In daycare and preschool settings, children are doing some of the most important developmental work of their lives. They're testing boundaries, learning to express emotions they don't have words for yet, and figuring out how to exist in a world with other people who also have needs and feelings. These behaviors aren't signs that something is wrong with your child or that you're failing as a parent or provider. They're actually signs of a developing brain doing exactly what it's supposed to do—learning, growing, and sometimes struggling along the way. When a child melts down or acts out, they're often telling us something important…

Insight by: Justin Gutterman, MEd, LMSW

Pediatric physical therapy is specialized care designed specifically for children from infancy through early elementary years. It focuses on helping kids build the strength, balance, coordination, and movement skills they need to play, learn, and grow alongside their peers.

Think of it as giving your child's body the tools and practice it needs to do all the things childhood should include—running after friends, climbing confidently, participating in activities at school, and moving through their day with ease and independence.

Infant mental health isn't about diagnosing or pathologizing. It's about relationships and how they are the foundation for everything else. Every warm interaction, every moment of understanding, and every consistent boundary helps establish lifelong emotional well-being. When caregivers nurture connection, children thrive—emotionally, socially, and developmentally.

When your child enters the water, something beautiful happens. Suddenly, their body feels lighter. Movements that seemed impossible on land become achievable. There is a spark of joy when they realize they can move freely without pain or fear.

Water becomes their ally, not their obstacle. The buoyancy supports their body weight, reducing stress on joints and muscles by up to 90%. This means your child can focus on movement patterns and building strength without the overwhelming challenge of fighting gravity every step of the way.

From birth through age eight, your child's brain is like a sponge—soaking up experiences, forming connections, and building the pathways they'll use for a lifetime. These early years offer a special window of opportunity that won't come again. Your child's early experiences—the loving words you speak, playing with them, the stories you read together—all help shape how their brain develops.

As a parent, you know your child best. You notice their unique personality, celebrate their milestones, and sometimes wonder if certain behaviors are typical. Those questions and observations matter! Understanding what's typical in childhood development helps you recognize when extra support might benefit your little one.

Potty training is a significant developmental milestone that can often feel overwhelming for parents. While the prospect of saying goodbye to diapers is exciting, the journey is rarely straightforward. As child development professionals, we understand the challenges families face during this important transition. 

In child development, each milestone has its own challenges and potty training is no different. Please know that you are not alone. Be kind to yourself and patient with your child during this stage of learning. Know that help is available and you do not have to struggle alone.