Harkla

Some kids don’t need more pressure to join in. They need rhythm, repetition, and a safe way to participate. 🪀

Zoom Ball is an activity pediatric OTs love for supporting visual tracking, bilateral coordination, motor planning, and social connection. For kids who freeze or feel overwhelmed, start slow, use simple cues like “ready, go” and “open, close,” and let them build confidence first.

In today’s YouTube video, Amanda and Rachel are talking all about the Fear Paralysis Reflex, how it can show up in kids when retained, why what looks like avoidance or refusal may actually be a nervous system response, and activities to support regulation and participation. 🌟

Click the link below to watch the full video now! ▶️
https://youtu.be/KFXlKntOi4I

These 3 quick motor movements can help you see how your child’s brain and body are working together! 🧠🤝🧍

These three moves are about noticing patterns that may show where your child needs more support with gross motor skills, fine motor development, coordination, or retained primitive reflexes.

Try these at home:
➡️ Duck walks
➡️Cross crawls
➡️ Jumping jacks

Keep it playful, watch what feels tricky, and let us know which one was the hardest for your kiddo!

Want the full screen view? Rachel and Amanda walk through all 9 motor movements in this week’s new YouTube video! You can get there through the link below.

https://youtu.be/-dEZh0TzXYA?si=vqudO4I7rABVV8NV

Clumsy, tired, frustrated, or avoiding movement? Their body may be sending you clues! 🔍

In today’s new video, Rachel and Amanda walk through 9 motor movements children can typically do around age 5, demonstrating what each movement should generally look like, what compensations you should watch for, and what role retained primitive reflexes may be playing with your child.

Difficulty with some of these moves can help to identify struggles with:

🧠 retained primitive reflexes
⚖️ balance and coordination
🙇 body awareness
🚶 postural control
✏️ handwriting, focus, and confidence

If your child has a hard time with several of these movements, think of it as information! Their body may need more support with the foundational skills that help movement feel easier.

Try a few cross crawls for yourself, then tap the link below to watch the full video! 👀

https://youtu.be/-dEZh0TzXYA

Some sensory needs are easy to spot… but others can be a little sneaky. 👀

A child with sensory processing differences may not always cover their ears, avoid messy play, or constantly seek crashing and climbing.

Sometimes, sensory overload looks like:

1️⃣ Big reactions to “small” things
A quick trip to the store turns into a meltdown. A family gathering feels impossible. A loud hand dryer, crowded room, unexpected transition, or scratchy shirt tag leads to a reaction that feels bigger than the situation. But to your child’s nervous system, it may not feel small at all.

2️⃣ Constant movement or “rough” body play
Jumping on the couch, crashing into pillows, bumping into people, wrestling, climbing, spinning, or always needing to touch everything can be signs that your child is seeking more proprioceptive or vestibular input. They may not be “trying to be wild.” Their body may be asking for more input to feel organized.

3️⃣ Being “picky,” rigid, or dramatic about everyday sensations
Clothing seams. Hair brushing. Toothpaste. Food textures. Sticky hands. Bath time. Shoes. Socks. Nail trimming. When everyday sensations feel uncomfortable, unpredictable, or overwhelming, children may respond with refusal, big emotions, or very specific preferences.

When we begin to look at the nervous system underneath the behavior, we can better support our kids with tools, routines, and strategies that directly meet their needs. 💙

Have you noticed any of these signs in your child, or even in yourself? Sensory overload can be common in both children and adults! Tell us your experience in the comments. ⤵️

Crawling can feel like one of those “wait and see” milestones… but it’s worth paying attention to. 🚦

Not because you need to panic if your baby isn’t crawling yet, but because there are ways that you can help your baby in this important development period.

Think increasing tummy time tolerance, shoulder strength, core stability, weight shifting, and confidence on the floor. 💡

This week’s new YouTube video walks through 12 OT-approved ways to help your baby build the foundational skills to support crawling at home.

Comment CRAWL and we’ll send the full video to your DMs! 🚼



One tiny crawling tip with BIG developmental payoff… 👋🧦

If your baby is working on crawling, try taking off their socks during floor time!

Bare feet can help babies with:
🦶better grip
🦶more sensory input
🦶primitive reflex integration 

When babies feel more connected to the floor, they often feel more confident exploring movement.

This is only one of the 12 tips Rachel and Amanda shared in this week’s new YouTube video about helping babies build the strength, coordination, and body awareness they need for crawling. Watch the full video to hear all of their advice when you head to the link in our bio! 🔗

Or, comment CRAWL and we’ll send the full YouTube video to your DMs. ⤵️


Is your baby rolling, scooting, pivoting… but not quite crawling yet? 🚼

This activity on a therapy ball is one of the 12 OT-recommended tips Rachel and Amanda share in today’s new YouTube video. This week is all about teaching parents what they can try at home to help get their baby crawling.

“Around the World” on the therapy ball supports:
⚖️ weight shifting
💪 core strength
👐 balance reactions
🧍 body awareness
↔️ crossbody coordination

Crawling is not just about deciding to move forward, it’s collection of small skills working together. If your baby is not crawling yet, this week’s video will walk you through tried and true tips, signs your baby is making progress, and when it may be time to reach out for support.

Tap the link below to watch the full video and learn all of the tips now! ⬇️
https://youtu.be/5MGG40iHvPM?si=MEM9N7bvi9fObmro

If your toddler understands everything but still isn’t using many words, it can feel confusing fast. 🗣️👂

💭 Are they just on their own timeline?
💭 Is babbling enough?
💭 Should you be using more flashcards??

In today’s full YouTube episode, Rachel walks through what may be going on when understanding comes before talking, why babbling is more important than many parents realize, and four tips to better support language during real-life routines like snacks, bath time, getting dressed, singing, swinging, and play.

Click the link below to watch the full video now. ⤵️
https://youtu.be/CrBMwhDqT0c?si=cLH3MPfed_ErE-bL