Parenting & Therapy Resources in Naperville

As a pediatric therapy practice owner, one of the most common questions I hear from parents is, “Why does sensory play matter?” The short answer is: sensory play is foundational to how children learn, regulate their bodies, and engage with the world around them. Sensory play includes activities that involve touch, movement, sound, sight, and smell. Things like playing with water, sand, playdough, climbing, swinging, painting, or listening to music may look simple, but they su

Many parents wonder if they should “wait and see” when their child is struggling with speech, motor skills, or everyday routines. While waiting is sometimes appropriate, in other cases it can unintentionally delay progress and increase frustration. Understanding when waiting is okay—and when early support helps—can make all the difference. When Waiting Can Be Okay A watch-and-wait approach may be reasonable when: Your child is making steady developmental progress New skills a

As parents, it’s natural to compare. You may notice other children talking more, writing more easily, or transitioning more smoothly—and start to wonder if your child is “behind” or just developing at their own pace. The truth is that development happens on a range, not a rigid timeline. Some variation is completely typical. What matters most is progress over time and how your child’s skills affect daily life. When differences are usually okay Your child is learning new skill

Winter is a magical time for kids—snowflakes, cozy sweaters, and holiday cheer—but it can also bring challenges. Shorter days, cold weather, and indoor routines can impact children’s physical activity, mood, and sensory experiences. At Darling Pediatric Therapy, we’re here to help families make the most of the season while supporting development and wellness. 1. Keep Moving Indoors Cold weather doesn’t have to mean sitting all day! Try indoor activities that promote gross mot

Many parents wonder: "Is my child just developing at their own pace, or do they need extra support?"  While every child is different, there are some early signs that may indicate your child could benefit from pediatric occupational therapy (OT) . Here’s what to look for — and how OT can help. 1. Delays in Fine Motor Skills Is your child struggling to hold a crayon, use scissors, or manage buttons and zippers? Difficulty with hand strength and coordination can impact writing,

Reading with your child is already powerful—but how you read together can boost their language even more. Dialogic Reading  turns story time into a fun conversation instead of just reading page-by-page. Kids learn new words, build longer sentences, and become more confident talkers. How It Works With Dialogic Reading, you pause often to talk about the pictures, ask questions, and let your child help “tell” the story. Instead of you doing all the reading, your child becomes an

If your child is struggling with communication, it can be hard to know exactly what's going on — and where to start. One of the first things speech therapists assess is whether the issue lies with receptive language , expressive language , or both. Here’s a quick parent-friendly breakdown to help you understand the difference: What Is Receptive Language? This refers to how well your child understands what’s being said. It includes: Following directions Understanding questions

Returning to school or therapy after a break — whether it’s a holiday, summer vacation, illness, or family event — can be tough for kids. Changes in routine, even short ones, can throw off a child’s rhythm, especially if they have developmental, sensory, or emotional differences. At Darling Pediatric Therapy , we often support families during these transitions. Here are a few strategies that can make the return smoother for everyone: 1. Reintroduce Structure Early A few days

Fine motor skills are essential for everything from holding a pencil to buttoning a shirt. The best part? Play is one of the most effective ways to strengthen these tiny muscles and improve coordination. Here are five toys pediatric therapists love — and why they work so well. 1. Building Blocks (Like LEGO® or Mega Bloks®) These encourage kids to use a pincer grasp, improve hand strength, and develop spatial awareness. Bonus: they’re great for creativity and patience too. 2.

Understanding Sensory Processing Differences Every child experiences the world differently. For some, sensory processing differences can make everyday activities challenging. Understanding these differences is the first step toward creating a supportive environment. 1. Create a Calm Corner Designate a cozy, quiet spot in your home. Use soft lighting, pillows, and a weighted blanket. Include calming items like noise-canceling headphones or fidget toys. This corner gives your c

When your child faces challenges with speech, feeding, or daily skills, it can feel overwhelming. You want the best support to help them grow and thrive. That’s where specialized child therapy support comes in. It’s a gentle, personalized approach designed to meet your child exactly where they are. Today, I want to walk you through the different therapy options available, so you can feel confident and hopeful about the path ahead. What Is Child Therapy Support and Why It Matt

As your child grows, they go through important stages of physical development — especially when it comes to gross motor skills, which involve large muscle movements like crawling, walking, jumping, and climbing. Understanding what to expect at each stage can help you spot strengths, notice concerns early, and support your child’s development confidently. Infants (0–12 months) Key milestones: Rolling over, sitting without support, crawling, pulling to stand. Watch for: Little

At Darling Pediatric Therapy, we know that small changes at home can make a big difference in your child’s day-to-day life. One easy...

Every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive in their own unique way. When challenges arise, especially in speech, feeding,...

When a child faces challenges with speech, feeding, or daily activities, it can feel overwhelming. But there is support available through...

Fine motor skills are essential for everyday activities like writing, using utensils, buttoning clothes, and tying shoes. These small...

When a child faces challenges with speech, feeding, or daily activities, it can feel overwhelming. But there is hope and help available....

Every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive in their own unique way. When challenges arise in speech, feeding, or daily...

Occupational therapy (OT) helps children develop the skills they need for everyday tasks like getting dressed, brushing teeth, and...

If you’ve scheduled your child’s first therapy visit — whether for speech, feeding, or occupational therapy — you might be wondering what...