The Therapy Center for Children

03/19/2026

Hand separation, also called motoric separation of the two sides of the hand, is a key fine motor skill that allows the hand to balance power and precision. The ulnar side (ring and pinkie fingers) provides stability, while the radial side (thumb, index, and middle fingers) performs precise movements like writing, buttoning, or picking up small objects.

This coordination relies on muscles, joints, and ligaments working together across the wrist and finger joints (MCP, PIP, DIP). When the power side stabilizes, the precision side can move with control, enabling in-hand manipulation and refined grasp.

You see this skill in daily life—zipping coats, tying shoes, managing buttons, or holding objects in the palm while using fingertips. Difficulty with these tasks often signals a need to strengthen hand separation.

03/19/2026

03/11/2026

Adorable oirainbow fruit pot of gold for a fun St. Patrick’s Day treat! ☘️🌈

03/11/2026

Most tantrums don’t need punishment.
Kids often just need a reset. 🔄

Simple, repetitive tasks (like sorting, stacking, coloring, or matching) help calm the brain and body—just like knitting, coloring, or gardening helps adults relax. 🧠✨

When a child can follow a direction and complete a short reset activity, they’re showing they’re ready to rejoin the group and start fresh. 🌱

These Reset Activities work in any classroom—and they work great at home too. 🏫🏡

Want our simple guidelines for choosing the right reset activity during a tantrum?

Drop a 👋 below and we’ll send them your way! 💬

03/11/2026

The Relationship Between Play and Occupational Therapy (Part 1) Introduction to Play in Pediatric Occupational Therapy. Play is a fundamental occupation of childhood, serving as a primary context for learning, exploration, and environmental interaction, and playing a critical role in supporting physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. In pediatric occupational therapy, play is utilized as a therapeutic medium to facilitate skill development and enhance participation in daily activities. Occupational therapists use play-based interventions to create meaningful opportunities for children to develop essential abilities within a natural context. Play facilitates the development and refinement of various skills, including motor coordination, problem-solving, attention, social interaction, and emotional regulation. By integrating therapeutic goals into play activities, occupational therapists promote engagement, improve functional performance, and support children's independence in everyday occupations. Recognizing the importance of play enables therapists to identify developmental milestones and detect potential delays. In the next post, we will discuss Play Milestones and their role in pediatric occupational therapy.

02/18/2026

Occupational Therapist needed for school district.
Please share information with anyone you think might be interested.

Please contact me directly for more details at cbz@therapycenterforchildren.com

02/18/2026

PLEASE HELP!

Coverage needed for a school-based speech therapist for Western Suffolk school district.
Please share information with anyone you think might be interested.

Please contact me directly for more details. at cbz@therapycenterforchildren.com

12/13/2025

Circle time is part of the preschool/kindergarten classroom environment. Here are tips and strategies from pediatric OTs...imagine having an OT in your preschool classroom! https://www.theottoolbox.com/engaging-circle-time-activities/

11/12/2025