Parenting Tips

Parenting is tough. We want to support parents and give them new ideas and tools to help with their children’s growth and development, so we started a series that offers practical advice, strategies, and approaches that assist with that. The new series, which leans on the expert advice from one of our former Pediatric Occupational Therapists, Jordan Chingo, is aptly called “Parenting Tips: Kid Tested, Pediatric Therapist Approved.” In the series, Jordan shares ideas and demonstrates fun, easy, at-home activities that benefit all children. If you think that your child could benefit from further support and guidance on how to improve emotional regulation, independence, overall processing, and skill development, please reach out to your primary care provider to discuss a referral to Pediatric Occupational and/or Speech Therapy services at our clinics in Ashland, Hayward, Iron River or Rice Lake.

Episode 1 – Bubble Monster

In the first episode, Jordan shows an activity that shows how respiration calms your child’s nervous system. She calls this activity bubble monster. It’s amazing how just a few bubbles and buckets can make a big difference in your child’s emotional regulation, attention, and processing abilities. Watch the video below to learn more.

Episode 2 – Messy Play and Sensory Bins

If you’re looking for a few activities and ideas that you can do with your children during the winter, that will also help them develop their sensory and tactile (or touch) skills, then we got you covered. Find out about these two hands-on activities in episode 2 of our series.

Episode 3 – Scavenger Hunt

Who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt? A scavenger hunt is a kid-tested, pediatric therapist-approved way for your child to improve their listening and comprehension skills. Our pediatric therapist Jordan makes it even easier for you to get started with this activity with a free resource that lists some things your child can start finding at home to help further develop these skills. Download the resource here.

Episode 4 – Respiration Soccer

In episode 4, Jordan shows us a fun indoor activity that parents, siblings, or peers can do with their child that can be helpful to calm everyone’s nervous system. She calls this activity respiration soccer. This all can be done at home with some supplies you probably already have around the house. Watch the video below to learn more.

Episode 5 – Giving Directions

Sometimes it can be hard for kids to follow directions. Pediatric Therapist Jordan Chingo shares with us an effective method that helps them better understand the directions you’re giving them. Find out what that strategy is in our fifth episode of Parenting Tips: Kid Tested, Pediatric Therapist Approved.

Episode 6 – Heavy Lifting

In episode 6 of Parenting Tips, Pediatric Therapist Jordan Chingo discusses the importance of exercise for your child and how it can benefit in calming their nervous system. She gives some ideas for indoor and outdoor activities that may help with this and even brings in a special guest to give a short demonstration of one!

Episode 7 – Scheduling

In episode 7 of Kid Tested, Pediatric Therapist Approved, Jordan Chingo shares with us the importance of making a schedule for kids. Setting a schedule can help them overcome the frustration they may experience as they transition between different routines throughout the day. Watch her share an approach she found works best for children in the video below.

Episode 8 – Working Up to Messy Play

In episode 8 of our series, Jordan reminds us that messy play helps develop children’s sensory and tactile skills, but also shares with us that some kids may not be ready for these types of activities. So Jordan shares with us a few mess-free activities that are a bridge to messy ones.

Episode 9 – New Foods

Trying new foods can sometimes be scary for kids, so in this episode, we share with you a Kid Tested, Pediatric Therapist Approved method that helps children feel more at ease and safe as they process and explore foods that they haven’t tried before.

Episode 10 – Sleep

Is it tough for your little one to fall and stay asleep at night? If so, you’ll want to watch episode 10 of our series. Jordan provides some Kid Tested, Pediatric Therapist Approved tips that you can try at home that will help ease kids into their bedtime routine, allowing them to wind down so that they can catch those much-needed z’s to get a restful night’s sleep.

Episode 11 – School Transitions

School is ending, and summer is around the corner. As the days get warmer, it’s time to think about how your child will transition during this period. Jordan Chingo, an Occupational Pediatric Therapist at our Ashland Clinic, has some tips for your kids that will help with their regulation so kids understand their routines throughout the day.

