Have you ever wondered why your child can spend an hour building LEGO but can't remember to put their shoes on? Or why they seem to know what they should do but have a hard time actually getting started?

These everyday challenges may be related to executive functioning skills.

Social media has a funny way of making us feel like we're doing parenting wrong.

Everywhere you look, there is a perfectly curated sensory bin, a beautiful invitation to play, a themed activity, a craft that somehow doesn't involve anyone making a giant mess…

And as a pediatric OT, I LOVE a good purposeful play activity.

But as a mom?

Sometimes I think we are making play way harder than it needs to be.

Because some of the best play happens when we don't do much at all.

The excitement of a new backpack, fresh pencils, and meeting a new teacher is real—but so is the adjustment that comes with going back to school.

While many children are excited to return to the classroom, it's important to remember that back-to-school is a major transition. Their days suddenly become filled with new routines, increased expectations, more social interactions, longer periods of sitting and listening, and constant sensory input.

Even children who seem to "hold it together" at school often come home exhausted. That doesn't mean they've had a bad day. It means their brains and bodies have been working incredibly hard.

As parents, one of the greatest gifts we can give our children during this season is space to regulate before expecting more from them.

Every year it happens... one minute you're buying popsicles and heading to the pool, and the next you're staring at a school supply list wondering where summer went.

The good news? You don't need to spend hours doing "school work" to help your child feel more prepared. Just 5–15 minutes a day can make a big difference in helping them transition back into the school routine with confidence.

Here are my top five things to focus on before the first day of school.

As a pediatric occupational therapist, one of the questions I hear most often is, "How can I help my child's handwriting at home?"

The truth is, handwriting improves with practice—but that doesn't mean practice has to feel like homework. A little creativity can go a long way in keeping kids engaged while building important writing skills.

As a pediatric occupational therapist who spent many years working in the school system, I've had the privilege of helping hundreds of children transition into kindergarten. One thing I've learned is that kindergarten readiness is about much more than knowing letters and numbers. Children thrive when they have the foundational skills to be independent, regulate their emotions, pay attention, and participate confidently in the classroom.

The good news? You don't need expensive workbooks or hours of structured practice. A few simple activities woven into your summer routine can strengthen your child's school readiness, executive functioning, and fine motor skills while making learning fun.

School is out, the weather is beautiful & we planned so many FUN activities… so why do so many kids seem to struggle more during summer?

As a pediatric occupational therapist who spent years working in the school system, I see this every year. Summer removes many of the routines and supports that help children regulate their bodies and emotions.

The truth is, kids with ADHD usually want to do well. They often struggle because their brains are still developing the skills needed to plan, stay organized, manage emotions, get started on tasks, and stay focused. These are called executive functioning skills, and they're essential for success at home, school, and in everyday life.

That's where occupational therapy can help.

Summer is full of opportunities for adventure, exploration, and making memories with our kids. But between the changing routines, hotter temperatures, crowded attractions, and increased noise levels, summer can also be overwhelming—especially for children who process sensory information differently.

The good news? A little planning can go a long way in helping your child enjoy these experiences while avoiding sensory overload.

As parents, we're often told to "practice skills at home," but what does that actually look like in real life?

The good news is that occupational therapy doesn't have to mean sitting down with worksheets or adding one more thing to your already busy day. Some of the best opportunities for learning happen during everyday routines that you're already doing.