challenge. Write down simple movements on pieces of paper and place them inside a bowl. Then, take turns picking a mystery movement that you’ll need to complete. You can include silly challenges such as waddling like a penguin, hopping like a bunny, walking like a crab, or galloping like a horse. This is a fantastic way to build strength, balance, and coordination, all while being creative.

A Great First Step: Show your child how to perform each movement before they take their turn.

2. Silly Storytime

Storytime doesn’t mean having to sit still! Getting up and moving while you read is a simple way to make your little one’s favorite books even more engaging. As you read, act out certain parts of the story with your child. For example, you could pretend to climb a mountain, swim across a river, stomp through the mud, reach up high to pick apples from a tall tree, or tiptoe past a sleeping animal. Your kiddos will love watching the story come to life while getting to be silly and letting their imagination run wild.

A Great First Step: Instead of acting out the entire story, choose one simple action that your child can repeat such as stomping their feet, reaching up high, or clapping their hands. 

3. Stepping Stone Adventure

Get ready to go on a stepping stone adventure! To begin, place pillows, paper plates, or pieces of paper around the room. Then, watch as your child goes from one stone to the next without touching the floor. Encourage them to try different ways of traveling such as stepping sideways, hopping, or taking big steps. Once they make it across, switch things up by creating more paths for your little one to explore.  

A Great First Step: Start by placing the “stones” close together in a straight line so that your child can easily reach each one.

Follow our social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest) all month long as we continue to celebrate National Physical Therapy Month. Additionally, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you think your little one could benefit from pediatric therapy. Our team is here to support your family however we can.

Celebrate National Family Day With 3 Fun Activities
Celebrate National Family Day With 3 Fun Activities 1080 1080 PTN Chicago

Did you know that National Family Day is on September 28th? Spending time together with your little ones allows you to make lasting memories together and strengthen your family bond. Whether you are looking to get moving, spark creativity, or simply enjoy some laughter, there are plenty of fun activities out there to try. To give you some inspiration, our team wanted to share 3 therapy-based activities that your whole family is sure to enjoy. We hope these activities bring lots of smiles and joy.

1. Get Silly With Charades

Charades is a great game as it encourages communication, turn-taking, and imagination. To begin, take turns with your child acting out different animals, characters, or pretend like you’re doing an everyday activity, such as brushing your teeth. Remember to keep the clues simple and don’t be afraid to get a little goofy! Being silly is all part of the fun.

A Great First Step: Instead of playing charades by just performing actions, make sounds and noises to make it easier for the guesser.

2. Enjoy a Family Board Game Day

There are so many wonderful board games to try that are great for all ages. Bring a few games out to the living room, and get ready to enjoy a family board game day. Allow your child to choose which game they want to play first, and keep the focus on having fun rather than winning. Some of our favorite games include Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Memory Match, Go Fish, and Hi Ho! Cherry-O. 

A Great First Step: Choose games with simple rules and short turns so everyone can join in.

3. Have a Picnic at the Park

Before the weather starts cooling down, why not get outside and have a picnic at the park? Let your little one help put together the tasty treats that will come along with you, and get everything ready for a relaxing picnic. While you’re eating, work with your child to see how many birds, flowers, or butterflies you can find, and talk about what you’re seeing. Being out in nature is the perfect way to spend an afternoon with your kiddos.

A Great First Step: Have your child practice following directions by saying things such as “Put the blanket on the grass” or “Take the sandwiches out of the basket.”

Take a look at our social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest) throughout the month of September as we celebrate family and the moments that bring us closer together. Additionally, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you think your child could benefit from pediatric therapy. Our compassionate team is here to support you and your little ones however we can.

Ready, Set, School! 3 Ways to Help Your Little One Prepare for Back-to-School
Ready, Set, School! 3 Ways to Help Your Little One Prepare for Back-to-School 1080 1080 PTN Chicago

Transitioning from summer fun to going back to school can feel like a big adjustment for both parents and children. Getting your little ones back into a routine can be overwhelming at times, but there are some simple steps you can take to make the process easier for everyone. From adjusting sleep schedules early on to reading bedtime stories about starting school and more, here are 3 ways to help your little one prepare for going back to school. 

