Molly Shaw Wilson
Best Preschool Toys for Your Christmas List: Recommendations from a Pediatric OT
I am a pediatric occupational therapist. What that means is I help to facilitate a child's occupation: to play. Isn't that amazing? A child's job is literally to play. When you break down "play", there...
Outdoor Gear Recommendations for Kids From An Occupational Therapist
It's incredibly important for kids to play outside, even in the winter. That's why I'm here with my outdoor gear recommendations for kids.
So much value lies in unstructured outdoor play. Experts recommend three hours of outdoor play...
Hand Preference – Left or Right?
Do you have a good sense of your child's hand preference?
I am a pediatric occupational therapist, and this is a common conversation that I have with parents. While hand dominance is hereditary, its not...
5 Screen Free After School Activities To Help Your Child Unwind
We're back to school and into fall. This means cooler mornings, alarm clock wake-ups, packing lunches, and bus rides. I remember last year when my oldest started kindergarten. Getting adjusted to being "on" five...
A Pediatric Occupational Therapist’s Top Picks for Backpacks
August is upon us and for many of us that means back to school shopping. Is the backpack packed and ready to go? My kids look forward to this one item more than any...
The Best Beach for Your Crew: Guide to Seacoast Beaches
I grew up by the ocean and truly believe that even a quick visit can ease some of our woes. My children were on the sand as soon as they could sit and one...
Get Outside and Get Messy – 4 Ideas for Outdoor Sensory Play for Kids
If you are a neat freak like me, you hate messes in your kitchen. The slime, the goo, the crumbly Playdoh - the mess makes me cringe! Yet, in the summer? I welcome the...
Ready for Kindergarten! A Look at the Kindergarten Screening Process
Kindergarten screenings are coming up at the local elementary schools. All the moms from my parent groups are having these crazed conversations - what is a kindergarten screening like? Are they ready? Am I...
How-to Ditch the Training Wheels – Tips for Riding a 2-Wheeler
Riding a bike gives a child a sense of freedom. When I was little, I equated riding my bike with adventure. I would ride to my friends house or to the corner store to...
How To Tell if Your Child Needs Occupational Therapy
Kids do all kinds of crazy things, right? In response, you hear things like "boys will be boys" and "she will grow out of it" and "this too shall pass". At many points when...