The Hummingbird and the Helicopter: Two Approaches to Parenting

The Hummingbird and the Helicopter: Two Approaches to Parenting

Parenting Styles: Hummingbird versus Helicopter Approach As a parent, you think to yourself, am I doing this right? I just want my child to be happy, safe, and successful. Am I a “good” parent?  Often, parents feel the need to constantly “help” their children succeed just to get ahead in school, sports, or having “enough” friends. This puts a lot of pressure on parents and their children.  The media has different labels for parenting styles, while clinical and developmental psychology has grouped these into three classifications:  Authoritarian: focuses on rigid rules, expectations, and consequences. Parents control behaviors and emotions, resulting in children becoming fearful of expressing themselves.   Permissive: extreme opposite of aforementioned.  Direction and boundaries are not a priority with little emphasis on restrictions. This…

Benefits of Mixed-Age Play

Benefits of Mixed-Age Play

The Power of Play Play is our kid’s favorite thing to do.  And it should be.  It is a critical vehicle for kids to learn and grow physically, socially, and emotionally for the world around them.  Thankfully, kids are organically driven to play.  Kids are made to move, ask questions, explore, interact, and imagine.  It is what they want to and need to do.   Mixed-Age Play So often our kids are grouped into set age ranges for play with only a 1-2 year span.  But mixed-age play is actually highly beneficial for all kids involved.  Children are able to learn new skills from older friends and teach new skills to younger friends. This give-and-take provides opportunities for both growth and leadership. “Age mixed play offers…

An OT’s View of Nature

An OT’s View of Nature

We believe that nature is a tremendously beneficial environment for occupational therapy services. Before we tell you why, you first need to understand the goal of a pediatric  occupational therapist is to help children meet their full potential. An occupational therapist guides a child to develop underlying skills, adapt to challenges, or to participate in activities to support overall wellness.  A child will get the most out of therapy interventions if they are motivated, sense connection and find it meaningful. For an occupational therapist, this means creating an environment that is fun, provides felt safety and most importantly, provides opportunities for growth and development. Nature from an OT’s Perspective Nature is the perfect partner for occupational therapists when working to promote positive developmental change. Many…

Sensory Hurricane Kit

Sensory Hurricane Kit

Living in the Tampa Bay, Florida area means we have to prepare for the 5-months of hurricane season.  We have all kinds of systems for preparing our homes for severe weather, stocking up on food and water, and establishing safe spaces to shelter.  When storms approach, there is a graded buzz of anxiety and uncertainty in the air.  We watch the weather diligently for a week and as predictions become more reliable, the community comes alive with preparations.

OT Student Reflections

OT Student Reflections

Student Reflections at Treeline from OT Student Sean Vercellone, St. Augustine University I have always enjoyed spending time in nature. It is a place where I feel safe and most like myself. This fact shaped my career path and led me to work at a summer camp for kids and adults with disabilities. I loved this job! I lead activities like kayaking, tubing, and ziplining, while also building meaningful connections with so many unique kids and adults. Working at this camp for three summers changed my life. Not only did it lead to me applying to occupational therapy school, but it was the first time I witnessed the therapeutic benefits of nature. 

How Nature Supports All 8 Senses

How Nature Supports All 8 Senses

Did you know that the way a body senses things internally and externally plays a huge role in creating a sense of self? The Lab of Action and Body at the University of London puts it this way:  “Awareness of one’s’ body is intimately linked to self-identity, the sense of being ‘me’” As a parent, I am sure you want to support your child’s senses so that they can become their best self. Enriching your child’s sensory input may sound overwhelming, but it can be as simple as playing outside with your family!  Come along as we explore the sensory systems and discover how nature supports all 8 senses. 

12 Tips for E-Learning

12 Tips for E-Learning

Whew – you have started the school year!  It has been months of roller coaster emotions, information (or lack thereof) and tough decisions.  Now that you know a bit more about your child’s schedule, teachers, expectations, and school day, we put together 12 tips for e-learning to help you and your child make the most of this opportunity.