1. Adjust Sleep Schedules Early On

Summertime can lead to unpredictable sleep schedules, especially if you have a lot of different activities planned. To help get your child back to a more consistent bedtime, adjust their sleep schedule a few weeks before school starts. You can also take this time to reintroduce a calming routine that includes a bath, picking out pajamas, and reading a bedtime story together. Consistent sleep helps children wake up feeling rested, refreshed, and ready to learn.

A Great First Step: Slowly move your child’s bedtime back 10-15 minutes earlier each night until you get to their desired school sleep time. 

2. Read Stories About Starting School

Whether it’s your child’s first year of school or they are returning for another wonderful year ahead, helping your children understand what to expect before their first day can help them feel more confident and prepared. A great way to do this is to read them stories about going to school. Choose books that discuss making friends, meeting teachers, and what it’s like to attend school. This can help make school feel less intimidating and more familiar. 

A Great First Step: Ask your child what they think school will be like and answer any questions they may have about going to school.

3. Make Space for Big Feelings

Your child will likely have a mix of emotions when it comes to going back to school, including excitement and uncertainty. To help ease their nerves, encourage your child to talk about their feelings, and reassure them that it’s okay to have big feelings. If your little one seems anxious before their first day, create a calming morning routine that includes taking deep breaths and spending a few quiet moments together cuddling on the couch before heading out the door.

A Great First Step: Set aside time to check in with your child at the end of each school day. Ask them how they feel about school and remind them that you’re there to support them every step of the way.

Follow our social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest) all month long as we share more tips to help your little one prepare for going back to school. As always, don’t hesitate to contact us if you think your child could benefit from pediatric therapy. Our team is here to support you and your child however we can.

Play, Explore, Grow: 3 Great Outdoor Activities to Try This Summer
Play, Explore, Grow: 3 Great Outdoor Activities to Try This Summer 1080 1080 PTN Chicago

Are you ready for some fun in the sun? We are!

Getting outside for playtime allows you and your kiddos to stay active and make lasting memories as a family. The best part? Many outdoor activities support developmental skills, including movement and play, sensory fun, and speech-building. To help you make the most of the season, we’ve put together three simple, therapy-based ideas for outdoor activities to try this summer. Not only are they enjoyable for the whole family, but they’re also designed to support your child’s growth through play.

Water Balloon Target Toss

Cool down in the summer heat by setting up a water balloon target toss. For starters, you’ll want to fill up a few water balloons and place some buckets outside. Now, have your child toss the balloons one at a time, and see how many they can make into the target zone. This works on hand-eye coordination, sensory exploration, and gross motor skills, all while giving your little one the opportunity to be silly and have fun with water play.

A Great First Step: Place a large bucket directly in front of your child and encourage them to gently drop or toss the water balloon in. Once your kiddos get the hang of this movement, you can then increase the distance of the bucket to make it slightly more challenging.

Playground Adventure

Turn a trip to the playground into the ultimate summer adventure. Encourage your child to run around and explore, and try equipment that they haven’t used before. Your kiddos can use their imagination and pretend like they’re climbing a mountain, crossing a bridge, sliding down a waterfall, or escaping lava by jumping from one spot to the next.

A Great First Step: If the playground feels overwhelming or intimidating to your child, take it one piece of equipment at a time. Encourage your little one to go at their own pace, and slowly build up to more challenging movements.

Summer Walk and Talk

Going on a walk around your neighborhood or through a local park is the perfect way to work on your child’s communication and speech-building skills. Encourage your child to point out things they notice while walking, and use summer-themed vocabulary, such as “flower”, “butterfly”, “tree”, “slide”, “pool”, and “sun”, to describe what they see. 

A Great First Step: If your child isn’t using many words just yet, narrate what you see on your walk. For example, you could say, “I see a big green tree” or “ooh, pretty flowers” while pointing to the objects. 

