Akilina, OT & Mom

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Finding toys that keep my kids engaged and support their development? Yes, please! 🙌 @Lovevery play kits are the ones we keep coming back to. LINK IN BIO 🤍👶🎉 #loveverygift #lovevery #sensoryplay #toysforkids

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Okay, let’s be real. You see posts like this and think, “That looks cute, but nope, not in my house.” I get it—who wants to clean yogurt off the walls? But hear me out… Messy sensory play isn’t just a fun Instagram moment. It actually helps your baby develop in ways you won’t see right away—but trust me, it pays off. 👉 Ever had a toddler who won’t touch certain foods? Early exposure to different textures (on their hands, face, and mouth) can actually reduce sensory sensitivities and picky eating later. 👉 Want them to learn self-feeding without frustration? Letting babies explore textures before meal times makes the transition to solids way smoother. 👉 Wish your baby could play independently for longer? Messy play keeps babies engaged because it’s a full-body experience—touch, taste, sight, and movement all working together. 👉 Struggling with fussiness? Sensory play is actually calming. It helps babies process input, regulate emotions, and feel more in control of their world. Still thinking “Too much cleanup, not worth it”? Here’s your hack: Strip them down, sit them in the high chair or bathtub, throw down a mat, and let them go wild. A quick rinse, and you’re done. 🍼 TRY THIS: • Yogurt Paint – Tastes good, easy to wipe off. • Banana Smash – Messy but delicious. • Cooked Oatmeal – Let them feel, squish, and explore the texture. I know it’s tempting to skip this kind of play, but it’s one of those “small effort, big impact” things. Your future self (and your toddler’s eating habits) will thank you.

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Being screen-free is an awesome option for some families! But that’s not what works for us. What does matter to me is having boundaries. Because while screens can be a great tool, nothing replaces real-life connection, hands-on play, and engaging with the world around us. So instead of an all or nothing approach, we focus on intentional screen time with a few non-negotiables: How We Approach Screen Time at Home: ✔ Not all screen time is created equal – We avoid overstimulating, fast-paced, chaotic shows that feel like a sensory overload. (Think: excessive flashing colors, rapid scene changes, loud unpredictable noises, and non-stop talking.) These can make it harder for kids to focus, self-regulate, and transition away from screens. ✔ If it drives me crazy, we don’t watch it – If a show feels overwhelming, repetitive, or just plain annoying, chances are it’s not great for my kids either. ✔ Intentional watching – No background noise. If they’re not actively watching, it’s off. (Research shows constant background TV is bad for attention-building.) ✔ Co-watching & interactive content – They’ve learned so much this way! ✔ Moderation is key – On average, ~20 min a day (some days none), and a family movie night once a week. ✔ Screen time resets – If we overdo it, we detox with outdoor play & hands-on activities. ✔ Exceptions? Yep—when they’re sick, I’m not stressing about it. Why No Screens on the Go? Kids are meant to engage with their surroundings, observe, ask questions, and be present in the real world. If we constantly distract them, we take away those moments of growth. Do they get bored? Yes, and that’s a good thing. Do they find weird ways to entertain themselves? Absolutely, and I love that. I know this isn’t for everyone. But if this resonates, maybe it’s worth trying! 💛 — I’m a pediatric OT & mom who keeps my kids busy with hands-on activities that actually help with regulation & development. Follow for more ideas! ✨ #screenfreekids #screenfree #childdevelopment #pediatricoccupationaltherapy #pediatricot #otdevotee #mindfulparenting #screentimeforkids