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Mom and toddler playing with foam

Fine Motor Skills and Messy Play

Fine Motor Skills and Messy Play As Occupational Therapists we are often asked about the link between fine motor skills and “messy play”. If you have been to one of our GAP Groups, or another baby stimulation group, you would have had loads of fun exploring messy play. As a caregiver you know it’s important …

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Wikki stix and formation cards

Why OTs love wikki stix for improving fine motor skills!

How doe we OTs use wikki stix for improving fine motor skills in children? Children love new and different toys. Sometimes this is just what we need to maintain their interest in a fine motor task long enough for them to build up endurance in their little hand and finger muscles. That’s why both in …

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Mom playing toy cars with toddler

Attachment in Toddlers – why engagement is so important

Photo Credit: People photo created by shurkin_son – www.freepik.com Toddlers are known to be very busy creatures! Getting them to slow down, look and share attention with you can be a challenge. While it may seem easier to let them occupy themselves and bounce from one activity to another, it is important for learning and …

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Dad holding baby

Attachment in Babies – why it’s important and how to get it right!

There is an inherent need to form an attachment in all of us. Babies tend to form a strong connection with one primary caregiver when they are very young. This bond will form the foundation for all other relationships. When a baby forms a secure bond with their primary caregiver they have a firm foundation …

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Child playing at toy kitchen

How to improve Motor Planning Skills

In our previous blog we chatted about the rise in Motor Planning (Praxis) difficulties we are seeing in our classrooms and therapy practice. If you missed this blog, you can take a quick read here https://www.jumpleapfly.co.za/why-are-motor-planning-challenges-on-the-rise/. To better understand how to tackle Motor Planning difficulties, we need to first look at its roots. In our …

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Parenting & Child Development Articles JumpLeapFly Blog

Bath time – SCRUB – A – DUB – DUB, How often must I be in the tub?!

For any first time mom, bath time can cause a certain amount of anxiety. The thought of letting that precious baby slip through your fingers is terrifying. While some babies love bath time, others find this sensory rich task somewhat overwhelming and their fussing and crying can make this even more of a daunting task. …

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Two things to do to celebrate Heritage Day 2018

Today we are celebrating Heritage Day in South Africa, and the question comes to mind, what is the meaning and also what can we teach our kids about this day? I did some research as a mom to truly understand and found this article that I would like to share with you: Heritage Day – …

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The Importance of Sensory Play

Have you ever wondered how playing with your baby or toddler can impact their performance at school in the future? The below diagram of a tree may help you to visualise what is happening with your little one’s development. It is important that, just like a tree, the “root” (or foundation) skills need to be …

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Picnics and Parties and avoiding the meltdown

The weather is starting to change and everyone is trying to fit in some last outdoor fun activities ahead of the cold. We have been doing some reflecting on how to make the most of these times while avoiding the meltdowns that often follow afterwards with little ones. Here are some of our favourite tips: …

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