Fall Sensory Activities and Pumpkin Patches: Sensory Motor Benefits for Children

Write Outside the Lines: The Handwriting Camp That Builds Confidence, Creativity & Coordination Does your child avoid writing tasks, get frustrated with pencil grip, or struggle with forming letters? You’re not alone—and we’re here to help. This summer, give your child the gift of confidence, creativity, and coordination with our one-of-a-kind handwriting camp: Write Outside the Lines . Led by licensed pediatric occupational therapist, our nature-based handwriting camp is designed for kids ages 4–7 and blends the power of movement, play, and connection with foundational handwriting skills. Whether your child is preparing for kindergarten or struggling to keep up in early elementary, this camp will offer a fun, pressure-free environment where they’ll not only practice handwriting—but love it. Why Handwriting Still Matters in a Digital World In a world of iPads and keyboards, it’s easy to assume handwriting is becoming obsolete. But research continues to show that handwriting plays a critical role in: Brain development Cognitive organization Fine motor control Memory and learning When kids struggle with handwriting, it often impacts their confidence, independence, and even how they participate in the classroom. At Write Outside the Lines, we take a whole-child approach that builds not only the mechanics of writing but also the motivation and regulation needed to thrive. What Makes Our Camp Different Most handwriting programs focus on worksheets and repetition. Our camp? It’s rooted in the belief that kids learn best when they’re moving, creating, and having fun. Here’s what makes us unique: 1. Occupational Therapy-Led Led by experienced pediatric OTs, our camp draws from evidence-based frameworks like: Handwriting Without Tears® Sensory integration theory Developmental motor patterns Visual motor and fine motor skill progression DIR Floortime Your child is not just practicing letters—they’re building the foundation for school success. 2. Nature-Based Setting Camp takes place in a magical play space, The Enchanted Treehouse , filled with trees, sensory paths, and open-ended materials. Studies show that time in nature improves attention, regulation, and creative problem-solving—all essential for handwriting. 3. Multi-Sensory Play Each day follows a new theme and incorporates: Gross motor games to wake up the body Sensory motor stations for pre-writing Hands-on handwriting practice (with no worksheets!) Crafts, stories, and nature journaling Social connection and positive peer interactions 4. Small Groups, Big Impact We cap our group size to ensure each child gets individual attention, OT guidance, and the chance to thrive without being overwhelmed. Who This Camp Is For Kids ages 4–7 who are: Starting to write letters but lacking consistency Avoiding handwriting due to frustration Struggling with pencil grasp, posture, or visual attention Needing a confidence boost before back-to-school Children with: Mild fine motor delays Sensory processing differences Attention or regulation challenges IEP or 504 plan support for writing Kids who simply love being in nature, getting messy, and learning in fun, creative ways! Camp Details at a Glance 📍 Location: Enchanted Treehouse Play Space, Solana Beach, CA 🗓 Dates: August 18-21, 2025 (Mon-Thurs) ⏰ Time: 10:30 AM -12:00 PM daily 👧 Ages: 4–7 👩‍⚕️ Led by: Licensed Pediatric Occupational Therapists 📦 Includes: Nature-based journal, handwriting tools, and daily themed crafts 🎟 Cost: $250 per child for the week, 10% sibling discount The Research Behind Our Approach Our camp is built on principles supported by pediatric OT best practices: Multi-sensory learning helps the brain retain letter formation better than rote copying Movement before seated work improves body awareness and pencil control Nature-based learning supports self-regulation, attention, and memory Peer modeling and playful routines increase motivation and carryover We don’t just teach writing—we support whole-child development . FAQs Q: My child struggles with attention. Will they be able to participate? Absolutely. Our small groups, sensory-informed transitions, and movement-rich design support children with varying attention spans. Q: Do we need to bring supplies? Nope! We provide everything—including a camp journal, handwriting tools, and craft materials. Q: Is this therapy or enrichment? This is a therapeutic enrichment program. It’s OT-designed and run, but not formal therapy. It’s ideal for kids who may benefit from OT support in a fun, camp-style format. Q: Can I attend with my child? We ask that caregivers drop off to help kids build independence and peer interaction. You can stay in the waiting lounge or walk along the 101 in Solana Beach. There are some restaurants to grab a bite to eat nearby. We'll keep you updated and share resources to support progress at home! Ready to Register? Spots are limited and tend to fill quickly—especially for our summer session. 👉 Click here to reserve your child’s spot You’ll receive a confirmation and welcome email with further details before the 1st day of class. We can’t wait to support your child’s handwriting journey in the most playful, powerful way possible! Still Have Questions? Reach out any time to: 📧 lindsey@eatplayloveot.com Or send us a DM on Instagram @eat.play.love.ot PS: Can’t make the camp dates? Join the waitlist or inquire about our private handwriting intensives and OT sessions throughout San Diego county. Email us! lindsey@eatplayloveot.com or fill out the form on the Contact page. Let’s help your child write with confidence—outside the lines . 

