Marietjie Strydom Occupational Therapists/Arbeidsterapeute

Marietjie Strydom Occupational Therapists/Arbeidsterapeute Occupational Therapy practice in Polokwane with friendly staff including 2 qualified Occupational Th

20/10/2025

Tiny brains are not made for tiny screens.

New research warns that exposing babies under two years old to screens may have long-term consequences for brain development. During this critical period, the brain builds connections at an astonishing rate, shaping learning, attention, and social skills. Excessive screen time can interfere with these natural processes, reducing opportunities for face-to-face interaction, exploration, and sensory learning.

Studies show that babies who spend hours in front of tablets, TVs, or smartphones may face higher risks of language delays, attention difficulties, and emotional regulation problems later in childhood. Even short daily exposure matters because at this age, the brain is absorbing experiences constantly, and screens provide passive input instead of interactive, hands-on learning.

Experts recommend prioritizing real-world experiences, talking, reading, playing, and exploring over digital media. It’s not about banning technology forever but creating a strong foundation for healthy brain growth. Parents and caregivers can guide screen use carefully, ensuring it does not replace essential developmental activities.

The first years of life are fleeting and formative. Choosing experiences over screens can help babies grow smarter, calmer, and more connected for years to come.

12/10/2025

Half of all kids in one major ADHD study saw their symptoms vanish — just by cutting sugar and junk food. 🍬🚫

Published in The Lancet, researchers found that within just five weeks, a clean, additive-free diet reduced ADHD symptoms by nearly 50%. When sugar and processed foods were reintroduced, the symptoms came roaring back.

Scientists now believe diet and screentime could be two of the biggest hidden drivers of modern ADHD — and that what we feed our kids might shape how their brains behave.

(Source: The Lancet, Dr. Lidy Pelsser, ADHD Research Centre Netherlands)

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06/10/2025

Research indicates that up to 70% of children showed reduced ADHD symptoms when screen time was cut and trigger foods like corn, soy, dairy, gluten, and artificial sweeteners were removed from their diet. These changes improved focus, mood, and well-being, offering a natural approach to ADHD management.

19/09/2025

“Look at the differences between a typical preschool child’s hand (left) and a typical 7 year old hand (right). Want to know why a preschool aged child isn’t able to write yet? This is why! Their hands are still developing and are not fully formed. So what should they be doing to support this? PLAY!! Play dough, coloring, cutting, gluing, playing outside, digging in dirt, sensory play, dress up play, science experiments, beading, puzzles, throwing balls, etc.
All of these things help their hands develop. When they are physically ready to write, they will! No need to rush them, they will show you when they are ready.” ❤️
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Address

17A Oost Street
Polokwane
0699

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 16:00

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