First of all be curious. Ask, “ What makes you think that?” Do you have any observations, assessments, or screenings to share with me? Ask yourself, “Am I noticing the same at home?” I recommend beginning with observing your child. Depending on the concern begin to note the skills your child is successful at and where your child needs support. A great place to begin is to consult with your child’s pediatrician.

An IFSP is an acronym for an Individualized Family Service Plan.

It is a formal, legally binding document and customized action plan used in Early Intervention services for infants and toddlers (from birth up to age 3) who have developmental delays, disabilities, or specific high-risk health conditions.

While therapists, doctors, and specialists focus directly on teaching your child specific skills, parent coaching focuses on you, your child’s first teacher, who knows and loves your child best. It bridges the gap between expert advice and real life by giving you practical, real-time strategies to transform everyday routines at home into calm, confident wins for your whole family. Coaching will support you and your child build skills, improve transitions, establish routines, improve behaviors, and reach milestones at home.

Whether you should be concerned depends heavily on your child’s exact age and how they interact with adults and their environment. Two children who are the same chronological age may be socially developing at a different rate and other factors should be considered.

In early childhood, social play develops in distinct, predictable stages. What looks like "ignoring other children" is often completely age-appropriate behavior known as parallel play. At this stage children 2-3 years typically play side-by-side with other kids, using similar toys, but do not necessarily interact. Typically children begin interacting, joining other children, participate in unorganized play and playing with same toys by age 3.

Your Toddler is on track if he/she is

• playing next to a peer without directly talking or playing with them this is typical Toddler behavior

• interacting well with familiar adults. They bring you toys, make eye contact, smile, and point to show you things they find interesting.

• Your Toddler responds when their name is called and engage in pretend play (e.g., feeding a stuffed animal).

• Lack of joint attention

• Does not respond to name

• Avoids eye contact

• Social disinterest

• Unaware of people

Severe daily outbursts are not typical. It is important to keep in mind that each child is unique. While mild-to-moderate tantrums occurring a few times a week are an expected part of toddlerhood (ages 2 to 3), outbursts that happen multiple times a day, and are extreme in intensity, or last for extended periods can be concerning, and an indicator of potential emotional dysregulation, or sensory overload. Other factors to consider when evaluating the behavior are concern for safety, how long it takes the child to recover, and the impact the tantrums have on your child’s and your family’s daily lives.

Getting started is simple. Reach out by completing and submitting the form, available on the contact page or simply push one of the buttons on any page to book your free 20 minute consultation.

Co-regulation is the supportive process where an adult helps a dysregulated child return to a state of emotional safety. Children learn to self-regulate later in life by experiencing repeated co-regulation during early childhood. Coaching provides opportunities to practice co-regulation strategies with your child. This practice helps both parent and child find calm.