Making Thanksgiving Enjoyable for Every Child

Thanksgiving can be a challenging time for picky eaters, with new foods, unfamiliar environments, and lots of sensory input. Our Occupational Therapists have put together practical tips to help your child navigate the holiday meal with confidence and joy.

From introducing new foods at home to creating a quieter space at the table, these strategies are designed to make Thanksgiving dinner a positive experience for the whole family. Whether you’re dealing with sensory sensitivities, picky eating habits, or mealtime stress, our tips can help your child feel more comfortable and engaged.

Read the full article to discover:

• How to prepare your child with familiar foods and tastes.

• The benefits of a quieter eating space in a bustling holiday environment.

• Fun ways to encourage kids to try new foods.

• The importance of respecting your child’s fullness cues and sensory needs.

Make this Thanksgiving a time of connection, comfort, and enjoyment for your family

As the new school year approaches, many children, especially those with sensory processing difficulties, face challenges transitioning back to the classroom. With the right strategies, you can make this change smoother for your child. Discover how Emily, a 7-year-old with sensory processing disorder, thrived with a personalized approach, including visual schedules, sensory-friendly tools, and teamwork between parents, teachers, and therapists. At Prairie Grit Therapy, we provide tailored solutions to support your child’s unique needs and ensure a successful school year.

Take advantage of the final days of summer and get more from your child’s physical therapy. Summer is the perfect time to turn everyday play into powerful physical therapy for your child. Imagine obstacle courses, water games, and nature hikes—all designed to strengthen your child’s running, jumping, and climbing skills. At Prairie Grit, we believe in “Playing with a Purpose,” so let’s make the most of these remaining sunny days by turning fun into functional development. Explore our top summer activities that not only enhance gross motor skills but also create lasting memories of joy and growth.

Watching your child grow and develop is a joyful experience, but concerns about speech and language delays can be worrisome. At Prairie Grit Therapy, we help parents understand the signs of speech and language delays and provide effective strategies to support their child’s communication journey. From limited vocalizations to difficulty being understood, recognizing these early signs can lead to timely intervention and better outcomes. Learn practical ways to boost your child’s speech development through talking, reading, singing, and creating a communication-rich environment. Discover more on our blog, Growing with Grit.

Creating a sensory-friendly home environment can make a significant difference for children with sensory processing difficulties. This article provides practical and engaging tips to help parents transform their homes into supportive spaces that enhance their child’s sensory experiences and overall well-being.

Supporting your child’s development extends beyond the therapy sessions. By incorporating playful, purposeful activities into daily routines, parents can significantly enhance their child’s physical progress. At Prairie Grit Therapy, we believe in "Play with a Purpose." Simple exercises like obstacle courses, balance beams, and coordination games can make a big difference. Whether it's setting up a mini obstacle course with household items, playing tug-of-war, or engaging in fun ball games, these activities promote strength, coordination, and balance. Outdoor adventures like nature walks and playground visits also play a crucial role. For more structured therapy or guidance, Prairie Grit Therapy is here to help every step of the way.

Discover how speech therapy helps non-speaking children find their voice. Learn about AAC, visual supports, sign language, and more to enhance communication and independence.