🌿 Thrive Together: A Family Wellness Day for San Diego Families 🌿 Are you looking for a fun and meaningful family event in San Diego that supports your child’s development, connection, and wellness? Join us for Thrive Together: A Family Wellness Day —a one-of-a-kind event designed to nurture parents, kids, and the whole family. 🗓 Date: Saturday, April 13, 2024 ⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 📍 Location: Fox Point Farms, Encinitas, CA 🎟 Grab your tickets here ! What is Thrive Together? Thrive Together is a family wellness event created by a local OT and SLP, experts in child development and family wellness, co-hosted by Fox Point Farms and By the Sea Mommy and Me, a fellow San Diego mom: ✨ Eat Play Love Occupational Therapy ✨ Family First Speech Therapy ✨ Fox Point Farms ✨ By The Sea Mommy and Me This event is designed to give San Diego families a chance to connect, play, learn, and grow—together. We’re bringing you hands-on activities, expert tips, and a beautiful outdoor setting perfect for making memories. What Families Can Expect: 🌱 Sensory Play Stations - Created to support regulation, creativity, and fun. 🗣️ Speech & Language Development Activities - Practical strategies and play-based learning to boost communication skills. 🧠 Mindful Parenting & Connection Tools - Tips from child development professionals to help you thrive as a parent. 🌸 Nature Play and Farm Fun - Explore the beauty of Fox Point Farms, a unique family-friendly venue in Encinitas. 👶 Baby & Toddler Zone - Safe and engaging activities just for our littlest guests. 🎨 Crafts, Music, and Movement - Opportunities to create, dance, and enjoy being together as a family. 💬 Meet Local Experts & Community Resources - Chat with everyone from therapists, wellness experts, and parenting coaches to real estate experts, home organization, and jewelry designers! We've got 25+ of the top local San Diego businesses attending to help support your family's journey! Why Should San Diego Families Attend? 💛 Because parenting is hard—and community matters. Thrive Together is designed to empower families with support, resources, and fun—all in one day. 💛 Because connection is powerful. This is your chance to connect with local child development experts, other parents, and your own children in meaningful ways. 💛 Because wellness starts early. Learn simple strategies to support your child’s sensory, speech, motor, and emotional development—right from the experts. 💛 Because your family deserves a joyful, screen-free day outdoors. Perfect For: ✅ Families with kids of all ages and abilities ✅ Parents looking for San Diego family events with expert support ✅ Families interested in sensory play, speech & language tips, and early childhood wellness ✅ Anyone ready for a fun, relaxing morning connecting with their kids 🌿 Join Us for Thrive Together! 🌿 Don’t miss this special day designed to help your family THRIVE—emotionally, physically, and socially. 🎟 Tickets are limited! Reserve your spot here Every ticket a dmits your entire family PLUS gets you entered in the raffle to win one of our amazing prizes from local businesses! Come play, connect, and grow with us at beautiful Fox Point Farms . We can’t wait to see you there!

