Why is imitation important for child development?

My 15 month old daughter, Maya playing with our dog Bailey...

I love how she is imitating the dog rolling on the floor! This is an example of typical play and social skills development. Imitation is very important, without imitation skills kids will have a difficult time learning, and developing their communication and play skills. You should see your baby begin to imitate simple movements (such as clapping) or facial expressions as early as 5 months!

Does your child have good imitation skills? Speak to your pediatrician if you have any concerns whatsoever, they should be able to tell you if your child's imitation skills are on track.

Ice Cube Trays for Meal Time!

By Karina Gonzalez, MS CCC-SLP

I want to share a great motivational feeding tool that only costs a dollar! Ice cube trays! I started using them recently in my feeding sessions and they have been working out great! I use them with both picky eaters and with children that have issues with pacing and overstuff their mouths.

For picky eaters, I find that when you use an ice cube tray instead of a plate, they are more open to trying the new food. The spaces allow you to place the bites individually and to a child with food aversion, it is not as scary as having all the food bunched up on a plate. They also provide the child with a visual of when he is done with the meal. You can fill all the spaces or just a few, and your child will know that once he finishes all the pieces, he is done! This usually gets them more motivated to participate. Plus, it’s just more fun than a plate!

Whenever I introduce a new food, I always start small (think crumb size) and I start with only 5 ice cube spaces. At the following meal, I will increase it to 6 and so on. I will also increase the size of the crumb to the size of a pea, then dime, etc. If your child is not doing well with the smallest size and quantity then you will need to stay at this level for a few more meals.

On the other hand, if your child overstuffs his mouth, you can use the tray to remind him to take “one bite” at a time. You can cover the holes with your hand or a paper showing him only one at a time. Tell him to chew and swallow before opening the next hole.

If your child needs more motivation, purchase these robot ice cube trays for boys HERE and princess trays for girls HERE.

I hope this simple tool can make meal times more manageable. Please comment below, we love to hear your thoughts.

Have you read my post on making meal time fun, HERE? and Food Play for Picky Eaters, HERE 
Also take a look at these fun face plates,HERE. 

As always, we are here to help you may contact us with any questions or concerns speakeatplay@gmail.com

Budget Friendly Summer Fun!

Jackeline Gurdian, Occupational Therapist

It’s officially summer! Your kids have been waiting for this day since last August, but if your summer entertainment budget is a little low, we can help! Keep reading for fun and affordable activities that have been kid and therapist tested and approved (and you might have some fun too!). Don’t forget you can always tweak these to fit your kid’s age and abilities. Be creative!

Go fishing!

It is really really hot outside so playing with water is a no brainer! Lately most big stores like Target, Walmart or Toys "R" Us have lots of affordable (even $1 section) water toys.
Ok so for fun fishing activity without worrying about the dangers of fishing with toddlers, first buy a plastic wading pool ($7 at Toys "R" Us), magnet letters or toys and you can find a magnet child’s fishing rod or even make one! Here is an easy tutorial to make your own game- Click here!
Some ways to change this game to challenge your child or be more interactive: