Lee Maitz OT in Yamba, New South Wales | Medical and health

Lee Maitz OT

Locality: Yamba, New South Wales

Address: 2/4 Moongi Place 2464 Yamba, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.leemaitzot.com

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25.01.2022 MY LITTLE STORE AND TRAUMA SUPPORT Thank you to everyone who has liked, shared, encouraged me and supported me with The Whole Child Store. As many of you would know, a percentage of sales from the store will go to Camp Reset- a specialised camp by Kaya Lyons (OT and trauma expert) for children with trauma and their caregivers.... Since the launch of my little store Ive had a lot of curiosity and wonder about Camp Reset so I thought Id share a video on the power of the camp experience- play, movement, connection, joy, exploration. Ill post a link to the store in the comments for those that missed it earlier this week https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_Qa7SV4yiY&feature=youtu.be

25.01.2022 MAGIC SNOWGLOBE POTIONS If youve been following me for a little while youd know I love making magic potions- they were a staple during my transition to Telehealth when the pandemic first hit our little community as they were generally accessible to all families, no to low cost and supported a myriad of developmental skills.... As kids went outside, gathered their ingredients and created their potions they were secretly developing: Mindfulness Self-awareness Fine motor skills Sensory Processing Play skills- ideation and imagination Bilateral coordination Visual-motor integration I recently discovered this creative adaptation of magic potion making by @mylittlepartyhire - magic snow globe potions- a lovely little jar, natures treasures, baking soda and vinegar.

25.01.2022 LOVE THIS!!! Kids really just want to be seen and heard, their feelings validated. They need to be able to feel all the feels with someone calmly sitting in it with them.

25.01.2022 SPONTANEITY + ADVENTURE The routine of the school weeks and terms serve us well- it’s predicable and structured and ensures things flow smoothly. However, there’s something to be said about spontaneity and adventure, the unknown and the unpredictable- novelty, excitement, collaborating, problem solving, resilience and wonder ... Who’s keen for a Sunday adventure?

25.01.2022 THE WHOLE CHILD STORE And just like that, The Whole Child Store is open! Not fully stocked yet- Im just getting started- but my aim is to stock products that support the development of the whole child- body, mind and spirit.... I believe if we support the development of the whole child, and advocate for their emotional, physical and social wellbeing, we prepare them to thrive. And, for every purchase made at The Whole Child Store, we will donate 10% of the profits to Camp Reset- a camp specifically designed by specialist OT, Kaya Lyons, for children with trauma and their parents/carers. So please check out the store, share with your friends, family, colleagues, neighbours and let me know what you think https://leemaitzot.com/shop

24.01.2022 MOVEMENT AS SENSORY PLAY The social media world is flooded with incredible ideas for tactile sensory play- and rightfully so- tactile exploration plays a significant role in child development. However, movement sensory play is vital for developing a perception of self, physical strength and muscle activation. ... It provides a physical and spiritual sense of who we are and who we are in relation to the world around around us and lays the platform for exploration, growth and interaction. Kids need an abundance of opportunities to swing, roll, bounce, jump, climb, crawl, spin, hop, go under, go over, go upside down and balance. Movement opportunities are endless and we as caregivers are the best vehicles for movement play- try piggy back rides, rolling down a hill, crawling over a pillow mountain, balancing on a log, dancing to music. What are some of your favourite movement games?

24.01.2022 WAIT. Waiting provides our children with: Time to focus.... Time to process. Time to respond. Time to plan and organise. Time to problem solve. Time to have a moment to reset. Time to have a try. Time to not get it right. Time to reflect. Waiting also tells our kids that they are capable and that we believe in them.

24.01.2022 Play. Laugh. Connect.

24.01.2022 SENSORY TRACKS I love sensory tracks and these shared by @creativeplayideas are next level- so much variety in texture and visual information supporting curiosity and exploration. As our children explore through their senses they develop a perception of their body, the world around them and who they are in relationship to this world, building a platform to connect and interact.... Exploration of texture also builds our perception of what objects can do supporting the development of play ideation. A wonderful platform to support the development of gross motor skills and postural stability. The addition of tools such as paintbrushes and magnifying glass adds a fine motor and visual-motor layer to the activity. Reflecting on the sensory properties of each object- how do the feel, smell, look and sound- adds meaning to the experience.

