In This Issue:
  • 2017 Holiday Gift Guides
  • Avoiding Travel Meltdowns
  • Safe Sledding Tips






DECEMBER 2017


973.535.5010
154 South Livingston Ave., Suite 204,  Livingston, NJ, 07039 

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We would like to wish you a joyous holiday filled with...

milestones reached all in good time,
the harder you work the higher you'll climb.
deep pressure hugs, a cuddle that's calm,
early to bed, wake-ups with the alarm.
no more meltdowns-just be in the zone,
a happier way to achieve a milestone.
legible homework typed like a pro,
written with clarity, showing all that you know.
tidy backpacks with newfound lost treasures,
tasty dinners with novel food pleasures,
training wheels off, enjoying PE,
tumbling and jumping "Hey look at me!"
leaving the house with shoe laces tied
fasteners fastened, clothes on the right side.
pumping a swing and swinging up high,
stretching your arms and pretending to fly!

Thank you for the privilege of working with your children.

The Pediatric Potentials Staff


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Avoiding a Travel Meltdown


Here are some tips to help your winter travels go smoothly.

1.Bring along a sensory survival pack. Fill a small bag or backpack with items such as sunglasses for bright sunlight, earplugs or head phones for noisy airports or restaurants, and plenty of fidget toys. It's a good idea to bring a favorite as well as a new or novel toy. Stickers or post it notes can be hours of fun. Children may also benefit from the heavy work of carrying their own bag. 

2.Pack familiar toiletries. Maybe even a favorite towel. While the hotel or your hostess may provide these things, your child may be overwhelmed with new textures, tastes and smells.  

3.Practice your trip. For older kids, this could mean creating a story about what you are planning. Little ones may benefit from a pretend practice run.

4.Make sure you stop for frequent breaks during car trips. Leave enough time in your plans so you can stop when you need to.  

5.Plan to get there early. This can help avoid stress for everyone. Remember, if you can stay calm, it can help keep your child calm too.

6.Let your child get used to his vacation clothes. Let him try thing on, maybe wear the new bathing suit in the bathtub or walk around in sandals in the house prior to getting to your destination.

7.Bring familiar foods. Your child may have trouble with what's available to eat at your host's home or a restaurant.

8.Look for quiet corners in crowded airports.

9.Be strategic in your boarding options.

10.Try to follow some of the same routines you do at home. Kids benefit from consistency even on vacation. 


 

Safety Tips for Sledding

Sledding is a fun activity to share with your kids.  But sledding can also cause injury.  To keep your kids safe while sledding, make sure to follow these safety tips adapted from Kidshealth.org.

Choose the right hill:
  • Select a hill that is right for your child.
  • Avoid hills that end near a street or parking lot.
  • Avoid hills that end near a pond or other hazards.
  • Make sure the hill is free of obstacles such as rocks, trees and fences.
  • Choose hills that are snowy rather than icy.
Dress for the cold temperatures:
  • Frostbite and hypothermia are potential dangers so make sure your kids are wearing warm waterproof clothing.  Remember that they may not notice their feet are soaked.
  • Don't let kids wear scarves or clothing that can get caught in a sled.

Get the right sled for your children:

  • Sleds that can be steered and have brakes to slow them down if your child can maneuver that.
  • Helmets are recommended for sledding, particularly for children under 12.
When your kids have the right kind of sled and a properly fitted helmet, they are dressed warmly, and you've picked out the perfect hill,  they are ready to go have some fun!

 

Visit our website, or click below to check out our 
Our therapists have put together a list of recommended, age-appropriate toys and products that are geared to specific skills (like promoting gross motor, fine motor, sensory processing or visual play). We have divided them into three age groups, Newborn to Toddler, Ages 2-5 yrs old and Ages 5 yrs old and up. Most toys in the Guides can be found in your local stores or online. 

In addition to the list, some of our favorite websites include:

(Equipment to promote Vestibular Motor/Mov't) 

(Science Lab Kits in various themes)

(Puzzles, Games, Building sets)