In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the power of play in child development. We often focus on academic achievement, social skills, and structured learning—but play is the foundation of it all. For children, play is not just an enjoyable pastime; it’s a vital tool for emotional … [Read more...]
Great Gifts
A Gift Guide for our Sensory Emotional Kids The holidays are here, and everyone asks, 'What's on your kids' wish lists this year?' In case you're not sure how to answer, we can help. Within the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference, we identify different personality styles … [Read more...]
Preparing our Sensory Kids for Easier Transitions
Transitioning from one activity or place to another can be tough for anybody, especially when it involves transitioning from a preferred activity or place to a less preferred activity or place. For kids with sensory processing differences, this shift can be an extremely difficult challenge, … [Read more...]
Preparing our Sensory Kids for Halloween
Tips for Success Halloween is an exciting time for many kids, others may find trick-or-treating more tricky than fun. Spooky scenes, lights, sounds, crowds, and costumes in unfamiliar fabrics and textures can make Halloween uncomfortable and cause anxiety for our sensory kids. Here are some … [Read more...]
7 tips for back to school with sensory kids
It’s that time of year again. Back to school! Some children love it. Some children hate it. Some children have very mixed feelings about it. It can be a tricky transition time for many and a source of a lot of anxiety. Going back to school has so many moving parts for even adults to manage and think … [Read more...]
Managing behavior through presence and play
“How am I going to handle this?”“Why is it so hard to get things done around here?”“My kids are driving me CRAZY!”“How can I possibly juggle all of these responsibilities?” We know that when we are relaxed, present and in the moment, we can connect more easily with our Great Kids and we enjoy … [Read more...]
Sensations As Fun Experiments (SAFE) for Tactile Sensitivity
At Great Kids Place we understand the impact of sensory experiences on emotion regulation and relationships, as well as its ability to allow or prevent us from engaging in meaningful activities. One of the focal points of our therapy is reframing sensory experiences as safe and fun. We know that the … [Read more...]
Infant Massage
Certified Infant Massage Instructor, AnnMarie Murphy, has been certified by the World Institute for Nurturing Communication (WINC) in training parents in massage for their children. These strokes assist in bonding and attachment, relief, relaxation and stimulation for their children. Despite its … [Read more...]
5 ways to use a growth mindset with our sensory kids
Does this sound familiar? “I just CAN’T DO IT!” So many of our great kids are constantly feeling frustrated as they see other kids easily doing things that are hard for them (going to the swimming pool, climbing the equipment at the playground, writing on the line, playing games at a … [Read more...]
Safe and Sound Protocol
Does your child have sensitivities to sound? Difficulties with auditory processing? Behavioral outbursts? Inability to focus or sit still? Anxiety in social situations? After many years of research by Dr. Stephen Porges, The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) was developed based on his Polyvagal … [Read more...]