5 Myths About Picky Eating and What You Actually Need to Know: Tips from a Pediatric OT and Feeding Specialist 🍓🍑🥒 If you’re a parent of a picky eater, you’ve probably searched high and low for solutions to make mealtimes less stressful. Navigating meals with a selective eater can be overwhelming, especially with conflicting information online. As a pediatric occupational therapist (OT) and feeding specialist, I’m here to debunk common myths about picky eating and share actionable tips that work. Read on to discover the truth behind picky eating and how to create stress-free meals your child will love. Myth #1: "Picky Eating Is Just a Phase" The Reality: It might be more than a phase. While picky eating is common among toddlers and preschoolers, for some children, it can persist beyond the typical developmental stages. In some cases, picky eating may indicate underlying issues, such as sensory processing difficulties, oral motor challenges, or even anxiety around food. What You Need to Know: Developmental Milestones Matter: Around 18 months to 3 years, children often experience food neophobia—a natural resistance to new foods. However, if your child’s eating habits severely limit their diet or persist well past age 5, it may require additional support. Trust Your Instincts: If you’re concerned about your child’s eating habits, trust your gut. It’s better to seek help early rather than assume your child will grow out of it. Tips for Parents: Keep a food diary to track what your child eats over a week. This can help identify patterns and nutritional gaps. Seek an evaluation from a pediatric feeding specialist or OT if your child’s diet is highly restrictive. Myth #2: "They’ll Eat When They’re Hungry" The Reality: Hunger doesn’t always win. Many parents believe that if a child is hungry enough, they’ll eat whatever is available. For selective eaters, especially those with sensory or medical challenges, hunger doesn’t necessarily override their discomfort or aversion to certain foods. What You Need to Know: Food Avoidance Is Complex: Sensory sensitivities, textures, smells, or even past negative experiences with food can cause a child to avoid eating, no matter how hungry they are. Pressure Backfires: Forcing a child to eat or withholding preferred foods until they eat something new can increase anxiety and lead to negative associations with mealtime. Tips for Parents: Offer a mix of familiar and new foods without pressure. Let your child decide what and how much to eat. Use a "safe food" approach: Always include at least one food your child likes at every meal. Myth #3: "Picky Eaters Are Just Being Stubborn" The Reality: It’s not about defiance. Picky eating is rarely a matter of willful behavior. Many children struggle with selective eating due to underlying sensory, motor, or emotional factors. What You Need to Know: Sensory Sensitivities: Some children have heightened sensitivities to textures, temperatures, or flavors, making certain foods overwhelming or even unbearable. Oral Motor Skills: Difficulty chewing or swallowing can lead to food avoidance. Children with oral motor challenges may prefer soft, easy-to-eat foods and reject others. Anxiety: Negative past experiences, such as choking or vomiting, can create a fear of eating certain foods. Tips for Parents: Approach mealtimes with empathy. Recognize that picky eating is often beyond your child’s control. Introduce new foods gradually. Allow your child to explore the food through touch or smell before expecting them to taste it. Myth #4: "Just Hide Veggies in Their Food" The Reality: Sneaky strategies can backfire. While sneaking veggies into foods like smoothies or sauces can ensure some nutrient intake, it doesn’t help your child build a positive relationship with food or learn to try new things. What You Need to Know: Honesty Builds Trust: Deceiving your child by hiding ingredients can lead to mistrust, especially if they discover the hidden food. Exposure Is Key: Kids need repeated, positive exposures to new foods to become comfortable with them. Hiding veggies doesn’t provide this opportunity. Tips for Parents: Get your child involved in meal prep. Washing, chopping, or stirring can make new foods less intimidating. Use "food chaining": Introduce new foods that are similar in taste, texture, or appearance to foods your child already likes. Myth #5: "It’s All About the Nutrition" The Reality: Mealtimes are about more than food. While nutrition is important, focusing solely on what your child eats can create unnecessary pressure and conflict. Mealtimes are an opportunity to build social skills, encourage independence, and foster a positive relationship with food. What You Need to Know: Connection Over Consumption: Creating a relaxed mealtime atmosphere can help your child feel safe and more open to trying new foods. Picky Eating Often Resolves Gradually: It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Small, consistent steps lead to long-term success. Tips for Parents: Establish a mealtime routine with clear expectations (e.g., sitting at the table for a set time). Celebrate small wins, like touching or smelling a new food, even if your child doesn’t eat it. Model healthy eating habits. Let your child see you enjoying a variety of foods. How a Pediatric OT Can Help If your child’s picky eating feels overwhelming, a pediatric occupational therapist can provide tailored strategies to support their unique needs. Here’s how: Assessment: An OT will evaluate your child’s sensory, motor, and oral skills to identify underlying challenges. Individualized Interventions: Therapy sessions may include sensory play, oral motor exercises, and gradual food exposure. Parent Training: Learn practical, evidence-based techniques to use at home. Final Thoughts Picky eating can feel like a daunting challenge, but it doesn’t have to define your mealtime experience. By understanding the myths and focusing on what really matters—connection, patience, and positive exposure—you can support your child in developing a healthy relationship with food. Remember, progress takes time, and every small step forward is a win. If you need extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pediatric OT or feeding specialist. You’ve got this, and help is always available when you need it!