23.01.2022 How awesome is the team at Yamba preschool !!? Check out their beautiful artwork submitted into the The Koori Curriculum art competition. Last I heard they were in second place Click on the link, check out their work and leave them your vote

21.01.2022 PLAY FOR GROWN UPS Play isn’t just vital for children. It’s vital for adults too. As adults, we often direct our energy and mental space to the work part of our lives- planning, scheduling and juggling. ... We often carry the weight of responsibility for the people in our lives. We can find ourselves relying on the predictable structure of doing to navigate our days, weeks and months- ticking off items on our to-do lists, going through the motions. But its somewhere in this state of autopilot that we start to lose our sense of being. Life begins to feel unbalanced, exhaustion creeps in and joy and meaning can be lost. To restore balance, experience joy and re-attach meaning to our day to day, we need to PLAY. Whether its singing and dancing, surfing, creating, exploring, doing cartwheels and handstands or going back to our favourite childhood games, we need to laugh, move and feel the lightness of play. What are your favourite ways to play?

19.01.2022 RUOK? Sometimes in the chaos and busy-ness we lose the connection and awareness of how we are (truly) feeling. Take some time today to check in with yourself.... Ask yourself, how am I feeling? Scan your body- are you holding any tension? Tenderness, stiffness, pain? Tune in to yourself- what is your breathing doing? Your heart rate doing? Now ask yourself, what do I need? Do you need to Rest? Reset? Recharge?

18.01.2022 IN THE SECRET GARDEN Loved seeing how @thesunshinewildlings have used the Secret Garden play dough kit! Exploring texture, combining nature, bringing ideas to life, creating and getting lost in the moment ... Sensory Play Nature Play Fine motor skills Visual-motor skills Ideation Eco-friendly Mindfulness Screen-free Check out these kits at www.leemaitzot.com/shop

18.01.2022 When kids are challenged and pushed out of their comfort zone, this is where learning and personal growth occurs. From learning to walk to climbing a mountain, action is almost always taken as a result of curiosity, a drive to know and understand something and, as they navigate obstacles and uncertainty, and experience contrast, they develop vital physical and social-emotional skills- planning and problem solving, resilience, confidence, self-awareness and a sense of independence and mastery. May we promote curiosity and, as our children take action, no matter how scary it is for us, may we encourage, support and reassure them with our unshakable belief in their ability.

18.01.2022 FRUIT SKEWERS Our journey to eating a variety of wholesome foods consists of many experiences of exploring foods through seeing, touching, tasting and smelling. Making fruit skewers is a wonderful way to explore food and also supports many other developmental skills:... Food exploration Fine motor skills Hand-eye coordination Tactile Sensory input Bilateral integration Crossing the midline Exploring shapes Exploring colours

17.01.2022 MOMENTS TO REFLECT Providing children with the time and resources to reflect on a moment or experience allows them the opportunity to explore their perceptions of, and emotions about, the experience, ultimately attaching meaning. Reflection can be done in the form of journalling, cartooning and creating. ... Through story-telling and pretend play. Reflection can be gently guided and supported by asking questions or narrating what we see, bringing a child’s awareness to their perceptual environment. Reflection can be simply sitting quietly and providing space for thought.

17.01.2022 RESILIENCE Spend quality time with kids. When they feel loved and supported, children develop emotional strength. Some great things to consider in this little infographic by @tutordoctorglobal

17.01.2022 EVERY ACTIVITY THAT REQUIRES US TO BE UPRIGHT, especially those that involve moving- from rolling over, reaching for a toy, crawling, walking and running to being able to sit and write at a desk, to be fluent and efficient, requires postural stability- strength and activation in the inner core. Ironically, we build postural stability through movement from birth- first through the reflexes we are born with and, as babies, through an abundance of time spent on the floor on our... backs and tummies- exploring our sensory environment. As we grow, we start to roll and crawl and climb and, eventually, walk. It is through the process of developing these milestones- the reaching, balancing, wobbling, falling, pulling, pushing, twisting and turning- that we strengthen and activate the postural muscles. For babies, allow lots of time, unrestrained and unsupported (not propped up) on the floor to explore. Once kids are walking- provide opportunities for as big a variety of movement as possible- climbing(), balancing, getting down low, reaching high, rolling and swinging.

