Everyday Progress

Everyday Progress Colleen Blazina MOT, OTR/L
Pediatric Occupational Therapist Specializing in Feeding with Concierge and Community Based Services.

04/23/2026

Child-led play is simply the best.

Want to know why?

It gives them the chance to be creative and free from rules/boundaries that they have to follow for most of their day.

Our kids have to fall in line everywhere and each place has its own set of rules:
👉Walk in the parking lot.
👉Whisper in the library.
👉Raise your hand in class.
👉Clean up after dinner.
👉Brush your teeth.

The list goes on and on.😴

Of course most of these rules and boundaries are for their safety and well-being. They don’t know that. They just know there are a lot of rules to follow created by grown ups.

💚Play is a break from all of that. Play is their main occupation as children.💚

You know what makes play even better?
✨️When their grown up joins them and plays exactly how THEY say. ✨️

In OT sessions I have learned to lean into this idea and they really create some amazing things. Oftentimes their version of play accomplishes the same goal but the journey is different and that is so important.

💚Parents don’t always know how to do this and that is where occupational therapy can help.💚

If your child is struggling with meltdowns over little things, mealtimes feel like a battle, or getting out of the house takes forever, OT can provide strategies that actually work!

At Everyday Progress we provide occupational therapy and feeding therapy in-home or select daycares in Riverview, Lithia, Valrico, and Brandon. Most families see significant progress in less than 6 months. That’s because they are learning right alongside the therapist for in-home sessions. Families that are in our 3:1 model for daycares receive a 1 hour parent coaching call to review previous sessions, how things are going at home, and create a plan for next month.

Looking for support? DM today to set up your free consultation. We can’t wait to help your family play, eat, and thrive!

Occupational therapy can be a great addition to your child’s team. We use a holistic approach and treat the whole child ...
04/22/2026

Occupational therapy can be a great addition to your child’s team. We use a holistic approach and treat the whole child not just feeding challenges. We support attention, sensory processing, regulation, fine motor skills, and more.

OT provided in your home, makes all of the difference. Caregivers learn alongside the therapist to create doable routines that are personalized for your family.

It’s hard to know when to seek out help with your child with limited, picky, or selective eating.

If it is becoming disruptive to your day to day and providing meals/snacks are causing your and your child stress; it is time.

Just start with the free consultation. Contact us today. DM for more information.

04/20/2026

Genuine surprise and joy.

New recipes always make me a little hesitant but it is super important with a picky or limited eater.

✨️Pro tip: Offer new food outside of the meal time itself.

👉It doesn't carry the same pressure as the dining table.
👉You aren't watching them like a hawk (at least they don't feel like you are).
👏You get a heads up if it is going to be a total flop before dinner so you can adjust your expectations and ensure a preferred food is on that plate.

What is a new recipe that you have tried that was a hit? This was a crispy parmesan chicken that was 10/10.

If your child has a limited diet, is picky, or restrictive with what they eat, occupational therapy can help.

At Everyday Progress we serve families in-home which means the child is learning new strategies in their natural environment right along side you. Caregivers receive guidance and support at a pace that is personalized to your family.

DM us to get connected. We look forward to supporting you and your family to get mealtimes back on track so your child can play, eat, and thrive.

Repeated exposure is the best thing you can do to show your child new foods. It gives them time to explore and learn wit...
04/18/2026

Repeated exposure is the best thing you can do to show your child new foods. 

It gives them time to explore and learn without the pressure.

What is one food that you had to see more than once before trying? 

🍄Mushrooms?

🍅Tomatoes?

🫛Peas?

Our kids are no different. 

At Everyday Progress we help families develop mealtime routines that support the whole family. This includes setting realistic expectations for kids that have picky or limited eating, Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) or Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

For caregivers, they figure out how to serve new foods and reduce overall stress for mealtimes.
For the child, we work to build a routine that is set in predictability and meets their sensory needs to have a positive mealtime experience.

Set up a free consultation today to learn more about how occupational therapy can help your child. DM us for more information.

💚Sweet words from an Everyday Progress family.💚This child and family has made so much progress! They are ready to take a...
04/13/2026

💚Sweet words from an Everyday Progress family.💚

This child and family has made so much progress!

They are ready to take a break from occupational therapy because they have learned the tools and implement them on their own.

Want to know more about in-home OT? DM us to get connected.

Creating the right environment makes a big difference if you have a child that is picky or has a limited diet.It can als...
04/08/2026

Creating the right environment makes a big difference if you have a child that is picky or has a limited diet.

It can also be really hard to know how to make that happen.

Most of us rely on the experience we had growing up but that is not always the best example.

If you were forced to try foods you didn’t like or clear your plate to get dessert, you likely will have the same rules with your own children.

For families with kids that aren’t trying new foods, becoming even more limited, and outright refusing to eat; these strategies will backfire.

Lets get back to the basics of a positive mealtime:

Eat with them. I know this can be hard for busy families but having one adult eat with the child is important.

Avoid the pressure. You don’t build curiosity through pressure or force.

Serve 1 familiar and preferred food. Your child needs to see something they like to feel like joining the table.

At Everyday Progress we support the whole family. That includes siblings and other family members in the household. It is important that all caregivers are aware and understand the meaning behind the strategies. This allows for faster progress for the whole family. Consistency is key.

Need help with your mealtimes at home? Schedule a free 15 minute consultation today! DM for details.

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Tampa, FL

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+18135752327

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