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Creating a Sensory-Friendly Halloween Experience: Tips to Help Your Child Enjoy the Festivities Halloween can be an exciting and fun-filled holiday for many children, but for kids with sensory processing differences, the day’s activities—costumes, trick-or-treating, and the general buzz of excitement—can become overwhelming. As a pediatric occupational therapist, I understand the importance of ensuring that your child enjoys the holiday in a way that feels safe and comfortable for them. In this blog, I’ll explore how to make Halloween more sensory-friendly, with tips on creating a comfortable costume, planning a quiet trick-or-treat route, preparing for sensory breaks, setting clear expectations, and offering fun alternatives. Understanding Sensory Sensitivities Before diving into specific tips, it’s essential to understand why Halloween can be so challenging for children with sensory processing difficulties. Sensory processing refers to the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses. For some children, sensory inputs like loud noises, unfamiliar textures, or bright lights can be overwhelming, causing anxiety, discomfort, or even meltdowns. Halloween, with its mix of strange sights, sounds, and textures, can be a sensory overload waiting to happen. But with some thoughtful planning and strategies, you can ensure your child still enjoys the festivities. Let’s break down some practical ways to create a sensory-friendly Halloween. 1. Choose a Comfortable Costume For many children, one of the highlights of Halloween is picking out their costume. However, costumes often feature itchy fabrics, uncomfortable accessories, or tight-fitting components that can be challenging for children with sensory sensitivities. When choosing a costume for your child, comfort should be your top priority. Tips for Selecting a Comfortable Costume: Opt for familiar clothing: If your child is uncomfortable with the feel of typical store-bought costumes, consider a DIY approach using their everyday clothes. For example, a soft T-shirt with their favorite character or animal can still make for a fun, creative costume without causing discomfort. Test it out early: Have your child wear the costume well in advance of Halloween to ensure it feels comfortable and doesn't cause irritation. This will also allow them to get used to any new textures or materials. Remove uncomfortable accessories: Skip any extra accessories like hats, masks, or gloves that your child finds annoying or distracting. A simple headband or face paint may be more tolerable alternatives. Layer with soft fabrics: If the costume is made from an itchy fabric, consider layering a soft undershirt or leggings underneath. This will create a barrier between your child’s skin and the costume. By ensuring the costume feels good on their body, your child will be able to focus on the fun rather than being distracted by discomfort. 2. Plan a Quiet Trick-or-Treat Route and Practice Ahead of Time Trick-or-treating is often the centerpiece of Halloween for many children, but the activity can be overwhelming due to the unfamiliar environment, loud sounds, and crowds. Planning ahead can help your child feel more comfortable and prepared for the experience. Tips for Planning a Trick-or-Treat Route: Choose a quiet route: Opt for neighborhoods or areas that are less busy or have fewer houses participating. This will reduce sensory overload from large crowds, bright lights, and excessive noise. Go early: Start your trick-or-treating adventure early in the evening before it gets too dark and when fewer people are out. This can make the experience more manageable for children who are sensitive to overwhelming stimuli. Familiar locations: Stick to homes or neighborhoods that your child knows well. Familiarity can provide a sense of comfort and reduce anxiety in new or unpredictable environments. Practice Makes Perfect: Children with sensory challenges often feel more at ease when they know what to expect, so practicing trick-or-treating in advance can help reduce anxiety. Role-play: Before Halloween, practice the trick-or-treating routine at home or with a friend. Knock on doors, say "trick or treat," and give your child a chance to experience the process in a safe, low-pressure environment. Visual schedules: If your child benefits from visual aids, create a simple schedule showing the steps of trick-or-treating, from putting on their costume to ringing doorbells to receiving candy. This will help them understand the sequence of events. By preparing ahead of time, you can set your child up for success and help them feel more confident when the big night arrives. 