Blog - BDI Playhouse Children's Therapy

Counseling Services for Children, Teens, and Families – Emotional, Behavioral & Parenting Support

Written on June 12, 2025

At BDI, we support children and adolescents in exploring their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to promote healthy coping strategies for life’s challenges. Much like physical health, mental well-being is essential for academic success, fostering healthy relationships, building self-confidence, and cultivating the ability to navigate life’s challenges. By prioritizing mental health early on, we can create a strong foundation for lifelong growth and development. Here’s an overview of some of the counseling services and therapeutic approaches we offer:

BDI Playhouse 2024 Gift Guide

Written on November 8, 2024

Finding the perfect holiday gift for kids can be a rewarding way to encourage fun and learning at the same time. There are many toys that help build important developmental skills while keeping playtime engaging. From games that improve fine motor and gross motor skills to play sets that encourage language and social interaction, these thoughtfully chosen gifts support occupational, physical, and speech therapy goals in creative, enjoyable ways. In BDI Playhouse's 2024 gift guide, our therapists rounded up some of the best toys to inspire joyful growth in kids of all abilities.

Craniosacral Therapy: Does Dura Mater?

Written on October 22, 2024

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle hands-on approach that may be helpful for children with certain issues, even if traditional treatments haven't fully worked. So how does craniosacral therapy work? Here's a simple way to understand it:

What are Primitive Reflexes?

Written on August 8, 2024

What are Primitive Reflexes? How can they affect my child? Each child is born with a set of critical reflexes that are integral to survival. Primitive reflexes are an action that is performed as a response to a stimulus without conscious thought. For example: when you brush the side of your newborn's cheek the baby will turn his head to root for food. This is the rooting reflex. Typically the reflex integrates or fades away as the neurological system matures. When a reflex does not integrate the child may demonstrate behavior and personality traits that correlate with that reflex. Through specific exercises the child gains more control of their body and no longer relies on primitive movement patterns. This ultimately improves the child’s physical and emotional control.

The Importance of a Summer Routine

Written on May 28, 2024

When school ends your child’s daily routine doesn’t have to! Summer is the perfect time to remain consistent. For kids, having a routine in the summer is especially important. It helps provide stability, which is crucial for their development and well-being. Here are several ideas for a summer routine.

The ABC’s of Toileting Readiness for Kindergarten!

Written on March 25, 2024

Kindergarten is a time filled with excitement and anticipation, but also marked by apprehension and changes in routine. Amidst this whirlwind of new experiences, one aspect that often proves challenging is toileting readiness. Feeling apprehensive about your kindergartener's bathroom autonomy at school is entirely natural. Mastering the skills required can be daunting, especially for those encountering hurdles along the way. Achieving toileting readiness for Kindergarten is a milestone for both children and their caregivers.

Torticollis

Written on March 25, 2024

Torticollis is a condition most commonly diagnosed in infancy in which the baby’s head is consistently tilted or turned to one direction. Read our new blog to learn how we can treat this diagnosis and why we should treat it.

How Does Vision Affect Behavior?

Written on February 1, 2024

How Does Vision Affect Behavior? Vision plays a pivotal role in shaping our behavior, influencing how we interact with and respond to the world around us. With approximately 80% of sensory input being visual, our perception of the environment profoundly impacts our actions and reactions.

Singing for Speech – Benefits of Singing for Language Development

Written on December 15, 2023

At any given moment when walking through BDI Playhouse, you may hear a therapist or child singing! Singing is great for both engaging with the child and improving language development! Here are a few benefits of singing for language development.

Therapy Activities for Holiday Break

Written on December 6, 2023

Stuck at home with the kids during these Holiday weeks and looking for some entertainment ideas or ways to continue to progress their skills during all this down time? Here are some therapy activities for holiday break!

Navigating Picky Eating Around the Holidays

Written on November 21, 2023

The holidays can be stressful, especially when holiday picky eating is involved. Help make your holiday season easier for your family and your picky eater.

Spooktacular Inclusive Halloween

Written on October 17, 2023

Tips and tricks to help children of all abilities have a spooktacular, inclusive Halloween.

BDI’s Inaugural I Can Du It! Adaptive Duathlon

Written on September 21, 2023

Sunday, September 17th was a big day for BDI Playhouse, who hosted their inaugural I Can Du It! Adaptive Duathlon. Despite the rain clouds above, you could feel the excitement in the air. This race was the first ever adaptive sporting event hosted by BDI Playhouse and one of the only of its kind in the area.

Top 5 Tips to Prepare for Back-to-School from an Occupational Therapist

Written on July 25, 2023

In this blog, an occupational therapist offers five essential tips to help students and their families prepare for a successful back-to-school transition. It discusses the benefits of establishing routines, organizing workspaces, fine-tuning motor skills, fostering social interactions, and managing sensory needs. By following these tips, students can feel more confident and better equipped to excel academically and socially.

