Baby and Toddler Issues

Tips for Toddlers: Tackling Transitions to Minimize Tantrums

2025-03-03T21:32:43+00:00

If you’re parenting a toddler, you know firsthand that transitions can be some of the hardest parts of your day and often lead to tantrums. Take a look below to see what techniques our early childhood mental health specialists recommend trying at home!    Here are five favorite preventative, aka “let’s try to get ahead [...]

Tips for Toddlers: Tackling Transitions to Minimize Tantrums2025-03-03T21:32:43+00:00

Developmental Screeners for Infants and Toddlers!

2024-08-06T19:32:58+00:00

We know a child’s development in the first three years of life sets the trajectory for their future. Come in for a FREE screening appointment with your infant or toddler. We will identify whether your child is reaching age-appropriate milestones and screen for early identifiable social-emotional and behavioral concerns.  Registration is open immediately!  Who? Children [...]

Developmental Screeners for Infants and Toddlers!2024-08-06T19:32:58+00:00

New Social Skills Group Training With San Diego Behavior Solutions!

2022-08-26T04:21:49+00:00

We are very excited to announce that we are offering TWO NEW ROUNDS of social skills group training between now and the end of the calendar year!  We are thrilled to be able to bring back this group for your little ones since our last sessions over Summer!  The first group will be for 6-8 [...]

New Social Skills Group Training With San Diego Behavior Solutions!2022-08-26T04:21:49+00:00

Does your child look lost on the playground? Does he or she have difficulty playing with other children? How occupational therapy can help.

2013-07-11T10:35:39+00:00

(Many thanks to my colleague Andrea De Marino, MHS, OTR/L for this article. For more about Andrea or occupational therapy visit her website at www.sensorysolutionsinc.com      - Dr. Deb) Some children have a difficult time interpreting sensory information from their environments, whether it be from the sense of touch (tactile input), movement (vestibular input), [...]

Does your child look lost on the playground? Does he or she have difficulty playing with other children? How occupational therapy can help.2013-07-11T10:35:39+00:00

Dr. Pontillo Featured on ParentSavers National Podcast: Potty Training: Naptime and Nighttime: Tips for Parents!

2013-07-18T13:06:33+00:00

Last month I had the great pleasure of being invited to be a featured expert on Parent Savers national podcast on nighttime potty training (Scroll down to the bottom of the post if you'd like to listen!) . Along with two parents of young children and the host, we discussed what to expect, various tips/strategies, [...]

Dr. Pontillo Featured on ParentSavers National Podcast: Potty Training: Naptime and Nighttime: Tips for Parents!2013-07-18T13:06:33+00:00

Tips for the Holidays for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their Families

2014-12-14T12:20:40+00:00

 I know from talking to a lot of parents in my practice that the holidays can be exceptionally stressful for a child on the spectrum. And so here are my tips on how to successfully navigate the holidays with your special needs child!! (PLEASE NOTE - I have included some exceptional suggestions I have received from parents on what's [...]

Tips for the Holidays for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their Families2014-12-14T12:20:40+00:00

Helpful Tips to Reduce Sibling Rivalry!

2013-05-08T12:41:10+00:00

("Many thanks to my extremely knowledgeable and wonderful friend and colleague Nancy Cohen, M.A. for writing this very helpful and informative article. BTW, personally I LOVE #5 - so brilliant! You can find out more about Nancy Cohen, Child Development and Behavior Specialist at her website www.nancygcohen.com." - Dr. Deb) Let’s face it – siblings [...]

Helpful Tips to Reduce Sibling Rivalry!2013-05-08T12:41:10+00:00

5 Quick Tips to Ease Preschool Separation Anxiety..and More!!

2012-10-02T06:34:51+00:00

5 (PLUS!) Quick Tips to Ease Preschool Separation Anxiety  Dear Dr. Deb, My 3 1/2-year-old just started preschool, and she is having a very tough time separating from me. She whines and complains on the ride in to school that she doesn't want to go, and then clings to my leg and cries at drop-off. [...]

5 Quick Tips to Ease Preschool Separation Anxiety..and More!!2012-10-02T06:34:51+00:00

Dr. Pontillo addresses an ‘icky situation’ – Pooping on the Floor!

2012-10-09T12:26:11+00:00

Dr. Deb addresses an ‘icky situation’ – Pooping on the Floor! Dear Dr. Deb, What do you do when your 4-year-old tries to exert control over you?  Today while taking a bath my 4-year-old daughter decided she wanted to poop and pee on the floor of the bathroom.  She began a yelling screaming fit when [...]

Dr. Pontillo addresses an ‘icky situation’ – Pooping on the Floor!2012-10-09T12:26:11+00:00
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