I’m sitting at a long table in a cozy café, surrounded by the hum of family chatter and the clinking of cutlery. It’s a celebration, one of those moments when everyone’s gathered. I’m just settling into my seat when I feel a bump against my leg. I glance down, and sure enough, the littlest ones have already made their way under the table. It starts as a giggle-filled game of hide-and-seek, but within minutes, tiny hands are tugging at legs, bumping knees, and bidding for connection in the only ways they know how.

You know how travel and family outings with young kids can be super stressful? As an OT and someone with lots of little ones in my family, I’ve seen firsthand how tough it can be. Whether it’s sitting through a long flight, waiting at a café table, or being strapped into the car for hours, young children often struggle with the sitting still, the noise, and the unpredictability.

As parents and caregivers, we’ve all seen it: a pile of toys sitting untouched while our child insists they’re “bored.” It’s not that they need more toys—it’s often that they’re overwhelmed by too many options. This is where toy rotation comes in.

If you’re parenting a toddler, you already know this truth: emotions can arrive loud, fast, and completely out of nowhere. One minute it’s giggles, the next it’s tears over the wrong-coloured spoon.

Support milestones, spark independence, and keep it simple—no Pinterest-perfect setups required.

As a pediatric occupational therapist, I’m often asked:

“How can I help my child develop fine motor skills without expensive toys or elaborate programs?”

As an occupational therapist, I’ve seen first-hand just how powerful sensory play can be. Whether it’s squishing, scooping, splashing, or spinning, these playful, hands-on experiences are doing so much more than just keeping toddlers busy. They’re laying the groundwork for lifelong skills in learning, regulation, communication, and confidence.

The most powerful tool in your parenting toolkit isn’t something you buy; it’s you. Your presence, your voice, your eye contact, and your willingness to play are what help your toddler thrive.

As an occupational therapist, I often see children who seem to be in constant motion—running, jumping, climbing, spinning—rarely stopping for long. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone!

As an occupational therapist, I see firsthand how sensory play supports early childhood development. It’s more than just fun—it helps build fine and gross motor skills, supports regulation, and encourages problem-solving. Whether it's messy, tactile, or movement-based, sensory play is a foundation for learning and development.