Episode 12 – Bubbles

Bubbles, bubbles, everywhere! In episode 12 of our series, Pediatric Occupational Therapist Jordan Chingo shares with you a fun bubble activity that parents and their children can do outside. Learn how this can help with a child’s development in our newest episode below.

Episode 13 – Color Explorer Scavenger Hunt

Are you looking for a fun summer activity you can do with your child that’s not only fun but educational and inexpensive as well? In episode 13 of Parenting Tips: Kid Tested, Pediatric Therapist Approved, Jordan Chingo, a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, encourages you and your child to go outdoors during the summer months to try a scavenger hunt. This scavenger hunt comes with a free resource, which can be downloaded here. Watch the latest episode to learn how this activity can improve your child’s developmental skills.

Episode 14 – Outdoor Nature Scavenger Hunt

Does your family like hiking or playing in the yard during the summer months? Then our Pediatric Occupational Therapist Jordan Chingo has another fun outdoor scavenger hunt that you and your child can try. All you need is some cardboard, tape, markers, and some foliage that you can collect along your hike or in your yard. Learn more in episode 14 of our Parenting Tips: Kid Tested, Pediatric Therapist Approved series.

Episode 15 – Movement Paths

Jordan Chingo is back with one final summer activity that you can try together with your child. All you need for this one is chalk. It involves drawing different patterns on the sidewalk to get your child moving. This fun exercise helps with your child’s coordination, motor skills, visual skills, and much more. Find out what the movement patterns are and how to do them in the video.

Episode 16 – Back to School Transitions

With the new school year fast approaching, Jordan Chingo, a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, returns to give us some tips to make the transition smoother and more enjoyable for both kids and parents. From establishing sleeping routines to talking about what to expect when they start again, these expert strategies will help to make your child’s school experience a breeze. Don’t miss out and watch the video to learn more.

Episode 17 – After School Regulation

Do you struggle with getting your child ready in the morning or even getting them to decide what they want for dinner? Then you’ll want to watch this quick episode of Parenting Tips: Kid Tested, Pediatric Therapist Approved. This tip empowers your child, helps them complete a task that they need to do, and works to prevent power struggles, meltdowns, and more.

Episode 18 – Choices

Episode 19 – Obstacle Courses

You may have seen obstacle courses on TV or even partaken in them outside, but have you ever tried creating one of your very own indoors with your child? Jordan Chingo, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, is back with another episode of Parenting Tips to show you how to develop a creative, simple, safe, yet fun obstacle course with common objects that you already own at home. An indoor obstacle course is a great solution to staying active as the days get colder and darker. Find out about one you could potentially create in this short video.

Episode 20 – Potty Training

In episode 20 of Parenting Tips: Kid Tested, Pediatric Therapist Approved, Jordan Chingo shares with parents three tips that will make the potty training process more comfortable and easier for their child. Find out what the tips are in our newest video.

Episode 21 – Long Car Rides

With the holidays fast approaching, your family may be in the car for prolonged periods, and this can be harder on the kiddos. Jordan Chingo, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, gives some advice on how parents can help their kids adjust to these long journeys with a few tips. Find out what they are in the video.

Episode 22 – Holiday Gatherings

Planning to take your kids to holiday gatherings soon? It can sometimes be tough but don’t worry, we’re here to help. Check out episode 22 of Parenting Tips: Kid Tested, Pediatric Therapist Approved. Jordan Chingo shares the three Ps process to help your kids navigate these events. Curious to know what they are? Watch this short video to find out!

Episode 23 – Holiday Gatherings

Unlock your kiddo’s imagination with silent play! Join Pediatric Occupational Therapist Jordan Chingo in our latest episode as she delves into the powerful world of make-believe. In this episode, you’ll discover how making your child the captain of these adventures leads to better relationships with them, all while having an absolute blast and creating unforgettable memories together.

Episode 24 – Seeking Out Pediatric Therapies For Help

Have you ever wondered when is the right time to consider Pediatric Therapies services for your little ones? Join us for the series finale of “Parenting Tips: Kid Tested, Pediatric Therapist Approved” as Jordan Chingo discusses the appropriate moments to seek out professional guidance.