17.01.2022 MEANING + PURPOSE = MOTIVATION AND JOY Children will be motivated to do an activity when they attach MEANING to the task. Meaning through WHAT they are doing and meaning though WHO they are doing it with.... With meaning and purpose comes motivation and joy, and the desire to want to be successful over and over again. When considering activities or invitations to play, take a moment to wonder: What are their interests? What sparks their curiosity? What role do I play in the activity- participant, observer, cheerleader?

17.01.2022 WORRY DOLLS Made some little worry dolls with a little mate with lots of worries. So sweet and a really lovely sensory and mindful activity. Brought her awareness to the here and now and allowed her to express through creativity.

16.01.2022 THE SENSORY- EMOTION CONNECTION Each sensory experience is coded with emotion just as each experience of emotion is coded with a sensation. As we explore nature, we are invited to infinitely explore through our senses, attaching emotion to the experience- this is connection, that felt sense you get when you see an eagle soaring, feel the breeze on your skin, smell the earthy elements, feel the damp soil in your hands, taste the fresh air, hear the kookaburras laugh.... Its a sense of belonging, a sense that you are home and it is from this felt sense that we can then build connections with others- meaningful, secure relationships along with self-awareness and self-regulation.

15.01.2022 RESET REFILL RESTORE As parents, therapists, carers, educators, and supporters we are naturally wired to give, to nurture, to love and care. And these are all incredible qualities- these are the qualities that provide security and safety in our children, paving the way for them to thrive.... However, as we give and nurture and love and care we can often forget, or not prioritise or not give ourselves permission to nurture, love and care for ourselves, depleting or imbalancing our own stores, leading to fatigue, exhaustion, stress, haziness and even resentment. Sometimes, our giving is so deeply wired and on autopilot that we are not even aware of it. So I just wanted to check in and remind you to check in with yourself? How are you feeling? How full (or empty) is your cup? Do you need to RESET your WHOLE self? REFILL your cup? RESTORE balance? I love to surf, paddle, hike and just BE in nature- what are your go-tos to get back in balance?

15.01.2022 WE ARE HIRING If you are an OT (or know an OT) looking for work in sunny Yamba, please get in touch- full time and part time position available https://www.seek.com.au/job/50939311

15.01.2022 SUNDAYS ARE FOR TREE CLIMBING Tree climbing provides an opportunity for kids to take risks, laying the foundation for a myriad of skills to develop- planning and problem solving skills, gross and fine motor skills, sensory processing, balance, bilateral integration, muscle and core strength, visual skills. And, of course, when you get to the top, there’s a whole new world of creatures to find, sensations to experience and sights to see.... Who else loved tree climbing as a kid?

13.01.2022 Thanks for the reminder Active OT For Kids

13.01.2022 MOVE. PLAY. EXPLORE. We were designed to move- to run, jump, climb, hop, skip, balance. We were designed to play- to imagine, to create, to construct.... We were designed to explore- oceans, sand, tracks, caves, mountains. Where will your Sunday take you?

13.01.2022 BEE-YOND EXCITED to add these wonderful little ‘Bee The Change’ kits to our little store Perfect for emotion regulation, mindfulness, motors skills, sensory experiences, nurturing and compassion https://leemaitzot.com/the-whole-child-store/bee-the-change

12.01.2022 I received a parcel today- Im one step closer to revealing the something new- check my stories for a little clue

12.01.2022 PEACE CALM RESTORATION Nature offers us a sense of peace, calm and restoration. With the ongoing uncertainty and unpredictability around us may we find moments to chase the sun, float in the sea and breathe in the fresh air.... To lay in the grass, sit under a tree, listen to the birds. To find the view from the top and watch the sun rise and fall. Happy Sunday #otforkids #natureplay #selfisolationwithkids #therapyforkids #playbasedtherapy #childdevelopmentspecialist #socialdevelopment #sensoryintegrationtherapy #sensoryplay #messyplay #learnthroughplay #playtolearn #emotionalregulation #naturesplayground #everywhereplayground #learningthroughplay #weareexplorers #mindfulnessforkids #skillsforlife #mindfulparenting #mindfulplay #sundayadventures #connectwithnature #screenfreekids #screenfreeactivities #grossmotorskills #fillyourcup #chasethesun #freshair #saltwatertherapy

12.01.2022 Yes! You do make a difference. Every time you take time to connect. Every time you take time to listen.... Every time you take time to be curious. Every time you take time to share joy. Every time you take time to nurture.