Be sure to keep an eye on our social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest) throughout July as we share more outdoor activities for you and your kiddos to try this summer. Additionally, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you think your child could benefit from pediatric therapy. We’re always here to support you and your family however we can.

How to Keep Your Children Safe While Playing Outdoors This Summer
How to Keep Your Children Safe While Playing Outdoors This Summer 1080 1080 PTN Chicago

Summer is one of the best times of the year. The warmer weather gives you the perfect opportunity to get outside, soak up the sun, and enjoy playing in the fresh air. However, as exciting as outdoor play is, it’s important to keep your child’s safety in mind, too. From sun exposure and dehydration, to water safety and more, summer activities can come with a few risks. Fortunately, with a little planning and preparation, you can help your children stay safe while still having plenty of fun.

Ready to learn more? Here are some essential tips for keeping your kiddos safe while playing outdoors this summer.

Sun Safety

Did you know that June is Sun Safety Month? Staying protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays is extremely important. Make sure that you apply sunscreen to your child before heading outside, and reapply every 1-2 hours. If you’re going to a pool, check that your sunscreen is water resistant so it doesn’t rinse off immediately. Additionally, put a hat and sunglasses on your child if needed to keep the sun out of their eyes.

You’ll also want to keep your kiddos cool while outside, especially on hot summer days. Take time for hydration, and always have water or juice available. If you’ll be playing at home or at the park, set up a cooling station under a shady tree. Not only does this allow your little one to take a break, but it also lets them get out of the heat.

Playground Safety

Going to the playground is one of the best parts of summer. It gives your child the chance to be silly, get some movement in, and interact with other kids. However, before going down the slide or making your way to the swings, you’ll want to do some safety checks so you know your little one will be safe.

Have your child wear proper footwear so that they don’t slip, and feel the playground with the back of your hand to check that it’s not too hot. Teach your child to take their time, explain how to use each piece of equipment, and always supervise them, especially while they’re climbing or swinging.

Water Safety

Though getting in the water at a pool, lake, beach, or splash pad is an excellent way to cool off, water-based activities can turn into a significant risk if the proper precautions aren’t taken. Teach your children the importance of water safety, including no running or jumping into shallow water. Always have your child wear a properly fitted lifejacket while spending time near the water (even if they aren’t planning on swimming), as this can help them stay afloat if they accidentally fall in. Lastly, never leave your kiddos unattended near the water, and enroll them in age-appropriate swim lessons if possible.

Follow our social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest) throughout the month as we share more tips to help keep your kiddos safe this summer. Also, please feel free to contact us if you think your child could benefit from pediatric therapy. We are here to support you and your little ones however we can.

3 Activities to Try During National Speech-Language-Hearing Month
3 Activities to Try During National Speech-Language-Hearing Month 1080 1080 PTN Chicago

May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month! Speech and communication is very important for young kiddos, as it helps them express their feelings, thoughts, and emotions. In honor of this wonderful month, we thought it would be the perfect time to share some of our favorite speech-based activities with you. Even just working with your little ones on their speech and language development a few times each week can make a big difference. 

From trying a fun twist on charades to creating a mystery sound box and more, here are 3 speech-based activities to try during National Speech-Language-Hearing Month and beyond.

1. Emotion Charades

Being able to share your feelings and emotions is something that every kiddo should feel comfortable doing. To help them learn how to better express themselves, try playing charades, but with a twist. In this version of the game, you can start by acting out simple emotions and having your child guess what each one is. Then, switch roles, and this time you have to guess what emotion your child is trying to act out.

2. Mystery Sound Box

Grab a box or bin that you have laying around the house and place 5-10 random items inside that your child can identify. Then, have your child choose one item at a time, and ask them questions such as “is it hard or soft?”, “what color is it?” or, “is it big or small?”. You can also encourage your little one to answer in full sentences, and have them tell you what the item is used for.

3. Category Time

For this final activity, come up with some simple categories and write them down on a piece of paper. Then, sit with your child, and work together to try and think of as many things that fit inside the category as possible. For example, some easy categories could be animals, colors, fruits, or things at the park. At the end, see which category had the most answers, and celebrate your great teamwork!

