The pandemic held us all at home where we began to see behavior in our children that may we feel lost to address. Whether you and your family are working through early childhood tantrums, ignoring instructions, or other problem behaviors, it can be difficult to know what to do next. You do not have to …
Imua launches digital texting program, continuing its support of parents and families during the pandemic. Text “IMUA” to 70138 to participate. People are talking a lot about children these days. There’s been talk about our keiki missing out on school, the many ways in which they can fall behind, and the challenges of remote and …
1. What is your favorite toy you use in therapy? I really like long strings of beads. To avoid choking hazards, I recommend beads that are molded to the string (pictured above.) There are beads light enough for babies to hold , fun enough that older children can play dress up and malleable enough to make …
Favorite Toy to use in Therapy? Books! Literacy – even under 3yr olds can be exposed to books. Remember to make it fun & repetitive. A personal favorite book is Yummy Yucky. Check back for a youtube reading soon! Words of Wisdom? Imitation – copy your child’s speech & babble (per-conversation skill.) When asking questions, …
Why it’s good to read with your baby, toddler, and preschooler… A stronger relationship with you! Reading together can be a nurturing activity for parent and their active toddler. Basic Speech skills. Hearing you read a book such as One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish or Brown Bear reinforces the sounds that …
“Mandatory kindergarten expedited” In today’s Honolulu Star Advertiser, it reported that Legislators are seeking approval of a bill to inform families about the new Kindergarten age requirement. We sat down with Imua Family Services’ Infant and Child Development Program Director, Dr. Bobbie-Jo Moniz-Tadeo to chat the new kindergarten law and her thoughts on early childhood …
Favorite toy to use in therapy? MUSIC!!!!-Children birth to 3 are developing skills. They are learning to communicate, developing motor skills, and establishing social behaviors. Music can help foster all these skills. Through singing, children are working on vocabulary, articulation, prosody, oral motor and memory skills. Through beating on a drum or shaking a rattle, …
A UH Manoa graduate, Joni Watanabe began as an intern at Imua Family Services during Graduate school at Pacific University in Oregon. In 2009 she came on board as a an Occupational Therapist where she continues to work alongside her former mentor. Toys in tow, Joni seems to always have lots of treats in her …
Alaska native, Sarah McCloud celebrates her first year at Imua in less than a week! A Doctor of Physical Therapy, her 7 year academic career would eventually land her on Maui. We sat down with the quite but informatively lethal DPT to chat about her favorite therapy tools and words of wisdom. Favorite Toy to …
Lillian Pimentel, AS, SLPA aka “Aunty Lilly” We sat down with 8 year Imua Veteran and Speech Language Pathology Assistant, Aunty Lilly recently to chat “Wisdom Wednesday.” Aunty Lilly explained the importance of quality time and the fine line between too much screen time and her recommended 30 minute time limit (ipod, ipad, tablet etc.) …