11.01.2022 J O Y Sharing joy, and responding to your child with joy, not only supports the release of oxytocin, our happy hormone, but also sends a message of reassurance that they are able, they are wonderful, they are wise, they are valuable, they are supported.

11.01.2022 FOOD TEXTURES FOR SENSORY TRAYS Tactile exploration provides opportunities for children to be curious and in the moment, developing self-awareness, play and motor skills as they go. Using food items is a wonderful way to explore texture in a taste-safe way (with supervision and as appropriate for age) and provides an abundance of rich sensory input through touch, taste, smell, sound and vision.... Try legumes and pulses, grains, fruit and veges, and herbs. I love love love these cute little food-based sensory play trays by @play_in_a_tray Food exploration Fine motor skills Hand-eye coordination Multi-sensory input Bilateral integration Self-awareness Mindfulness Screen-free

10.01.2022 EXPLORE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MOVEMENT Every aspect of child development- from crawling to walking to social skills to handwriting- requires a good, adaptable vestibular system (our sensory system that detects head movement and our position in space). And a good, adaptable vestibular system requires lots of opportunities for different types of movement- swinging, bouncing, rocking, rolling, hanging from the monkey bars, piggy back rides- the list is endless.... What are your favourite movement games?

10.01.2022 OUT OF THIS WORLD These sweet little galaxy stamp sets arrived yesterday, along with moon playdough You can get them separately or I’ve bundled them up with some sparkly galaxy bio glitter ... Perfect for little hands, sustainable and screen-free, these little sets support: Fine motor skills Visual-motor skills Sensory input Exploratory play Mindfulness https://leemaitzot.com/the-whole-child-store/stamp-sets

09.01.2022 HAPPY FATHERS DAY Nine times out of ten, kids come along to OT with their Mums because thats what works best logistically in their families. But I hear all about the Dads and Grandads, biological or not. ... I hear about rough and tumble play, silly jokes, bedtime snuggles, new jobs they have, places they go, kicking the ball, creating a project, going fishing, riding and surfing. I hear about camping trips, star gazing, cooking dinner together and road trips. Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads, Granddads and those stepping up as a Dad- I know how dearly loved you all are.

09.01.2022 SECURITY THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS In order for children to be curious to move, explore and interact they need to feel safe and secure in their body, in their relationships with caregivers and in the world around them. May we provide our children with opportunities to be curious and support their journey with comfort, encouragement, reassurance and belief.

09.01.2022 SEARCH FOR THE DETAILS This morning I was in a rush heading out on a preschool visit and turned back to get something Id forgotten in my chaos and noticed this big, beautiful dragonfly on our wall. She had probably been there all morning- when I came and left and returned again- and in my haste I didnt notice her. ... It reminded me of how much we miss as we run with the hustle and bustle of our busy schedules, moving through the day with little thought and attention given to all the little details that make up the present moment. This is true for kids as well. As they manage school, social engagements and extra-curricular activities, ticking things off their to-do lists. This weekend, check in with your kids and take some time to slow down and notice the details in the world around. Be still. Watch nature come and go. Notice the colours of flowers. A beetle on a leaf. Ants marching with food. The wind changing direction. Bring their attention to the here and now, and their awareness to themselves- how they feel and what they need.

08.01.2022 Happy Friday everyone

07.01.2022 BEE MINI PLAYDOUGH KIT More playdough kits arrived today and my favourite is this little bee mini kit Playdough kits are amazing for:... Fine motor skills Visual-motor skills Nature- based Eco-friendly Sensory input Exploratory play Mindfulness Great gift idea Find it here https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/TheWholeChildStore

07.01.2022 FROM THE CHILDS PERSPECTIVE A childs perspective of each moment in time shapes their being for the rest of their life- their body, mind and spirit. Each childs unique perspective of the world is influenced by the interactions they have with caregivers and others, the sensations they experience, the emotions they feel- all of which contribute to their perception of safety and security in themselves and within their world.... May we take a moment to reflect on how each child uniquely see the world: Do they feel safe? What is meaningful to them? What motivates them? What sparks curiosity and joy? and allow this to inform our understanding of what our children need and guide how we interact with them.