6 Benefits of Physical Therapy for Pediatric Cancer

Written on June 2, 2023

Physical therapists are in your corner to join the fight! Physical therapy has been shown to improve strength, range of motion, sleep, energy, and mood while reducing pain, anxiety, and symptoms of treatment-related side effects, such as neuropathy in children with pediatric cancer.

Let’s Play Outside – OT Approved Summer Activities

Written on May 4, 2023

Playing outside provides so many benefits to our little ones. Here are some occupational therapy approved activities for this summer season.

Wait, My Child Has an Occupation?

Written on April 14, 2023

When we typically think of the term occupation, we think of the word job. Kids don’t have “jobs” but they do have activities that they engage in day to day.

Helmet Heads!

Written on April 13, 2023

The benefits of baby helmets

Serial Casting- Casting That’s Not for Broken Bones

Written on February 24, 2023

An option to address toe walking, club foot, club foot relapse, and a range of motion limitations and poor alignment of the foot and ankle.

Put Your Best Foot Forward!

Written on January 31, 2023

How do you know if your child’s little feet are functioning at their very best? 10 clear signs that you should have a pediatric physical therapist screen your child’s feet so they can put their best foot forward!

COVID Babies – Impacts of Quarantine on Development

Written on January 27, 2023

Babies born during COVID may need extra support to achieve their early milestones.

Understanding Visit Limits in Pediatric Therapy

Written on January 24, 2023

Understanding Visit Limits in Pediatric Therapy

Visual Schedules

Written on January 10, 2023

help your child with transitions and change in routine by using visual schedules.

AAC Winter Activities

Written on December 9, 2022

a few winter activities to encourage AAC use

Winter Swimming

Written on November 29, 2022

Consider your local pool or aquatic park this winter for all it’s amazing benefits!

The Power of Pragmatic Language

Written on October 17, 2022

milestones and activities to promote pragmatic language from infants through teens

Tis the Toy Season- Toy Guide

Written on October 12, 2022

Tips and Ideas for bringing new toys in this Holiday season

Preschool: Top 5 Reasons Why Preschool is Important

Written on October 6, 2022

5 reasons why you should send your kiddo to preschool

Primitive Reflexes

Written on September 1, 2022

What are primitive reflexes and how do they affect our children if they are not integrated

Back to School Transition Strategies

Written on July 27, 2022

how to help back to school transitions

Middle School Picky Eater

Written on June 7, 2022

Helping middle school kiddos learn to love food

Mealtime Wiggles

Written on April 29, 2022

Tips and tricks to help get your child sit for a longer time during meals.

Undistracted eating- Meals without the iPad

Written on April 29, 2022

The many important reasons to not provide iPads during meal times and alternative options.

“I’m So Bored”

Written on January 10, 2022

winter movement and sensory ideas

Reading Difficulties in Children

Written on December 27, 2021

reading difficulties in children

Sleeping Safe Baby

Written on December 27, 2021

How to keep baby's warm and safe while sleeping in all seasons

Small Steps for a Healthier Life

Written on December 27, 2021

Creating healthier habits for your family and child’s well being.

Bedtime Routines

Written on November 11, 2021

bedtime routines for children

Thriving, Not Just Surviving, The Holidays

Written on November 11, 2021

how to thrive, not just survive, the holidays

Hypermobility in Children

Written on October 29, 2021

hypermobility in children

Feeding Fiasco

Written on October 28, 2021

When to Worry about your child’s picky eating or feeding difficulties

Potty Accidents

Written on October 28, 2021

find out why your child might be having accidents

Halloween Activity

Written on October 1, 2021

Halloween stickers

Introducing Foods to Babies

Written on September 3, 2021

Strategies for successful transitioning baby to solid food

Infant Massage

Written on August 27, 2021

benefits of infant massage for you and your baby

W Sitting Alternatives

Written on August 25, 2021

w sitting alternatives

Successful Classroom Set-up

Written on August 11, 2021

Classroom Set-up: Success for every child

My Kid Keeps Hitting

Written on August 11, 2021

hitting and other undesired behaviors

Breast Engorgement

Written on July 22, 2021

Breastfeeding engorgement

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Written on July 22, 2021

Benefits of breastfeeding for baby, mom, and society

Learning to Play Games

Written on July 14, 2021

Learn to play games with your child

Wrapping Presents for all Abilities

Written on December 9, 2020

Scaffolding how you wrap presents to make the unwrapping process by your child easier and more fun for everyone!

Gift Guide

Written on December 4, 2020

A Gift Guide compiled by our therapists at BDI Playhouse specifically for your child. It's an easy-to-use resource for all celebrations.

