Tara Konradi

If mealtimes feel chaotic, messy, or way harder than you expected… it might not be your child. Often, it’s the setup — the seating, the tools, or the expectations — that quietly make eating harder than it needs to be. When eating feels difficult, it’s easy to focus on behavior. But many challenges at the table come from how demanding the task is on a child’s body. When the environment asks for more coordination, strength, or control than is available in that moment, meals can unravel quickly....

Winter break is a welcome pause from school routines — but for many kids, the sudden change can bring big emotions, sleep disruptions, and more meltdowns than parents expect. As an occupational therapist, I want to reassure you of two things: This is normal You don’t need to recreate school at home to support your child What kids need most during winter break is predictable rhythm , not strict schedules. Here’s how to support routines during winter break in a way that keeps things calm and...

Winter brings a shift in routines, light, temperatures, and energy — and for little ones, those changes can feel exciting, confusing, or overwhelming all at once. But the beautiful thing about this season is that it naturally offers the perfect mix of sensory input, bonding opportunities, and playful learning … all wrapped into moments you’re probably already having as a family. Whether you’re playing in fresh snow, bundling up for a walk, or spending cozy days indoors, here are simple,...