“Wait and See” Is Advice, Not a Plan
Wait and see is advice, not a plan. It has no end date and no checkpoint, so the waiting just continues. Kaari Pieper, PT, DPT, explains when waiting is the right call, what it costs when it isn’t, and the question that tells you more than any milestone chart.
Is School Speech Enough? When to Add Outpatient
School speech is not a lesser service, but it has limits built into the system. Bianca Edwards, MS, CCC-SLP, spent eight and a half years as a school SLP. She explains what school services are designed to do, when adding outpatient therapy makes sense, and how to get both working as one team.
“Are They Bad or Do They Need Help?” Reading the Behavior
The question every teacher asks by week three is the wrong one. Karlie Froseth, MOT, OTR/L, an occupational therapist at Prairie Grit Therapy, explains what classroom behavior is buying, what sits underneath eight common presentations, why quiet students get missed, and how two weeks of notes reveal the pattern.
Why Counseling Belongs at Prairie Grit
Kids who come to Prairie Grit are already doing hard things, and that work can shape how they feel about themselves. Shelly Carbo, LCSW, explains why counseling now sits alongside OT, PT, and speech, what families come in for, and how one team coordinates care under one roof.
Food Sensory Issues at School Lunch and What to Do at Home
Parents often tell me their child eats fine at home and comes back with a full lunchbox every day. That is not stubbornness and it is not a lie. The food did not change. The room did. Geena Schmidt, MS, OTR/L, on why the cafeteria beats a sensory-sensitive eater, and what to do about it.
The Morning Routine That Doesn't End in Tears
Most morning meltdowns happen at the same point every day. Not randomly, and not because your child woke up in a mood. Occupational therapist Hannah Ibach explains how to find the one spot where your morning breaks, and why changing one thing works better than changing everything.
Backpack Fit and Load: Get It Right in Five Minutes
Most kids are carrying too much, and almost none of them are wearing the bag correctly. The fix takes five minutes at the kitchen table. Miss Sierra, an occupational therapist at Prairie Grit Therapy, walks through the weigh-in, the 10 percent rule, four fit checks, and what to pull out tonight. Weigh it on a Wednesday, not a Monday. Monday bags lie.
Back-to-School Transition Struggles and What You Can Do at Home
The first weeks of school are a transition load problem, not a behavior problem. Kids hold it together for seven hours straight, then fall apart the second they get in your car. Miss Geena, an occupational therapist at Prairie Grit Therapy, breaks down what is actually happening after 3 p.m. and gives you six routine changes to try at home. Pick two. Start with protecting the first thirty minutes after school.
When Is a Sound Actually a Word?
When is a sound actually a word?
Many parents wait for first words to sound “right,” but early language doesn’t work that way. A first word doesn’t need perfect pronunciation — it needs meaning, consistency, and intent.
In this First Word Friday video, our speech-language pathologists explain the three simple rules that help determine whether a child’s sound (or gesture) counts as a real word — and how parents can support language growth at home through everyday interactions, not drills.
If your child is vocalizing, gesturing, or attempting to communicate, language may already be developing. You just need to know what to listen for.
Not Naughty: When Bladder Leaks Happen
Bladder leaks aren’t defiance or laziness. They’re often a sign that a child is still learning how to recognize internal body cues. Learn how interoception impacts bathroom routines—and how pelvic floor–informed occupational therapy can help.
When Temperature Feels ‘Off’
Some kids always feel too hot. Others are freezing when everyone else is fine. And some will fight socks like they’re a personal insult.
That’s not attitude. It’s temperature sensitivity.
In this Not Naughty post, Miss Geena explains how the sensory system processes temperature, why kids’ signals don’t always match the forecast, and how small shifts at home can turn daily clothing battles into calmer, more cooperative moments.
If weather-appropriate clothing feels like a constant negotiation in your house, this one’s for you.
When Loud Noises Feel Like Too Much
Some kids cover their ears. Others hum or talk nonstop. Both are trying to organize sound — not “act out.” Auditory sensitivity can feel intense, and kids do what they can to cope. In this Not Naughty episode, Miss Geena explains what to look for and how to support a child when noise becomes too much.
Encouraging Language Development Through Play
Play is more than fun—it’s how children learn to communicate. In this article, Miss Jorie, SLP at Prairie Grit Therapy, shares how parents can use everyday play to build their child’s language skills. You’ll find age-based tips, toy suggestions, and strategies to turn simple playtime into meaningful connection.
Prairie Grit Therapy Recruiting Volunteer Stylists for Sensory-Friendly Haircut Event
Prairie Grit Therapy is seeking licensed stylists to volunteer for its Sensory-Friendly Back-to-School Haircut Day on August 11 in Minot, ND. This event provides calm, supported haircuts for children with sensory needs, with therapists on-site to help reduce anxiety and overstimulation.
Summer’s here - Now What?
Summer can be a break from school, but it doesn’t have to be a break from progress. In this article, a pediatric physical therapist shares fun, easy ways to support your child’s balance and coordination during summer adventures. From beach games to backyard challenges, learn how to turn summer fun into meaningful development.
Summer Sibshops Offers Support for Siblings—and Relief for Parents
Summer Sibshops with Prairie Grit are part support group, part party. Designed for children ages 7–13 who have a sibling with a disability, diagnosis, or developmental delay, these sessions give kids a chance to share, connect, and have fun with others who understand their experience.
4 Simple Ways To Make Your Home More Sensory-Friendly
Kids with sensory sensitivities experience the world differently—and small changes at home can make a big difference. Miss Karlie, Occupational Therapist at Prairie Grit Therapy, shares four simple, practical ways to create a calmer, more sensory-friendly environment for your child.
Fine Motor Skills: Occupational Therapy Tips for Parents
Fine motor skills are essential for independence, from tying shoes to writing. Discover fun, therapist-approved activities to help your child strengthen these skills at home.
Help Us Play with a Purpose
This holiday season, help Prairie Grit Therapy bring the magic of play to life! Our Christmas Wishlist features therapy-approved toys that make sessions fun and impactful for kids of all abilities. Shop our Amazon Wishlist or your favorite local store to support our nonprofit clinic. Every gift makes a difference! 🎄
Tips for Picky Eaters During Thanksgiving
Making Thanksgiving Enjoyable for Every Child
Thanksgiving can be a challenging time for picky eaters, with new foods, unfamiliar environments, and lots of sensory input. Our Occupational Therapists have put together practical tips to help your child navigate the holiday meal with confidence and joy.
From introducing new foods at home to creating a quieter space at the table, these strategies are designed to make Thanksgiving dinner a positive experience for the whole family. Whether you’re dealing with sensory sensitivities, picky eating habits, or mealtime stress, our tips can help your child feel more comfortable and engaged.
Read the full article to discover:
• How to prepare your child with familiar foods and tastes.
• The benefits of a quieter eating space in a bustling holiday environment.
• Fun ways to encourage kids to try new foods.
• The importance of respecting your child’s fullness cues and sensory needs.
Make this Thanksgiving a time of connection, comfort, and enjoyment for your family