3. Prepare for Sensory Breaks Even with the best planning, Halloween can still become overwhelming for your child. That’s why it’s essential to plan for sensory breaks throughout the evening. These breaks will give your child time to regulate their sensory system and prevent them from becoming too overstimulated. Tips for Sensory Breaks: Create a calming space: Whether you’re trick-or-treating or attending a Halloween event, have a designated quiet area where your child can retreat if they become overwhelmed. This could be a quiet room at home, the car, or a designated spot along your trick-or-treat route. Use sensory tools: Bring along your child’s favorite sensory tools, such as noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, or a weighted blanket, to help them feel more comfortable during sensory breaks. Set time limits: Let your child know that it’s okay to take breaks as needed. If they need to leave early or take a breather after a few houses, honor those feelings to help them stay regulated. Deep pressure activities: Deep pressure input, such as tight hugs, squeezes, or using a weighted vest, can help calm and regulate the sensory system. Offer these calming inputs if you notice your child becoming overwhelmed. Sensory breaks allow your child to reset, preventing meltdowns and helping them continue to enjoy the evening at their own pace. 4. Set Clear Expectations Uncertainty or changes in routine can be stressful for children with sensory processing differences. Setting clear expectations ahead of time will help your child understand what to expect during Halloween and reduce any feelings of anxiety. Tips for Setting Expectations: Talk about the plan: Go over the evening’s schedule in advance, explaining the steps of trick-or-treating or any parties you’ll be attending. Be clear about how long you’ll be out, what you’ll do if they feel overwhelmed, and when they can take breaks. Use a timer: If your child benefits from time cues, use a timer or visual countdown to let them know how long each part of the evening will last. This could be for time spent trick-or-treating, attending a party, or even wearing their costume. Discuss social expectations: Prepare your child for what to say or do during trick-or-treating, such as greeting neighbors and saying "thank you" after receiving candy. If social interactions feel challenging, consider role-playing these moments ahead of time. Reassure them: Let your child know that it’s okay if they don’t want to participate in every aspect of Halloween. If they decide not to wear their costume or want to stop trick-or-treating early, reassure them that their comfort comes first. Setting clear expectations helps alleviate the anxiety of the unknown and allows your child to feel more in control of their experience. 5. Offer Alternatives to Traditional Halloween Activities While trick-or-treating and dressing up in costumes are Halloween staples, they’re not the only way to enjoy the holiday. Offering sensory-friendly alternatives can give your child more control over their experience while still allowing them to celebrate in a way that suits their needs. Alternative Halloween Activities: Host a small gathering: Instead of going out for trick-or-treating, consider hosting a small Halloween party at home with a few close friends or family members. This allows your child to celebrate in a familiar, controlled environment. Trunk-or-treat events: Some communities offer trunk-or-treat events, where families decorate their cars and hand out candy in a parking lot. These events are often smaller and quieter than traditional trick-or-treating and may be a more sensory-friendly option. Halloween-themed sensory bins: Create a Halloween sensory bin filled with themed items such as plastic spiders, squishy eyeballs, and fake cobwebs. Your child can explore different textures and engage in sensory play without the overwhelming stimuli of trick-or-treating. Pumpkin decorating: Instead of carving a pumpkin, try decorating it with stickers, markers, or paint. This allows your child to engage in a fun Halloween craft without the sensory discomfort of slimy pumpkin guts. Providing alternatives ensures your child can still enjoy the holiday, even if traditional activities are too overwhelming. Final Thoughts Halloween doesn’t have to be overwhelming for children with sensory sensitivities. With a little bit of planning, flexibility, and a focus on your child’s comfort, you can create a fun, memorable holiday experience for them. By choosing comfortable costumes, planning a quiet trick-or-treat route, preparing for sensory breaks, setting clear expectations, and offering alternatives, you can help your child enjoy the excitement of Halloween while minimizing sensory overload. Remember, the goal is for your child to have fun in a way that feels safe and manageable for them. Every child is different, so feel free to adapt these tips to suit your child’s unique needs. Here’s to a happy, sensory-friendly Halloween! As a pediatric OT, I love helping adapt activities to meet your child's needs. Feel free to contact me for a FREE social story on trick-or-treating!

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