Hi! We’re Claire & Lauren! Welcome to The Inspired Treehouse!
We’re pediatric physical and occupational therapists who share information, activities, and resources related to child development. Our email newsletter includes weekly freebies like downloadable/printable activities and handouts!
When big emotions take over
The meltdown started over a banana....A banana that was peeled the “wrong” way. Our friend stood there in her kitchen, while her toddler collapsed on the floor, crying, screaming, and kicking. It was hard to know what to do next. Should she fix it? Hold the limit? Try a hug...or give space? If you have ever been in a moment like this, you are not alone. Toddlerhood is full of big emotions that arrive fast and loud. One small frustration can turn into a full-blown meltdown, and even the most...
Want Skills to Stick? Start Here.
We can’t talk about skill-building in kids without talking about buy-in. If a child is resisting, avoiding, zoning out, or simply complying without true engagement, real progress is never going to happen. But when kids are engaged in skill-building through creative and active play, that’s when we see strength, balance, attention, self-regulation, and other skills truly start to take off. This is why we’ve been leaning into resources that build foundational skills through playful, meaningful...
Play isn’t one-size-fits-all...
As therapists, we know that different types of play support different systems, skills, and developmental needs. When kids don't get the play experiences they need, they may struggle with regulation, engagement, and participation. Read below about some forms of play that are especially important (and often misunderstood)... Rough Play Helps build body awareness, impulse control, strength, and social boundaries.👉 Why Kids Need Rough Play Upside-Down Play Supports the vestibular system, balance,...
Purposeful play in everyday moments + FREEBIES!
Hi there, So much of a child’s day happens in the in-between moments:-Waiting for the next activity.-Finishing early.-Lining up.-Those awkward few minutes before it’s time to transition. These moments often feel too short to “do anything meaningful” and they often end up getting filled with challenging behaviors, nagging reminders, and repeated redirection. But what if we could make those small pockets of time into powerful skill-building opportunities? Skill-Building Activities for...
Our Session at the 2026 Play Conference 🎤
We're so honored to be speaking at the 2026 Play Conference, hosted by Precision CPD. In our session, Rebuilding Foundations Through Everyday Play, we'll be sharing: Signs to help you determine whether a child's challenges are due to a lack of exposure vs. a true delay Everyday play tools and activities to rebuild foundational skills for kids with limited exposure ⭐️⭐️ And you'll get a freebie as part of our upcoming launch of a brand new resource that will help therapists learn how they can...
FREE Printable Kindergarten Readiness Checklists!
If kindergarten is just around the corner and you’re wondering, “Is this child really ready?” you’re not alone. We hear this question every day from parents, therapists, and educators and it often comes with a lot of pressure and mixed messages. Here’s the truth that tends to get lost: Kindergarten readiness isn’t about letters, numbers, or sight words. What matters most is a child’s independence, functional abilities, and self-regulation. This includes skills like: Regulating their body,...
Feeling Stuck in Therapy Sessions? You Need This...
We all believe in the power of play. It’s foundational to development, regulation, connection, and learning. But many of us are noticing that play doesn’t land with kids the way it used to. Even when we’re using play-based approaches, we’re seeing: Lower engagement Less initiation and flexibility Strategies that don’t always carry over into real life It can leave you wondering whether you’re seeing a true developmental challenge – or the impact of missed play experiences in modern childhood....
Why Cause & Effect Play Matters for Development
Cause and effect toys are one of the most common items you’ll find in every therapist’s bag - and with good reason. They work across so many developmental areas at once. These simple, engaging toys give kids immediate feedback for their actions, helping them practice prediction, planning, persistence, and problem-solving. And that’s the kind of play that builds real skills. Whether you’re using them in therapy sessions, classrooms, or at home, these toys naturally draw kids in and give you...
The #1 skill kids need + tools to practice it...
If your day at work includes nonstop redirecting, finessing, and walking on eggshells around your kids to avoid meltdowns...you are not alone. But you may be missing out on teaching the most important foundation skill kids need to be successful - the skill we have to target before we can have any other expectation of our kids. Self-regulation. Without this skill, kids can’t practice motor skills, learn academics, or even participate in the most basic activities. The good news? Self-regulation...
Skill-Building Toys You'll Use Again & Again
Hi there, At The Inspired Treehouse, we believe play is powerful - and that the right toys can be tools that help kids build skills in a natural way. The right toys don’t always need batteries or complicated instructions. They simply invite kids to move, explore, problem-solve, and repeat experiences that strengthen their bodies and brains over time. ✨ Pro Tip:If a toy encourages movement, two-handed play, impulse control/waiting, creativity, repetition, requesting/interacting - it’s...
We’re pediatric physical and occupational therapists who share information, activities, and resources related to child development. Our email newsletter includes weekly freebies like downloadable/printable activities and handouts!