Nobody prepares you for the part of parenting where you hold it together for your kid—co-regulating through the meltdown, keeping things calm, making drop-off smooth… and then breaking down in your car the moment they’re inside. 💔💪 Parenting is hard work, emotionally and physically. If you’ve been there, just know—you’re not alone. ❤️ #parenting #coregulation #parentlife #parentingsupport #gentleparenting #seattleot #occupationaltherapist #seattleoccupationaltherapy #creativebeginningsot

One of the biggest ways we strengthen our kids’ sibling bond? We honor their differences. ♥️ 🔹 Speaking Their Narrative – Our kids overhear us telling others (like the pediatrician) how well they support and enjoy each other. They internalize that message and believe in their bond. 🔹 Supporting Individual Interests – Just because one child plays a sport doesn’t mean the other has to. We celebrate their different passions and talk about how exciting it is to cheer each other on. 🔹 Teaching Patience from the Start – Even when our youngest was a baby, we verbalized taking turns: “You’re next, Calvin. Right now, I’m getting Evelyn a snack.” That way, waiting wasn’t just a rule—it was an expectation for everyone. 🔹 Intentional One-on-One Time – Whether it’s a special activity during a sibling’s lesson or switching between games, we make time for each child and verbalize it so they know they are valued individually. 🔹 Team Mentality – We call ourselves Team Bowman and even hold team meetings when we need to reset expectations or remind everyone that we’re on the same side. Sibling rivalry is inevitable, but so is sibling connection—when we make it a priority. By celebrating their individuality while reinforcing their bond, we’re raising kids who support each other for life. 💙 #siblingdynamics #siblingrivalry #siblingbond #siblingbonding #parentingtip #creativebeginningsot #seattleot #seattleoccupationaltherapy #seattleoccupationaltherapist #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist

For years, we’ve called our kids each other’s forever friend—because sibling bonds last a lifetime! Here are some ways we encourage connection, teamwork, and respect between our kids: 🔹 Even & Odd Days – Each kid is assigned an even or odd number, and when disputes arise (who starts the game, who helps bring things in from the car), the calendar decides! No more arguments, just a system that works. 🔹 Kids vs. Grownups – Instead of pitting siblings against each other, we turn challenges into teamwork. Whether it’s “Keepy Uppy” against Mom or racing Dad to see who can clean up the fastest, working together strengthens their bond. 🔹 Books & Movies as Teaching Tools – We point out when siblings have each other’s backs in stories and talk about the importance of contributing to the family. 🔹 Modeling Conflict Resolution – Siblings won’t always get along, and that’s okay! We teach them that repairing relationships is more than just saying “I’m sorry”—it’s about actions and making things right. 🔹 Sharing Stories – We tell childhood stories about our own sibling relationships, from pranks to problem-solving, so they see that ups and downs are part of the journey. Sibling rivalry happens, but connection is built in everyday moments. By fostering teamwork, respect, and appreciation, we’re raising kids who will always have each other’s backs. 💙 #siblingdynamics #siblingrivalry #siblingbonding #siblings #occupatoinaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #seattleot #podswing #creativebeginningsot

This simple swing is a game-changer for sensory regulation! 💙✨ Pod swings are more than just a fun hangout spot—they offer incredible benefits for sensory regulation, focus, and motor skills! 🙌 Whether in my occupational therapy practice or with my own kids, here’s why we love them: 🌀 Sensory Processing – Provides vestibular input to improve balance & coordination. 😌 Calming & Regulating – The gentle rocking motion helps kids relax & manage anxiety. 🎭 Imaginative Play – From cozy hideaways to thrilling adventures, the possibilities are endless! 💪🏻 Proprioceptive Input – The snug fabric offers grounding pressure to improve body awareness. 🏡 Versatile – Perfect for both indoor & outdoor use! Pod swings are a simple yet powerful tool to support sensory needs while keeping play fun and engaging! 🌟 #sensoryswing #podswing #sensorydiet #sensoryregulation #ottip #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #seattleot #seattleoccupationaltherapist #seattleoccupationaltherapy #creativebeginningsot

#OTTip: Balance isn’t just about standing, so balance exercises can happen in a variety of ways! ⚖️ This simple balance ball exercise packs a punch 💪 ✨— laying back and reaching overhead to grab blocks, then crunching up to place them in front fires up small stabilizer muscles, strengthens the core, improves motor coordination, and boosts hand-eye coordination. Plus, it’s a great way to build body awareness in a fun, engaging way! This is also a great exercise to help integrate the Moro Reflex. Balance work can happen in any position—get creative and challenge those muscles in new ways! 🤸‍♂️🔥 #balanceexercises #ottip #grossmotorskills #motorcoordination #handeyecoordination #bodyawareness #otmom #occupationaltherapist #occupationaltherapy #seattleoccupationaltherapist #seattleot #creativebeginningsot

Want to boost your child's skills while keeping playtime fun? 🎉 Try mixing sensory activities they already love with skills they're still developing! For example, my kids love their sensory swing pod, so we incorporate: ✨ Hand-eye coordination – tossing and catching while swinging ✨ Core strength & balance – reaching, stretching, and adjusting positions ✨ Fine motor skills – stacking, gripping, and manipulating small objects When kids are comfortable and engaged, they’re more likely to practice new skills without even realizing it! What’s a favorite activity in your house that could double as a learning opportunity? 💡 #SensoryPlay #OTTips #LearningThroughPlay #BalanceAndCoordination #HandEyeCoordination #SwingTherapy #ChildDevelopment #ottip #sensorydiet #occupationaltherapist #creativebeginningsot

Spring sports season is coming! ⚾🌸 Getting your athlete ready isn’t just about batting and catching—it’s about coordination, emotional regulation, resilience, and sensory processing too. If your child struggles with these in the classroom, chances are they might face similar challenges on the field. Skills needed for baseball (beyond ball-to-bat and ball-to-glove contact): 🏃‍♂️ Body awareness & balance for running bases 👀 Visual tracking to follow the ball 👏 Hand-eye coordination for throwing & catching 🧠 Focus & attention to react quickly 🤝 Teamwork & emotional regulation for working with others If your child is struggling in sports or in school, we can help! OT support builds these foundational skills so they can feel more confident in all areas of life. 💪 Learn more and get on our schedule today at CreativeBeginnings.net. #springsports #sportsprep #ottip #ottips #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #pediatricot #seattleot #seattlepediatricot #seattleoccupationaltherapist #creativebeginningsot