The OT Toolbox

Your Prescription for Fun: The Occupational Therapy Blog You Need.

Fidget Toys in the Classroom: Tool or Toy?

Fidget Toys in the Classroom: Tool or Toy?

Fidget toys can be genuinely powerful for children who struggle with attention or anxiety in the classroom, but only when used correctly. As an occupational therapist, I see both sides: the right fidget tool can transform a child's ability to learn, while the wrong one just becomes an expensive distraction. Here's how to tell the difference.

toddler biting an Occupational Therapist  perspective

"My child is biting” What it really means and what to do about it.

Is your child biting at school or at home? Paediatric OT Ezette Fourie breaks down the real sensory and developmental reasons behind toddler biting, and gives parents five practical steps to take when it happens.

Parent calmly comforting distressed toddler on lap.

Is it a tantrum or sensory overload? Here's hoe to tell the difference.

Not every meltdown is a tantrum and not every tantrum is sensory overload. Paediatric OT Ezette shares the 5 clues she uses in practice to tell the difference, and why responding correctly changes everything.

Toddler meltdowns that  “Come out of nowhere” - an OT explains what's actually happening.

Toddler meltdowns that “Come out of nowhere” - an OT explains what's actually happening.

Every toddler has big moments. But how do you know when it’s a normal tantrum or something more? Paediatric OT Ezette breaks down what’s really happening in your toddler’s nervous system, and what actually helps.