Aimee Ketchum
Pediatric Occupational TherapistDr. Aimee Ketchum is an Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Assistant Professor of early child development at Cedar Crest College Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program. She continues practicing her skills as a pediatric occupational therapist in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at UPMC Hospital, Lititz. Dr. Aimee Ketchum has worked as an occupational therapist specializing in pediatrics for the past 24 years, working in rehab, acute care, school systems, early intervention, brain injury, amputee, home health, skilled nursing facilities, and neonatal intensive care units. She is genuinely passionate about spreading awareness about early childhood development.
Articles
Why Do Toddlers Have Tantrums?
Have a "threenager" at home or a tot going through the "terrible twos?" Learn why tantrums happen and some strategies you can use to tame them!
When Do Babies Wave, Clap, and Point?
There are many milestones that babies reach as they grow. Are you wondering when your baby will wave, clap, and point? Take a look.
When Do Babies Start Grabbing Things?
When do babies start grabbing things? Here is a breakdown of this very important skill and what you need to know.
Diversity in the Playroom: Our Favorite Diverse Toys
Diversity in the playroom is important to raising culturally compassionate kids. Here are our favorite diverse toys.
Best Books for Teaching Children About Diversity
Children begin to notice skin color & form biases as early as infancy. These books can help teach them about diversity while they're young.
6 Things a NICU Mom Wants You to Know
Having a baby in the NICU can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. Here are six things a NICU mom wants you to know.
4 Skills Children Learn from a Quality Preschool
Choosing a good preschool for your child can feel like a daunting task. Here are four things a child should learn from a quality preschool.
How to Teach Young Children to Celebrate Cultural Diversity
It is more important than ever that we teach our children to celebrate our country's rich cultural diversity. Here are some ways to begin.
10 Easy Ways to Teach Your Child Through Play
One of the easiest and most effective ways to educate our kids is to teach through play. Here are 10 easy ways to teach your child!
How to Transition to Motherhood in Uncertain Times
The transition to motherhood can be very hard even in the best of times. Here's how to make the transition in times of stress or uncertainty.
Potty Training the Montessori Way
There are many ways to potty train your child. Potty training the Montessori way is one method many parents prefer. Here's how to do it.
Is Your Baby Gifted? Here’s What to Look For
Most parents believe their child is gifted at some point. But is your baby gifted in a way that needs extra attention? Find out here.
How to Encourage the Bond Between Dad and Baby During Pregnancy
The bond between dad and baby is an important one. But how soon can it start? Here are some ways to encourage the bond as early as pregnancy.
The More You Hug Your Kids, The More Their Brains Develop
Hugging your kids isn't a hard task, but did you know that the more you hug them, the more their brains develop? Here's how and why.
What Really Matters When Playing with Your Child?
As a mom, you may wonder if you are spending enough time playing with your child. Fortunately, you're doing better than you think.
Is Being a Working Mom Bad for Child Development?
Is being a working mom bad for child development? It is a question many women ask once they have children. Here's why the answer is "NO!"
How to Teach Your Child Creativity
How do you teach your child creativity? Seems impossible, but these 7 suggestions will help to foster this important skill.
What is Executive Function and Why Should Parents be Paying Attention to It?
Executive function is a set of developmental goals all parents should be on the lookout for. Here is what you should know.
How to Help Your Children Avoid Math Anxiety
Our children will grow up needing math skills for the future work force. Help them avoid math anxiety with these simple steps.
Family Conversation Starters for Mealtimes
Connect with young children during mealtimes with these family conversation starters; it's critical for social & emotional development!
Tips for Parenting in the Digital Age
Parenting in the digital age is hard; technology and screens surround our kids. These tips will help millennial parents make sound choices.
Screen Time for Kids: When to Say No
These suggested screen time limitations for kids will help parents meet the WHO and AAP guidelines for limiting screens for kids under 5.
Understanding Structured Play vs Unstructured Play
Understanding structured play vs unstructured play helps parents to provide the learning environments their children need through play.
Physical and Emotional Readiness Signs for Potty Training
Understand your child's physical and emotional readiness signs for potty training to help you both feel more confident in this transition!
When do Babies Start Talking?
When do babies start talking? The foundation for your baby's speech starts earlier than you think! We're sharing things you can do to help.
What You Need To Know About Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome)
Learn all about plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome, including the factors that can increase it, treatment options, and how to prevent it.
How to Know When it Might be Autism
A pediatric occupational therapist talks Autism. If you're questioning if your child might be on the spectrum, here's what to look for.
New Year’s Resolutions for the New Parent
For the new year, consider taking care of yourself. Here are a few fun ways to fulfill this important resolution.
Why Does My Toddler Do That?
Have a little one going through the terrible twos? Wondering why your toddler does this that or the other? We've got answers!
Is Using Marijuana During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Safe?
Learn why moms might use marijuana during pregnancy, the effects it can have on babies, and whether marijuana is safe during breastfeeding.