06.01.2022 JUST WAIT Weve just finished a huge week of intensives following a huge weekend of training and there have been many learning moments and take home messages. But one thing that kids teach me over and over again is that they are incredibly resilient and capable of absolutely anything if we provide them with two things. ... One- an unshakable belief in their ability and, two, Time. Time to focus. Time to process. Time to respond. Time to plan and organise. Time to problem solve. Time to have a moment to reset. Time to have a try. Time to not get it right. Time to reflect. I know many of us are busy and I am guilty of prioritising efficiency to get out the door on time but whatever time you do have share it with your kids so they can show you how able, strong, confident and independent they can be.

05.01.2022 We learn to move, play and connect through exploration of the world around us; through our senses, with curiosity and alongside our caregivers. Find some time today to explore the possibilities of the world around- could driftwood make a shelter? A raft? A flagpole?- all the while developing vital developmental skills- ideation, problem solving, motor skills, social skills and the ability to reflect. Happy Sunday! What will you and your little tribes create today?

05.01.2022 SPRING SENSORY WALK Gather the kids and welcome the change of seasons with a sensory walk. Whether you walk in your garden, down the street or off the beaten track, take notice of new life, growth, the change in the smell of the air, the sun a little warmer on your skin. ... As your child wanders and gathers, encourage then to notice how leaves feel on their skin, how the breeze feels on their face. Guide your child to tune in to what they can hear- birds? The ocean? Leaves? As they climb trees, step on rocks or balance on a log, allow them time to reflect on their movements and plan the next. As we interact with each sensation, we begin to develop an perception of who we are, our environment and who we are in relation to our environment, providing awareness of ourselves in the present moment, supporting a calm, grounded state. Where is your favourite place to wander?

04.01.2022 VERTICAL SURFACES FOR FINE MOTOR SKILLS Encouraging children to play, create and write on vertical surfaces provides opportunities to: Stabilise using the inner core... Strengthen the shoulders and upper limbs Provides proprioception to the upper limb, supporting body awareness Places the wrist and fingers in an optimal position for function Is a fun and motivating way to support the development of the foundations for fine motor skills.

03.01.2022 Happy weekend to all of us that are dog tired Huge shout out to the incredible Leslie Paparsenos, Physiotherapist, for leading the way this week, my amazing colleague Vicky Lord for joining me and to the kids and families for trusting me on this journey. Now for Saturday sports

03.01.2022 PILLOW SANDWICHES Proprioception is one of our internal senses. Its job is to perceive information from our joints and muscles to provide us with an awareness of our bodies, a perception of ourselves and to guide and grade movement to support the development of motor skills. Proprioceptive input is vital for physical development however also plays a role in calming the nervous system and supporting emotion regulation. ... One of my favourite ways to get a good dose of proprioception in is by making pillow sandwiches with the kids in the middle. Squish down the sandwich and see if they can wriggle our before the sandwich gets eaten. The feeling of being squished isnt for everyone so listen and watch for the childs response (it should be joyful) and ensure their face is not covered

02.01.2022 CONNECTION WITH NATURE As we explore nature, she provides us with rich sensory experiences that give us a perception of who we are. When we code these sensations with feelings we give meaning to our experiences which, in turn, forges connections- with ourselves, each other and the world around. ... May your Sunday be a day for exploring and connecting.

02.01.2022 GATHERING AND CREATING Gathering loose parts, whether it’s sticks, leaves and gumnuts from nature or bits and pieces from around the house, and creating with them, is a crucial piece of play development and social skills development. As children gather and explore each item they begin to understand the possibilities for play, building a library of all the things they can do with these items- IDEAS!... They then begin to PLAN these ideas- sequencing, organising and problem solving. They are then able to reflect and EVALUATE- was it a success? If not, what went wrong? And then back to the library of items and ideas they go.