Twas’ The Night Before… Let’s Go to Sleep

Written on December 4, 2020

How to help your child get better sleep at night

BDI Staff’s Holiday Traditions

Written on December 2, 2020

read about our BDI staff's holiday traditions and how they plan to celebrate with their families

TURKEY TIME TROUBLES?

Written on November 18, 2020

How to make Turkey Time (Thanksgiving) a successful holiday for your entire family

Spooky Speech

Written on October 23, 2020

Spooky speech activities

How is a Developmental Optometrist Evaluation Different than a Vision Test?

Written on October 12, 2020

When to See a Developmental Optometrist

How Can I Get My Child to Talk?

Written on September 21, 2020

how to get my child to talk

Language Development in Children

Written on September 3, 2020

Here are the top 3 recommendations we make to increase language

Busting Behavior Challenges: Behavior Management Strategies

Written on September 3, 2020

When your child is displaying persistent negative behaviors, there are a few strategies you can take to get back on track.

How does Posture Impact Scoliosis?

Written on August 28, 2020

how scoliosis is impacted by posture

Movements to avoid: Modified exercises for Scoliosis

Written on July 13, 2020

Movements to Avoid for Children and Teens with Scoliosis

I can wash my hands all by myself!

Written on July 12, 2020

Teaching your child how to wash their hands can be accomplished in a few easy steps

Improve Children’s Posture – 5 Easy Exercises

Written on June 17, 2020

5 exercises to improve children’s posture

Considering E-Learning Summer School? Find success with 3 simple tips!

Written on May 27, 2020

3 easy tips to help you and your child maximize the benefits and your time while completing E-learning activities

Why Tummy Time is Important

Written on May 14, 2020

Tummy time is important for your baby's development. Here are the top 7 reasons why you should be incorporating tummy time into your baby's routine.

Starting Potty Training

Written on May 11, 2020

Ready to start potty training your child? Here are 6 ideas to do before you start the process of potty training.

Understanding Your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for Pediatric Therapy

Written on May 8, 2020

Understanding your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for child's Speech, Occupational or Physical Therapy can help you avoid unexpected out of pocket expenses.

The Difference Between Co-pay, Co-insurance, Deductible and Out-of-Pocket

Written on May 8, 2020

Understanding co-pay, co-insurance, deductible and out-of-Pocket costs on Explanation of Benefits (EOB)

Falling Asleep and Staying Asleep

Written on April 28, 2020

Did you know that kids typically need at least 12 hours of sleep each night? Sleep is important to help improve focus and brain function! But what if your tot won’t fall asleep or stay asleep?

How to Support Siblings of Special Needs Kids

Written on April 23, 2020

How to support siblings of special need kids

Is Your Child Ready to Ride? The Do’s and Don’ts of Teaching Bike Riding

Written on April 19, 2020

Bike riding is a pleasure, a privilege, and a confidence builder for our kids! Is your child ready for bike riding? Get tips to teach them how!

When in quarantine, keep your kids in routine!

Written on April 19, 2020

When in quarantine, keep your kids in routine!

Potty Training Problems? 5 Strategies to Help your Child Avoid Bladder or Bowel “Accidents”

Written on April 14, 2020

Potty Training Trouble? 5 Strategies to Help your Child Avoid Bladder or Bowel “Accidents”

How Sign Helps Babies Learn Language

Written on April 8, 2020

How Sign Helps Babies Learn Language

Winter Blues? GET UP AND MOVE!

Written on February 25, 2020

Winter Blues? Get Up and Move

Be Your Child’s Best Valentine

Written on February 13, 2020

Be Your Child's Best Valentine

Fixing a Flat (baby head): What is Plagiocephaly and what can I do to correct it?

Written on February 7, 2020

Provides an explanation of plagiocephaly with ideas to correct a baby's flat head.

Drop-Off: My Child Cries and I Want to Too!

Written on February 3, 2020

My child cries at drop-off- What can a parent do?

Pacifier Weaning

Written on January 14, 2020

Every parent who has a child who loves their pacifier dreads the day when it's time to start pacifier weaning. 8 ideas to help you navigate this transition.

Why my Picky Eater Won’t Eat Your Cranberry Sauce

Written on December 30, 2019

Picky eating and sitting still at the table is never harder than during the holidays.

Do Babies Really Need to Crawl?

Written on November 19, 2019

Do Babies Really Need to Crawl? Your baby will use this important skill later for play activities like catching and throwing, learning tasks in the classroom, and even driving!

Sit Smart, Not Still – Best Seating for Classrooms

Written on November 13, 2019

Like adults, kids need to be comfortable and “situated” in order to attend, especially in circle time at school. Sometimes, finding comfortable and focus-inducing seating requires creativity and flexibility!