Building Connection at Bedtime: A Paediatric OT's Guide to Ending the Day Well
Bedtime stalling is one of the most common things parents ask me about in practice. The extra glass of water. One more story. "I'm not tired yet." It's easy to read these as resistance — but most of the time, they're a request. The day is ending, and your child wants a little more connection before it does.
How to Clean Wooden Toys (Without Ruining Them)
Wooden toys need gentler care than plastic, no dishwashers, no harsh sprays, no soaking. Here's an OT and toy-shop owner's simple routine for everyday cleaning, mouthed toys, deep stains, and keeping the wood in good condition for years of play.
5 Benefits of Musical Toys for Your Baby: How Music Supports Early Development
As an occupational therapist, I use music and rhythm every week to support kids' development and it works just as well at home. Here are 5 ways musical toys support your baby's brain, body, and emotions, plus why wooden instruments are my top pick over plastic or electronic ones.
Indoor Gross Motor Activities for Winter
When winter shuts the garden and the kids start climbing the walls, your home is already a gross motor gym. Here's how to build muscle tone, balance, bilateral integration, midline crossing, and ball skills with nothing more than masking tape, couch cushions, sock balls, and a balloon, plus a few Tiny Tree pieces (Wobble Stones, Balance Board, Giant Daisies, Stepping Stones) to extend the play when you're ready for more.
Why Your Child’s Mouth Might Be Their Secret Superpower
Have you ever noticed that your child chews their collar when they're anxious, or settles after sucking on something? That's not a habit problem that's their nervous system doing exactly what it's designed to do. Pediatric OT Ezette Potgieter explains the surprising science behind oral sensory tools and how a simple straw or whistle can genuinely change how your child feels.
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.
Why Play Doesn't Need Rules
"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.
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.
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.
Liquid Sensory Tiles
Why Liquid Sensory Tiles Are a Game-Changer for Early Learners
In the world of early childhood development, hands-on, multi-sensory experiences are the foundation of meaningful learning. Among the many tools available to support young learners, liquid sensory tiles stand out as a playful, powerful resource that offers far more than just visual appeal. These colourful, gel-filled floor tiles are not only captivating—they’re packed with developmental benefits that support movement, coordination, emotional regulation, and cognitive growth.
