Toddlers and preschoolers find the world as a new country, full of wonder and challenge. At the same time, their little systems are still developing, so sometimes it is all overwhelming. Our job as parents and caretakers is to create good structure and support for each child, as she may need it.

Emotional intelligence

The social and emotional skills that we look to see our children develop are their outer behaviors. Yet in any particular situation the source of a child’s emotional intelligence comes from within. Young children are transparent in their behaviors. Their actions communicate what is going on inside.

Secure sense of self and other

Children need a secure sense of self and other, based on bonding and attachment with a parent or caregiver, and on early developmental movements. These movements create a personal body map that is central to a secure sense of self, in addition to bonding. A child relies on these core experiences to be able to calm himself and to relate well socially. Children lacking a secure sense of self may show various behavior problems; a child may throw tantrums, be very fearful, be very passive, or be aggressive.

Sensory and movement integration

Early sensory and sensory-motor experience underlie a child’s developing abilities to keep emotions in balance. For example, tactile sensitivity or immature reflexes can trigger reactions in a child. Raising a spirited child can stretch us as parents — and we may also search for help when our children or we are overwhelmed by challenge.

Developmental play

Children are now often given psychiatric labels, including ADD, ADHD and bipolar disorder. Developmental therapies provide another choice than administering drugs to your child. Instead you can help your child develop emotional resilience in relationship and activity. These natural processes enable your child to make normal developmental strides in mastering himself and his world. These foster the ABC’s of emotional intelligence and mindfulness.

ABC’s of mindfulness

• Attention
• Balance
• Compassion

Somatic therapies

I can provide a comprehensive evaluation of issues that underlie problem behaviors.  A program of developmental movement therapy and craniosacral therapy tailored to the individual child can help each of these early systems to mature. I will design play activities and interactions that help a child develop socially and emotionally. I offer an affordable combination of home programs and session work.

What to expect in a session for your toddler or preschooler

 Movement and the Emerging Mind

Body-mind integration through play