What is the Moro Reflex? 🍼 Ever notice how a baby suddenly throws their arms out wide, then brings them back in, often when startled by a sound or movement? That’s the Moro Reflex at work! This primitive reflex is the body’s first “fight-or-flight” response, triggered by a sudden loss of support or a loud noise. It’s a crucial reflex for survival in infancy, helping to alert caregivers to potential danger. 💡 Developmental Role: The Moro Reflex activates neural pathways that lay the foundation for balance, coordination, and even emotional regulation as a child grows. 🛑 Signs of a Retained Moro Reflex: If this reflex isn’t integrated by around 4-6 months, it may lead to.. - Sensitivity to noise, light, or touch - Frequent startle reactions or difficulty calming down - Emotional and behavioral challenges, including anxiety or poor impulse control - Difficulty with balance, coordination, and focus - Resisting everyday activities like bathing If these sound familiar, reflex integration exercises may help! Visit creativebeginnings.net to schedule an assessment, or for free downloads to learn more about primitive reflexes. #PrimitiveReflexes #MoroReflex #ChildDevelopment #OccupationalTherapy #ParentingTips

How did your kids get their sensory needs met during the hustle and bustle of the holidays? Here’s a peek at how mine geared up for a holiday party where “conventional manners” were expected. Our basement gym was the perfect pre-party outlet—complete with a queen-sized crash pad for big jumps, a trampoline for launching energy, and a punching bag for some satisfying hits! Meeting sensory needs ahead of time = calmer, more regulated kids ready to take on the festivities. 🧠 💪 What’s your go-to sensory strategy during busy seasons? #sensorydiet #emotionalregulation #sensoryregulation #sensoryplay #sensorysaturday #sensoryneeds #sensorystrategy #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #seattleot #seattleoccupationaltherapist #seattleoccupationaltherapy #ottips #otmom #creativebeginningsot

What is the Palmar Grasp Reflex? 🖐️ Hint: playing with playdough is a great sensory play way to help integrate this primitive reflex! You know that adorable (and strong!) grip infants have when they grab your finger, hair, or clothes? That’s the Palmar Grasp Reflex in action! This reflex is triggered by pressure on the palm, causing the fingers to close around the object. It’s more than just a cute baby trick—it plays a crucial role in development. 💡 Fun Fact: The hands and mouth are closely linked. When an infant is nursing or bottle-feeding, their hands often clench in sync with their sucking! This reflex helps develop the neural pathways needed for future skills like fine motor coordination, speech, and feeding. 🛑 Signs of Retained Palmar Grasp Reflex - If this reflex isn’t integrated as the child grows, it can lead to challenges such as: - Difficulty with fine motor tasks like writing, buttoning, or using utensils. - Poor pencil grip or excessive pressure while writing. - Trouble with coordinated hand movements needed for daily tasks. The good news is that Occupational Therapy can help! Stay tuned to learn more about retained primitive reflexes, or book an appointment for a reflex integration assessment: creativebeginnings.intakeq.com/booking #primitivereflexes #retainedprimitivereflexes #palmargrasp #palmargraspreflex #pediatricot #pediatricoccupationaltherapist #seattleot #seattleoccupationaltherapist #occupationaltherapist #occupationaltherapy #creativebeginningsot

As we say goodbye to another year, we’re filled with gratitude for everyone who has been part of our journey. To our amazing clients and their families: Thank you for trusting us to support your children’s growth and development. It’s an honor to be part of your story, and we’re inspired daily by your resilience and dedication. To our community: Your encouragement, referrals, and belief in our mission over the past five years have helped us grow into the practice we are today. We couldn’t do it without you! Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and making a difference—together. Wishing you a joyful, healthy, and fulfilling New Year! 🥂💛 #newyearseve #creativebeginningsot #yearinreview #seattleot

#SensorySaturday: This simple visual and tactile tool helps children build sensory regulation skills through breath. If you need a moment of calm today, breathe along with us! #breathingexercise #deepbreath #calm #calmingstrategy #ottip #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #seattleot #seattleoccupationaltherapist #seattleoccupationaltherapy #creativebeginningsot

#OTintheWild: Occupational therapy techniques aren’t just for therapy sessions—they’re tools we can use in everyday situations to support regulation, focus, and success. When I offered my son proprioceptive input after the vestibular input at his eye exam, he was able to stay seated in the exam chair for nearly an hour. A major win! #proprioceptiveinput #sensoryregulation #selfregulation #ottips #occupationaltherapy #otmom #occupationaltherapist #pediatricot #seattleoccupationaltherapist #seattleot #creativebeginningsot

👋 Hi, I’m Kelly Bowman, founder of Creative Beginnings and an Occupational Therapist with a passion for helping kids, teens, and families achieve their goals. I love teaching how the brain processes information, creating innovative games to support growth, and nurturing independence. But let’s skip the long OT nerd-out (for now!) and share a little about me: 🌽 I started my OT journey in Spokane, WA, and graduated from Eastern WA University. 🏔️ I love being outdoors year-round—any activity, any season! 📚 I’m obsessed with audiobooks. 🛠️ I’m great at starting home remodeling projects... finishing them is another story. 💚 And I’m a lifelong Girl Scout, currently a troop leader gearing up for cookie season! Let’s keep growing together. ⭐ #occupationaltherapist #seattleoccupationaltherapist #seattlepediatricot #pediatricot #pediatricoccupationaltherapist #creativebeginningsot #seattleoccupationaltherapy