Our Blog - A fresh Take

This is a blog about the art of helping the children in our lives realize their potential and use their gifts, especially those children who may not move as well, the “crasher banger” kids, the shy types, and those picked last for ball games. It’s about seeing beyond the surface to discover who our children are and helping them shine. We’ll discuss how children grow and learn, how they move and use their senses, and why they do things like spin in circles until they fall down. Mostly it’s about all of us taking a step back and seeing each other for who we really are. That’s a tall order. We’re complex creatures. Let’s begin.

June 23, 2014

Play and Executive Functioning

June 23, 2014/ Moira Sullivan

This is a great article from Atlantic magazine which talks about the importance of having unstructured time to play.

Unstructured play not only builds motor coordination and social interaction skills, it enhances executive functioning which is essential for being able to focus, solve problems, read social situations and respond accordingly, and to learn.

The article also talks about unsupervised play, something many parents may be uncomfortable with. Yet unsupervised play can mean that parents or trusted adults are available, yet not directing the activity. Children can, and should, have opportunities to figure things out.

As adults, we have to ask ourselves what our purpose is when we try to structure every activity our children do. We want to provide them with enriching activities, yet one of the most enriching activities - the opportunity to learn and explore for oneself - is increasingly rare. It's time to build in free time, for ourselves as well as our kids.

Whole Kids Therapy

Whole Kids Therapy offers occupational therapy services for children of all ages, including assessment, individual treatment, consultation services and parent education. We partner with families, physicians, mental health professionals and educators to ensure that children reach their fullest potential.