One of the key components of therapy provided at Amy Zier and Associates is parent-inclusion. We have always believed that the work we do as pediatric occupational therapists must include the caregiver(s) of the child. Throughout our years working with Chicago families, parent involvement continues to yield excellent results.

We are fascinated by the results of the recent Yale University study about children with anxiety cited HERE. Rather than offering therapy to the child themselves, this study focused solely on the parent(s) and how their behavior could help the child face his or her fears. With more knowledge about coaching strategies rather than accommodating the feelings of fear, parents play an active role in moving their child beyond significant anxieties.

AZ+A is excited to be starting a new parenting group soon. Our hope is to empower parents with strategies based on their own life experiences. How we were parented directly influences how we parent. Examining parenting patterns, beliefs and where they came from, and learning from the stories of other parents is important work that makes us stronger in the end. And, most importantly, imparts strength and confidence to our children, which is a gift that lasts a lifetime.