The Thrive Group

The Whole Self | The Whole Family

Occupational Therapy

Absent Minded Children- The Problem

Children of all ages can be absent minded and it affects them in different ways, depending on their age and stage.

This first vlog highlights the challenging circumstance of a healthy 4 year old, Jake, still not toilet trained. After evaluating him in The Thrive Group clinic, we explored the factors that were affecting his late toilet training and came up with some surprising results.

GETTING OUT OF YOUR BRAIN, AND INTO YOUR BODY (Part I):

Key points from this video:

  • Nightmare scenario for Jake’s parents. [0:37]
  • The underlying challenge. [0:46]
  • Living in his head, what it means. [0:56]
  • Stuck in cognitive mode. [1:10]
  • Lack of respect for the body. [1:19]
  • What it may look like to parents, friends, and teachers.[1:27]

If your child seems to be absent-minded and stuck in his/her own body, we can help. Contact Us for an Evaluation.

Silliness, Craving Sweets, and Aggression

Silliness, craving sweets, and aggression. Who doesn’t know a child or an adult with one of these symptoms? Often times you wonder if this is just a phase, and you think about what might be causing it. In some cases, these symptoms occur in a child or an adult due to retained or unintegrated primitive reflexes

Primitive reflexes are automatic, stereotypical movements that develop prior to birth and shortly after. They affect posture, movement, regulation, and engagement. They also establish gross patterns of movement and create pathways for self-expression through movement. They progress to build and blend together to create more varied movements. [Read more…] about Silliness, Craving Sweets, and Aggression

The Heart Of Parenting

1414424_35810153-1024x576It’s true! We don’t really pay as much attention to as we might: Effective therapy is not only about children and their relationship with themselves, but is also about their relationship with their parents (and vice versa.)

That’s why, as a pediatric behavior specialist, I measure success not only by how much better the child is doing, but how much better their parents are doing, too.

Healing relationships is at the heart of parenting and therapy. [Read more…] about The Heart Of Parenting

Parenting Workshop For Moms (Video)

If you haven’t yet been able to attend Miriam’s workshops, here’s an excerpt from a recent parenting talk for Headstart. Miriam gives a variety of helpful strategies to deal effectively with behavioral issues. Topics include: communicating, what works, what doesn’t, mom’s inner feelings, emotional energy, regulation, and more. [Read more…] about Parenting Workshop For Moms (Video)

5 Gifts For Kids That Are Fun, Therapeutic, & Will Be Used Often

1115059_47592633Parents want to buy holiday presents for their children that are fun yet hopefully somewhat educational, and can keep them happily busy during snow days. Coming up with ideas for gifts isn’t too hard if you give kids what they ask for.

But sometimes you can hit the nail on the head with a surprise gift, something your child wasn’t expecting and didn’t even know he wanted. I pretty much guarantee that the gifts on this list won’t sit on the shelf after the excitement of the holidays has faded away. [Read more…] about 5 Gifts For Kids That Are Fun, Therapeutic, & Will Be Used Often