February: A Month for Love and Learning
February is often associated with love, thanks to Valentine’s Day, but for parents, love translates into wanting the absolute best for their children. It’s a time when the hustle of the holidays has settled, and we are well into the rhythm of the new year. This makes February the perfect time to check in on your child's progress and consider how they are navigating their world.
At Speech and Beyond Pediatric Therapy, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to communicate, move, and eat with confidence. Whether your little one is struggling to articulate their first words or finding it hard to try new foods, our team is here to help them thrive.
Is Your Child Meeting Their Milestones?
As we move through winter and look toward spring, many parents start noticing subtle differences in their child’s development compared to peers. Maybe your toddler isn’t babbling as much as their cousins, or perhaps your preschooler is having trouble holding a crayon.
Understanding child development milestones is key to early intervention. While every child grows at their own pace, milestones act as helpful guideposts. If you have concerns, waiting and seeing isn’t always the best approach. Proactive support can make a world of difference.
Our pediatric therapy in Jenks OK is designed to meet children exactly where they are. We don't just look at a diagnosis; we look at the whole child. Our evaluations are thorough and compassionate, ensuring we understand the unique strengths and challenges your child brings to the table.
A Child-Directed Approach: Why Play Matters
One of the most common things we hear from parents is, "It looks like they are just playing!" And they are right—but that play is purposeful.
At Speech and Beyond, we utilize a child-directed approach. This means we adapt our therapy sessions to support a child’s natural interests. If your child loves trains, we might use trains to practice prepositions ("The train is on the track") or fine motor skills (connecting the tracks). By engaging them in activities they already love, we build trust and motivation. This empowers their success not just in our clinic, but in "real" life at home and school.
Comprehensive Care Under One Roof
We know that driving all over town for different appointments is exhausting. That’s why we are proud to offer a wide array of services at our state-of-the-art 6,000 square-foot clinic. We are a one-stop resource for families in the Tulsa and Jenks area.
Speech Therapy
Our speech therapy Tulsa area experts help children improve articulation, language comprehension, and social communication skills. We also specialize in dyslexia and dysgraphia support, ensuring school-aged children have the tools they need to read and write confidently.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
OT helps children master the "jobs" of childhood—playing, learning, and self-care. From improving handwriting to managing sensory processing differences, our OTs help kids gain independence.
Physical Therapy (PT)
If your child needs support with gross motor skills like crawling, walking, or balance, our PT team is ready. We work on strength and coordination to help kids keep up with their friends on the playground.
Feeding and Nutrition Therapy
Mealtimes can be a major source of stress for families. Our feeding therapy Jenks specialists work with "picky eaters" and children with oral motor difficulties to make eating safe and enjoyable. We also offer nutrition therapy to ensure growing bodies get the fuel they need.
Winter Activities to Boost Development
Since it is still chilly outside, here are a few indoor activities you can do this February to support your child’s development at home:
Valentine’s Sensory Bin: Fill a bin with red and pink rice, heart-shaped erasers, and scoops. This is fantastic for sensory exploration and fine motor scooping.
Obstacle Course: Use pillows and blankets to create a living room course. Have your child "crawl under" the table or "jump over" the pillow. This builds gross motor skills and teaches directional concepts.
Cookie Decorating: Baking is a science and a language lesson! Talk about the steps (first, next, last) and let them use their fingers to place sprinkles, refining those pincer grasps.
Preparing for Spring
Spring is just around the corner. As the weather warms up, you’ll want your child to be ready for park dates and outdoor adventures. If you’ve noticed your child struggles with physical coordination or social interaction during playdates, now is the time to start therapy. Building these skills in the winter months prepares them for a confident and active spring.
We Are Here to Help
You don't have to navigate developmental challenges alone. Our therapist-owned clinic is conveniently located in Jenks, and we also provide services in childcare facilities throughout the Tulsa area.
If you have questions about pediatric therapy in Jenks OK, or if you want to learn more about our specific services like speech therapy Tulsa or feeding therapy Jenks, we invite you to reach out. Let’s work together to help your child create the best life possible.