Wishing you a very happy National Speech-Language-Hearing Month! Make sure to follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest) throughout May for tips, resources, and more! Additionally, please don’t hesitate to contact us to talk about if your child could benefit from pediatric therapy. Our team is here to support your family however we can.

3 Simple Occupational Therapy Activities to Try at Home
3 Simple Occupational Therapy Activities to Try at Home 1080 1080 PTN Chicago

April is Occupational Therapy (OT) Month, and we are so excited to highlight the incredible impact that OT has on children’s lives. Occupational therapy is so important to the growth of our little ones, as it can help them develop key skills, gain independence, and boost their confidence. In honor of this wonderful month, we wanted to share 3 simple OT activities that use simple items you probably have at home. These easy-to-try ideas are a wonderful way to spend meaningful time together while supporting your child’s therapy goals.

1. Tape Path Adventure

For this first activity,  you’ll need to get a roll of painter’s tape. To begin, find a spot on the floor where you can place the tape and create “balance beams” for your child to walk on. Try to make all different kinds of patterns, including a straight line, zig zags, or unique shapes. Then, once you’re all done, have your child try to walk or jump along each path. You can even time your child and see if they can beat their previous time!

Bonus Tip: If this seems too easy for your little one, have them try to march, jump, or hop across each path.

2. Sock Ball Toss

Something that we love about this next activity is that it’s very easy to set up, and all you need are a few pairs of socks and an empty laundry basket. Have your child start close to the basket, and encourage them to throw the balled-up socks into the basket. Then, once they successfully make the shot, have them take a few steps back. Repeat the process and see how many shots they can make, and measure how far back they can go!

Bonus Tip: Use baskets of all different sizes for an added challenge, or count how many shots they can make in a row.

3. Toy Rescue 

Gather some of your child’s favorite small toys and get ready to use your imagination. Your little one’s toys are stuck and need some help! To set up this activity, use painter’s tape to secure the toys to the ground, wall, or table, and tell your child that they are a superhero who needs to save the day. They will then have to rescue them by pulling or peeling the tape, freeing their toy friends.

Bonus Tip: Try positioning the toys both up high and down low to promote balance and coordination.

Wishing you a happy Occupational Therapy Month! Follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest) throughout April for tips, toys we love, and more. Additionally, please feel free to contact us to discuss if your child would benefit from pediatric therapy. Our caring and compassionate team is here to support you and your child however we can.

3 Practical Ways to Help Your Child Sleep Better
3 Practical Ways to Help Your Child Sleep Better 1080 1080 PTN Chicago

A good night’s sleep is essential for growing kiddos. Getting enough quality rest can support your child’s mood, learning, and overall health. When children sleep well, they have the energy to learn, play, and take on the day ahead. That’s why we’re sharing 3 simple ways to improve your child’s sleep and build bedtime habits that will last. Not only are these tips easy to incorporate into your child’s nightly routine, but they will also make bedtime less stressful and more enjoyable for the whole family.

1. Create a Calm Sleeping Environment

Kiddos typically need extra wind down time to prepare for bed. This is why it’s important to set up a sleeping environment that promotes rest and relaxation. Before beginning their bedtime routine, get your child’s room ready by closing the curtains, dimming the lights, putting on calming music or white noise, and making sure the temperature is cool and comfortable. This can help signal to your child that it’s time to wind down and prepare for rest.

2. Build a Predictable Bedtime Routine

Establishing a predictable bedtime routine is key to helping your child fall asleep more easily. One great way to do this is by creating a visual schedule they can reference before bed. For example, you can use pictures of a toothbrush, bathtub, pajamas, and a book, and place them in the order you want your little one to follow. This helps your child know what to expect and creates consistency for them, too.

3. Pair Sleep Cues to Make Transitions Easier

This final tip is helpful for parents who are hoping to transition their child away from certain cues at night. Try pairing a sustainable sleep cue (a lovey or blanket) with the sleep cue you want them to stop using (such as a bottle). Your child will soon begin associating them both with comfort and sleep. This allows your kiddos to get used to their new sleep cue and makes it easier for them to gently let go of the other one over time.

