Rough-and-tumble play (or rough-house play) can often feel out-of-control, violent, and overwhelming for parents, especially if their child may have challenges with regulating their emotions. Because of this, it may seem counterintuitive to allow or even promote rough-and-tumble play as a parent. However, it is actually a powerful way for kids to learn and improve...
Scaffolding parenting includes three pillars: support, structure, and encouragement. In scaffold parenting lies the metaphor that the child is a “building,” and the parents are the scaffold around it. Your support, structure, and encouragement guide the child as they rise and grow. The scaffolding parenting strategy provides a framework of safety for which kids to...
Picky eaters and normal eaters each deserve the experience of happy mealtimes. Helping families have joyful and responsive mealtimes with kids who are picky (or normal!) eaters is an integral part of Feeding Therapy at Amy Zier + Associates. Call or click to discover how AZ+A can help! Our team of occupational therapists and our resident...
Creativity inspires communication. By removing the rules and regulations so often placed upon children, art and creative expression go where their minds take them. Removing the structure of “coloring within the lines” frees the child to express their true self and tell a story about how they interpret the world around them. Creative play uncovers...
Movement and coordination are not typically the first things parents think of when their child is suffering from low self-esteem. It’s natural to consider social-emotional factors first, but movement, exercise, and improved coordination positively affect self-esteem in multiple ways. To understand how movement and neurological systems impact confidence, emotions, our organs, behavior, and relationships, we...
Reflecting on 2020, we will remember it as a year of curveballs, ups and downs, and ultimately one of profound growth. Each day as we open the doors to our small business, we are immensely grateful for our therapists and the families we work with. This past year, we had the opportunity to expand how...
The benefits of play pods and small groups for preschoolers and kids include improving a child’s chance of success in school and throughout their lives. Placing children into small groups that feature interactive activities for kids strengthens social skills and creates an inclusive environment. At Amy Zier and Associates, we try to group children of similar ages and developmental...
“What is DIR Floortime?” is often one of the first questions new families at Amy Zier and Associates ask when starting treatment. We love this question because AZ+A’s DIR approach makes our therapy approach truly special. Developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and Serena Wieder, Ph.D., DIR is a multi-component intervention to help children with social-emotional,...
Preparing for back to school!?! Why are we bringing this up NOW when we’ve only just begun to enjoy a little summer fun? Because it will – or possibly won’t – be here before we know it. Preparing for back to school will undoubtedly look different this coming school year. Even though it’s only a couple months...
Telehealth for Pediatric Occupational Therapy AZ+A is committed to supporting families during the COVID19 pandemic. We continue to see clients while following all CDC and Illinois government guidelines. Prior to the recent news of the statewide lockdown due to coronavirus, we had expanded our therapy options for our clientele to include Telehealth. • The exciting...
