child development Archives - Aubrey Schmalle OTR/L

Five Things to Keep in Mind for Parenting in a Digital World and Strategies to Succeed

There are two sides on this photo. The word DIGITAL is written on the left hand side, and the word OFFLINE is written on the right hand side. On the left side is a mother and daughter seated on a sofa. The mother is working with her laptop on her lap while the daughter is looking at her iPad. On the right side is a mother and daughter, both smiling while reading a book right before bedtime.

In today’s digital world, where screens are everywhere, parents face an increasingly difficult challenge: how do you protect your children’s mental and emotional well-being while also ensuring they grow up digitally literate, safe, and prepared for the future. As we navigate this screen-based world, it’s important to remember that we don’t just want our kids…

Parenting in a Digital World: Fostering Healthy Relationships and Connection with Your Child

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, smartphones have become central to our daily lives. They’re our work assistants, our entertainment hubs, and our constant companions. But as much as our phones keep us connected to the world, they can also subtly disconnect us from the people right in front of us — especially our children. In…

Why Kids Need More Hideouts and Forts: The Power of “White Space” in Today’s World

A young girl reading a book on her bed in a cozy room, illustrating the importance of quiet spaces for creativity and relaxation.

In today’s fast-paced, screen-saturated world, children need more than just playdates and extracurricular activities to thrive. They require moments of solitude and creativity—”white space”—to unplug and nurture their imagination. As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time for parents to reflect on how they can create these moments for their kids. White…