Follow us on our social media (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest) throughout March for more sleep-based tips, toys we love, and more. Further, please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss if your child would benefit from pediatric therapy. Our team is here to support you and your little one however we can.

3 Heart-Healthy Activities to Get Kids Moving This February
3 Heart-Healthy Activities to Get Kids Moving This February 1080 1080 PTN Chicago

February is American Heart Month, which makes it the perfect time to help your little ones learn how to care for their hearts in fun and meaningful ways. From jumping and dancing to playful movement games, heart-healthy activities build lifelong habits while filling your day with laughter, joy, and connection. To help get you started, we wanted to share 3 of our favorite heart-healthy activities that you and your kiddos are sure to love. These simple ideas are wonderful to try at home, while supporting growing, healthy hearts.

1. Don’t Drop the Balloon

This first activity is easy to set up and provides endless fun for kids of all ages. Simply get a balloon and encourage your little one to use their hands, feet, head, and elbows to continuously hit it up back into the air, keeping it off the ground for as long as possible. For an added challenge, count how many times they hit the balloon or set a timer and see if they can keep going until the clock runs out.

2. Dice Adventure

Children love this game because every roll of the dice brings a new movement surprise. Start by creating a list of simple actions that your kiddos can perform, and assign each to a number on the dice. Some ideas include jumping jacks, marching in place, walking like a crab, or doing a silly dance. Once your little one completes the task, they get to roll again and continue on their dice adventure. 

3. Paper Animal Rescue

For this final activity, work with your child to draw 5 colorful animals on separate sheets of paper. Tape each one to the wall at different heights, placing some high up and the rest down low. Your child will have to reach up high to save the animals “stuck in trees” and bend down low to save the animals on the ground. Once all of their friends have been rescued, celebrate by enjoying a heart-healthy snack.

Happy American Heart Month! Follow us on our social media (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest) all month for heart-healthy activities, toys we love, and more! As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us anytime to discuss if your child would benefit from pediatric therapy. Our team is here to support you and your child in any way we can.

How to Support Your Child’s Therapy Without Feeling Overwhelmed
How to Support Your Child’s Therapy Without Feeling Overwhelmed 1080 1080 PTN Chicago

Finding time to work on your child’s therapy can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when the pressure of setting New Year’s resolutions starts to set in. Fortunately, supporting your child doesn’t have to mean adding more to your plate. There are plenty of ways that you can incorporate your child’s therapy into your everyday routine, helping to take some stress off of your shoulders in the process.

From using car rides to build language skills, to creating a consistent bedtime routine and more, here are 3 simple ways to support your little one’s development without feeling overwhelmed.

1. Use Car Rides to Build Language Skills

Whether you’re driving your kiddos to daycare, taking them with you to run errands, or are heading to the park, car rides are the perfect opportunity to work on building your little one’s language skills. Take turns spotting different colors, animals, or letters, narrate what’s going on around you, or simply check in and ask how they’re feeling and what they did that day. These small moments can truly make a big impact.

2. Turn Clean-Up Time Into Playtime

Turn clean-up time into playtime! Rather than taking on all the work by yourself, get your kiddos involved. You can ask them to gently toss their toys into the bin, reach up high to put their toys back on the shelf, or play pretend and have the toys walk back to their home. When you’re all done, celebrate with a high-five, or have a silly dance party.

3. Create a Consistent Bedtime Routine

One of the easiest ways to work on your child’s developmental goals without adding any extra pressure is to create a consistent bedtime routine. Start off by building language and fine motor skills during bath time, encourage independence by allowing your child to pick out and put on their pajamas, and work on speech and communication by reading a bedtime story. Your child will love the familiarity of having the same routine each night, and you’ll love how it turns the end of the day into a calm, connected moment for both of you.

From all of us at Pediatric Therapy Network, Happy New Year! Follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest) during January for more ways to work on your child’s therapy without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time to discuss if your child would benefit from pediatric therapy. Our team is here to support your family in any way that we can.

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