Parent question library
Start with what you’re
noticing.
Useful, plain-language starting points for looking beneath a difficult task. These articles are educational and help you observe—not diagnose—what may deserve a closer look.
Early Intervention
Infant and toddler
My 18-month-old isn’t using a spoon—what should I notice?
Read the starting point Birth to age 3What does an Occupational Therapist do in Early Intervention?
Read the starting point Birth to age 3What can I do while waiting for an Early Intervention evaluation?
Read the starting point InfancyMy baby hates tummy time—what should I do?
Read the starting point InfancyWhy does my baby only turn their head one way?
Read the starting point Infant and toddlerMy toddler is not pointing—what should I look at?
Read the starting point InfancyMy baby isn’t rolling yet—what should I notice?
Read the starting point InfancyMy baby isn’t sitting independently—what should I notice?
Read the starting pointSensory Regulation
All childhood stages
Is my child sensory seeking or sensory avoiding?
Read the starting point Toddler through school ageWhy does my child cover their ears around loud noises?
Read the starting point Toddler through school ageWhy didn’t a sensory activity help my child calm or focus?
Read the starting point Toddler through school ageWhy is my child constantly moving?
Read the starting point Toddler through school ageWhy does my child crash into furniture and people?
Read the starting point Toddler through school ageWhy does my child chew on shirts, pencils, or toys?
Read the starting point Toddler through school ageWhy does my child spin without getting dizzy?
Read the starting point Toddler through early school ageWhy does my child hate messy play?
Read the starting point Toddler through school ageWhy does my child hate haircuts?
Read the starting point Toddler through school ageWhy does my child hate having their hair washed or brushed?
Read the starting point Toddler through school ageWhy does my child become overwhelmed in stores or crowded places?
Read the starting point Toddler through school ageWhat is a sensory diet—and does my child need one?
Read the starting pointEmotional Regulation & Routines
Toddler through school age
Why do transitions cause meltdowns?
Read the starting point Preschool and school ageWhy does our morning routine take forever?
Read the starting point Toddler through school ageWhy does my child melt down over something that seems small?
Read the starting point Toddler through school ageWhy can’t my child calm down once they are upset?
Read the starting point Preschool and school ageWhy does my child hold it together at school and melt down at home?
Read the starting point Toddler through school ageIs this a tantrum, a meltdown, or an overwhelmed child?
Read the starting point Toddler through school ageWhy does my child hit, throw, or run away when overwhelmed?
Read the starting pointAttention & Executive Functioning
School age
My child knows how to do the work but cannot get started—why?
Read the starting point Toddler through school ageWhy doesn’t my child follow directions even when they seem to understand?
Read the starting point Preschool and school ageWhy does my child give up as soon as something is hard?
Read the starting point Preschool and school ageWhy does my child forget multi-step directions?
Read the starting point Preschool and school ageWhy does my child need constant reminders?
Read the starting point Preschool and school ageWhy does my child start tasks but never finish them?
Read the starting point School ageWhy does my child rush through work and make careless mistakes?
Read the starting point School ageWhy does my child lose everything?
Read the starting point School ageWhy does my child stare at the page instead of beginning?
Read the starting point Preschool and school ageWhy does my child forget what they were doing halfway through?
Read the starting point School ageWhy does homework take my child so long?
Read the starting pointFine Motor & Hand Skills
Preschool
My 4-year-old can’t use scissors—what should I work on?
Read the starting point Toddler through school ageWhy does my child use one hand when a task needs two?
Read the starting point Toddler through early school ageWhen should my child develop a dominant hand?
Read the starting point Preschool and early school ageWhy does my child switch hands while coloring or writing?
Read the starting point Preschool and school ageWhy does my child struggle to cross the middle of their body?
Read the starting point Preschool and school ageDoes my child need more hand strength—or is something else happening?
Read the starting point Preschool and school ageWhy does my child struggle to open lunch containers?
Read the starting point Toddler through school ageWhy does my child avoid Legos, beads, puzzles, or small toys?
Read the starting point Preschool and early school ageWhat fine-motor skills does my child need for school?
Read the starting pointPre-Writing & Handwriting
Preschool and school age
Why does my child press so hard when writing?
Read the starting point Toddler through early school ageWhy does my child avoid coloring or drawing?
Read the starting point Preschool and early school ageWhy can’t my child copy shapes yet?
Read the starting point Preschool and school ageShould I correct my child’s pencil grasp?
Read the starting point Toddler through early school ageWhy does my child hold a pencil with their whole fist?
Read the starting point Preschool and early school ageWhy does my child reverse letters and numbers?
Read the starting point School ageWhy is my child’s handwriting so slow?
Read the starting point School ageWhy does my child’s handwriting get messier as they continue?
Read the starting point Early school ageWhy are my child’s letters too large or poorly spaced?
Read the starting point Preschool and early school ageWhy can my child trace but not draw or copy independently?
Read the starting pointSelf-Care, Feeding & Toileting
Toddler through school age
Why does my child hate getting dressed?
Read the starting point Preschool and school ageWhy does my child struggle with buttons and zippers?
Read the starting point Toddler through school ageWhy does my child struggle with brushing their teeth?
Read the starting point Preschool and school ageWhy does my child wait until the last minute to use the bathroom?
Read the starting point Preschool and school ageWhy will my child use the toilet at home but not at school or in public?
Read the starting point Preschool and school ageWhy is wiping so difficult for my child?
Read the starting point Toddler through school ageWhy can’t my child put on socks or shoes?
Read the starting point Toddler through school ageIs my child a picky eater—or is something else making eating difficult?
Read the starting point Infant through school ageWhy does my child gag when trying new food textures?
Read the starting pointPlay, School & Kindergarten Readiness
Seek appropriate professional or emergency help for pain, loss of skills, feeding or swallowing difficulty, breathing changes, significant weakness or asymmetry, immediate safety concerns, or anything that feels urgent.