By Siyona Varghese Every parent notices small differences in how children grow. Some babies walk early, others talk later, and many follow their own unique developmental path. With so much information available online, it can be difficult to know when differences are part of normal development and when they might signal a need for support. […]
By Siyona Varghese Play is often misunderstood as something children do when they are not learning. In reality, play is how young children learn best. Long before formal education begins, play lays the foundation for thinking, emotional regulation, language, and social skills. What appears to be simple fun is actually complex brain work in action, […]
By Siyona Varghese Language development in early childhood is one of the most fascinating and often misunderstood areas of growth. Parents frequently search for answers to questions like “When should my child start talking?” or “Is my toddler’s speech delay normal?” Understanding how language develops from birth to age four can help caregivers set realistic […]
By Siyona Varghese If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “Is my child normal?” at 2 a.m., you’re not alone. Parents are constantly surrounded by milestone charts, comparison reels, and well-meaning advice that can quietly turn concern into anxiety. But here’s the truth most charts don’t emphasize enough: “normal” development is not a straight line but […]
By Siyona Varghese Independence is often seen as a milestone children should reach by a certain age. In reality, independence develops gradually and looks different for every child. True independence is not about doing everything alone, but about feeling capable, confident, and supported while learning new skills. Encouraging independence at a child’s own pace builds […]
By Siyona Varghese Executive functions are the mental skills that help children plan, focus attention, manage emotions, and carry out tasks. These skills act like the brain’s management system, coordinating thoughts, actions, and responses. For neurodiverse children, executive function development often looks different, not delayed or broken, but wired in unique ways that require understanding […]
By Siyona Varghese Flexible thinking is an essential life skill that allows children to adapt, problem solve, and cope with unexpected situations. However, flexibility does not develop through pressure or sudden change. For many children, especially young or neurodiverse children, forced change can increase anxiety and resistance rather than resilience. Supporting flexible thinking requires patience, […]
By Siyona Varghese Neurodiverse children including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other learning differences are often viewed through a lens of challenges and deficits. Much of the conversation around neurodiversity focuses on what children struggle with: attention, behavior, communication, or academic performance. However, this narrow focus can cause us to miss something important. […]
By Siyona Varghese Every child learns in a unique way. Some children absorb information through words, others through movement, visuals, patterns, or repetition. Neurodiversity is the concept that these differences in how the brain functions are natural variations of human development, not deficits. Understanding neurodiversity helps parents and educators support children in ways that honor […]
By Siyona Varghese Age seven is often called a “leap year” in childhood development. Children begin showing sharper thinking skills, longer attention spans, and a growing ability to understand more complex ideas. These sudden improvements often called cognitive jumps are exciting, but they also need the right kind of support from parents and teachers. Here’s […]
