Amanda Mathers, OTR/L

Comment “POTTY” and I’ll send you all of my recommendations as a pediatric OT specializing in early intervention & pelvic floor 👋🏼🥰 1. Get Potty Books & Be playful with learning about this process! Don’t just dive right into a “3 day method” without preparing! 2. Make sure your child has proper support with a toilet that is fit for them prior to starting! This will help them be able to RELAX when going! How to potty train | best potty training method | pediatric occupational therapist | toilet training | toddler parents | tips for potty training 🚽❄️ #pottytraining #occupationaltherapy

🌟Who knew Burlington coat factory had such good toy & baby products! 🎁 These prices appeared to be their standard price and not any special price because of Black Friday! 💰 Hi 👋🏼 Pediatric Occupational Therapist here! Follow me for activity ideas, products, and more to support your infant & toddler’s development 👶🏼 #occupationaltherapy #burlington #pediatricot #toddlertoys

Can someone hire me to just shop for children’s toys??? I think it’s my passion 🤣🫶🏼 Jokes aside - these were all GREAT finds for toys that will help baby develop good grasp, oral motor, and visual motor skills + help toddler continue to expand his fine motor skills, problem solving, and creativity! #kohls #occupationaltherapy #toddlertoys #babygift

Comment “LINKS” for lists to all of my favorite toys, products, and resources as a pediatric early intervention occupational therapist 💯🔗 **let this be your reminder that if you don’t have extra to spend this year, your love, affection, and TIME is the absolute best gift you could ever give your child 🥹🥰 Happy Holidays & Happy Shopping 🛍️ #blackfriday #toddlergifts #pediatricoccupationaltherapist

Witnessing the little moments of Successful Parenting around us can shift your entire experience! Instead of being annoyed that a child was crying in an airport - lets congratulate and support these parents! They are raising the next generation of kind, caring, regulated humans but it starts with processing our emotions and being validated.

What TO do ✅ and what NOT to do ❌ when Potty Training, from a licensed pediatric early intervention & pelvic floor occupational therapist 👋🏼 🚽 Comment “TOOLS” and I’ll send you all of my favorite products & resources when it comes to potty training your little one in a developmentally appropriate way! Some tips to get you started! 👇🏽 1️⃣ALWAYS have foot support and make sure your child feels comfortable 2️⃣ Start when they are READY! Don’t force toileting when your child is fearful, anxious, constipated, or avoidant! 3️⃣ Prepare your child ahead of time by exposing them to the toilet, to potty books, and more BEFORE diving right in Questions? Comment below! ⬇️ Check my website for free resources + more to support you on this journey!

Comment “Potty things” and I’ll send you a link to all of my favorites! 🔗 Hi 👋🏼 I’m amanda, a pediatric early intervention and pelvic floor occupational therapist 💩 Did you know that there is VERY little GOOD recent evidence (last ~20 years) out that that supports any potty training methods, best age of completion/duration of potty training, or anything related to toilet training?? It blows my mind 🤯 🌟 However, as a therapist who specializes in child development, there are some things that I have found to be the MOST impactful to consider during toilet training when thinking about how a child develops: 1. Body Position 2. Body awareness / Sensory Processing 3. Physiological development 4. Diet / Bowel Movement Habits Toilet Training is NOT a one size fits all and if someone tries to tell you that one specific method or time frame your child should be independent by is the ONLY way - run away fast 🏃🏽‍♀️💨 #pottytraining #occupationaltherapy #pelvicfloor

Comment “TRAINING” for 🔗 I’m not sure how I am JUST now finding this poop emoji Tonie but…. It’s amazing! 💩 You can shop all of these things from my LTK or Amazon storefront + find all of my free or for-purchase potty training resources on my website to guide you along your child’s potty training journey! If potty Training has been difficult in your home, know you aren’t alone! I’m here to help 🫶🏼🚽 As a pediatric OT working in early intervention and pelvic floor, my purpose is to help children be confident and successful with this skill! #pottytraining #occupationaltherapy

🔗comment “FISHING” for this toy! 🌟 🎣Black Friday Steal Alert!🎣 If you’re looking for a toy that *actually* keeps kids engaged *and* supports their development, the Velcro Fine Motor Fishing Toy from @hahaland_kids is a must-have! Here’s why I love it as a pediatric OT: 1️⃣ **Fine Motor Skills🖐️: This toy strengthens little fingers by encouraging grasping, stacking, and hand-eye coordination. 2️⃣ **Focus & Attention 🎯: Fishing for the “catch” keeps kids focused and entertained while building critical problem-solving skills. 3️⃣ **Bilateral Coordination 🤲: Using two hands together (one to hold the pole and one to pull fish off) is an excellent way to promote motor planning. 4️⃣ **Social Play 🤝: It’s perfect for turn-taking and practicing patience during play with siblings or friends. 5️⃣ **Therapist-Approved Fun ✔️: As an OT, I love that it’s colorful, engaging, and functional for early intervention goals at home + I love the softness & Velcro features for infants under age 1! 🎁 Black Friday deals start TODAY: grab it for 35% off and give your child a toy that’s fun AND purposeful! ✨ Tap the link in my bio to shop or comment “FISHING” and snag the deal before it’s gone! 🐟 #pediatricoccupationaltherapy #toddlergifts #amazontoys #ad

Comment “BUBBLES” for my potty training resources that are based in research & support your child’s development 🫶🏼 #1 potty training tip I have as a pediatric pelvic floor & early intervention OT…. 🫧 you guessed it BUBBLES! More specifically - using the breath! I encourage you to keep a potty basket with you filled with: 🌟 straws, bubble wands, whistles, pinwheels 🌟 even just being nearby to help encourage your child to take deep breaths to limit straining and encourage relaxation! The other important aspect of this video is the POTTY CHAIR! 🪑 you want your child’s feet supported with the knees ABOVE hip height 🦶🏼 **judgmental comments will be deleted - children will vary in their age, ability, and needs when it comes to toilet training so if you have been feeling pressured as a parent because you are currently struggling - there is NO shame here** #pottytraining #pelvicfloor #pediatricot

I feel like there are SO many toys that people say they DON’T RECOMMEND, especially as developmental specialists! So I’m here to share some that I actually do like 🤩 Pediatric Occupational Therapist Approved: Pip SQUIGZ, Upseat, Play-Doh, All the puzzles, to name a few 💯💯 What are your favorites or most used as a therapist or parent?! ⬇️ #toddlertoys #pediatricoccupationaltherapy

Comment “TOILET” for my potty training freebies + recommended products to help you be successful on your child’s unique potty journey 🚽 Hi 👋🏼 I’m amanda, a pediatric early intervention and pelvic floor occupational therapist 💩 Did you know that there is VERY little GOOD recent evidence (last ~20 years) out that that supports any potty training methods, best age of completion/duration of potty training, or anything related to toilet training?? It blows my mind 🤯 🌟 However, as a therapist who specializes in child development, there are some things that I have found to be the MOST impactful to consider during toilet training when thinking about how a child develops: 1. Body Position 2. Body awareness / Sensory Processing 3. Physiological development 4. Diet / Bowel Movement Habits Toilet Training is NOT a one size fits all and if someone tries to tell you that one specific method is the ONLY way - run away fast 🏃🏽‍♀️💨 Wyndaele, J. J., Kaerts, N., Wyndaele, M., & Vermandel, A. (2020). Development Signs in Healthy Toddlers in Different Stages of Toilet Training: Can They Help Define Readiness and Probability of Success?. Global pediatric health, 7, 2333794X20951086. https://doi.org/10.1177/2333794X20951086 #pottytraining #occupationaltherapy #pelvicfloor