Canadian Children's Therapy

CLOSING SUNDAY: Children and Youth Survey "This is an important opportunity for BC parents of children across special needs to share with the Representative for Children and Youth, Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth, their perspectives on the impact of the pandemic. ‘The Rep’ reports directly to the BC legislature on BC’s child welfare system. As the new government is now deciding on its funding priorities for all new ministers this is a crucial time to provide a reality check. The survey closes on this Sunday night at midnight. If you can, please play your part in articulating parental concerns and producing hard data," according to Autism Community Training. https://rcybc.hostedincanadasurveys.ca/index.php/598491

For kids who live in two homes and two bubbles, during COVID times:

Do you know a child struggling with focus, getting tasks done, handwriting, and self-regulation at home and in school? Maybe Occupational Therapy can help. Check us out: https://canadianchildrenstherapy.ca/

Great Free worksheets for Printing practice, available in both English and French. http://www.childdevelopment.ca//SchoolAgeTherapyPLaPWorksh

We love this, because here at Canadian Children's Therapy, we often support families in making schedules to support special kids to start and complete daily sets of activities. And we work to find the sweet spot in how much advanced warning each child needs according to their attention and focus. With parents and kids at home together more, structure have been life saving as families share time and space. And Canadian Children's Therapy loves sharing this journey with you, by popping in for virtual visits. https://islandparent.ca/structure-the-scheduled-kidlet/

Here is a video about some neurological research of kids after using the Alert program, MRI research done in Canada with children with FAS diagnosis. https://youtu.be/dZ0Dba8Mqdg

Pediatricians provide advice about face masks for kids, including a video by an MD on how to ensure a good fit.

Some really great exercises to try with a balloon, with or without a therapist.

This is cool for 1-3 year olds. Look Ma, no hands!

Supersale going on right now at London Drugs, if you have a 4-8year old who likes to build forts:

Click thru for the patterns to print...

Fun printable scavenger hunt at park for kids (from a national parks resources site)

This looks like fun for home. We love to work on measuring, organizing, following directions, and tool use skills in the kitchen here at Canadian Children's Therapy, when we aren't socially distancing.

If you have extra room in your home and your heart...

This game is popular with kids at Canadian Children's Therapy.

Here's the latest fun around town for families:

Making summer plans in Victoria? https://islandparent.ca/

Teens--here is a chance to learn new techniques from D&D leaders at Game to Grow - FREE webinar https://gametogrow.org/2020/06/20/legend-of-calm-webinar/

You know how you always end up with TONS of those little dots of paper in your 3-hole punch? It's the worst when they spill. I have an idea for how you can use them! https://teachbesideme.com/hole-punch-pictures/

A first grader's explanation of sensory processing: https://youtu.be/D1G5ssZlVUw

It is not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. Its our job to raise children who will make the world less cruel and heartless - LR Knost

From another pediatric OT. A social story. Let me know what you think...

Here's some activities for good weather. Get outside if you can:

Really great free resources here: https://www.kiwico.com/kids-at-home

This is happening online today at 3pm Pacific Time. Worth checking out.

Shine a flashlight thru these tubes to make fun shadows...

Great ideas for outdoor activities for sensory seekers and sensory avoiders.

Something for the tweens and teens

Quarantine Tips for Kids (from a 7-year-old friend of Old Mill Center in Oregon) 1) "Dont go outside without permission because you might see others on the sidewalk, and they might have the virus. If you get permission, then you need to be 10 to 13 feet away from others."... 2) "To stay calm, use a soft, fuzzy blanket to cover yourself with... and have a flashlight, too." 3) "Building a fort at home could help kids calm down." Disclaimer: the author is not sure this measure would help other children deal with anxiety or anger, so he stated he 'didn't fully put 100% behind this one.' 4) "Using pillows and sofa cushions to punch when angry can help. Kids can measure their anger with their Engine Thermometers. A high engine rating calls for 3 minutes of punching pillows, a mid engine rating: 2 minutes, a low engine: 1 minute." [OT additional note: Kids can also try jumping into that pile of pillows and cushions or having a pillow fight, if their engine thermometer isn't at top of scale but still in a safe zone.]

A few more ideas for you...

Here is why I don't push handwriting therapy before school-age. I don't know how writing one's name became kindergarten admission criteria, when we know developmental readiness goes against teaching handwriting during early intervention or head start. Stick with letter recognition and reading, not writing, in those early years, please. Use movement and weight-bearing and ball skills to develop overall hand strength and coordination. Play with handling a variety of media.

Island Parent magazines are now online. Here's their Family Resource Guide:

I use several Discovery Toys products in my practice. My local consultant in BC is doing a webinar on using Autism funding to purchase some of these items. You can attend for free. Registration here:

Amazing learning resource for parents.

Heavy work: alerting for low energy or shutdown, and calming for high energy or shutdown. Always regulating to do muscle work without too much head movement. Here's a great list of "heavy work" activities for kids. Ask me how to customize these for your child.

Great idea from a parent. This could help, if your child tolerates hats...and if you have a couple buttons, needle and thread.

With Raffi's beloved children's anthem "Baby Beluga" turning 40, we're sharing our #ChildHonouring ABCs, created by Kristin Wiens. What does Child Honouring mean to you? #BelugaGrads #EarthAndChild