Toilet and Potty Training: What Parents Need to Know

Dive into the glamorous world of pee and poo with us as Tabitha Poole educates us on the importance of continence and gives us tips on how to help potty train your little one!

👉 Don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

0:00 Intro

1:45 What got you interested in potty training?

3:00 What does a typical day look like?

5:17 What is the most common situation parents need help with?

6:55 Can constipation be caused by anxiety?

8:29 Do you help children with additional needs?

9:29 Common misconceptions with children's incontinence development

11:28 What are the signs that a child is ready to start potty training?

13:35 Irrelevant factors for potty training readiness

15:25 Toilet attachments and how to ease children in

17:50 How to associate toilets with bathroom time

19:45 Are potty schedules a good idea or should it be up to how the child is feeling?

23:20 How can parents support their child if they are anxious about going potty?

27:20 Managing public and private bathroom fears and anxiety

30:40 What tools are recommended when starting the potty training journey?

35:05 Is it a good idea to encourage rewards for potty usage?

37:05 Should you make toys exclusive for the potty or allow toys brought into the bathroom?

38:57 How can healthcare professionals collaborate better to help children with continence challenges?

40:52 How to get in contact with Tabitha Poole

41:40 Outro

About Tabitha Poole:

Tabby is an Occupational Therapist (OT) with more than 13 years of experience working in pediatrics. She offers advice and support on all things continence via home visits and video consultations to clients worldwide through her business, Toilet time with Tabby. Believing that there's always more to learn about continence management, Tabby is enthusiastic about continuing her own education to ensure her practices are in line with the best and most up-to-date evidence in the field.

Contact Tabitha Poole:

https://www.tabithapoole.com/https://www.instagram.com/toilettimewithtabby/

About Annamarie von Firley:

After 20 years of owning and running her own fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie von Firley returned to her toy design roots. With a BA in Wooden Toy Design and Construction and a BFA in Furniture Design, she took her knowledge of child development and expertise in play to found Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016. In the Summer of 2020, it became apparent to her that pandemic lockdowns were going to have a profound effect on the development of babies born after 2018.

About Fledglings' Flight:

At Fledglings Flight, we understand that every child is unique and deserves the best opportunities for growth and learning. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of play-based exercises specifically designed for children from birth to 3 years of age. These exercises are carefully curated to stimulate their cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development.With our user-friendly app, parents and caregivers have access to a library of engaging exercises that change monthly. You can customize your daily routine by selecting exercises that align with your child's developmental needs. As a Basic Member, you can track your child's milestones and receive insights into their progress. For even more personalized guidance, our Premium Members gain access to a developmental profile.

Follow us:

Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/

App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fledglingsflight/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Fledglings.Flight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FledglingsFlight/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fledglings-flight/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fledglingsflight/

Music: Purple Planet Music

Gross Motor Delays: What Parents Need to Know

Gross motor delays can affect children from birth through early childhood, impacting milestones like crawling, standing, and walking. In this episode, pediatric physiotherapist Kasha Pyka breaks down the signs of gross motor delay and shares practical strategies parents can use to support their child’s development over time.

👉 Don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

0:00 Intro

1:28 What are Gross Motor Skills?

3:03 What is the first milestone associated with Gross Motor Skills?

4:45 Is there an order to Gross Motor Skill development?

6:40 Controversy over Crawling Milestone

10:18 Should parents compare their child's Gross Motor Development to others their age?

14:42 Is it okay for an infant to have a preference in motor development?

17:06 What does Gross Motor Delay mean and when is a delay determined?

22:10 What's the earliest that parents can come with their children for physiotherapy?

24:36 What are some of these most common Gross Motor Delays seen (in Kasha's personal experience)?

25:35 What does physiotherapy look like for an infant?

30:38 When would it be recommended for a parent to see a pediatric physiotherapist?

34:42 How regularly should parents bring in their children for physiotherapy?

35:37 How can people get in touch with Kasha Pyka?

37:05 Outro

About Kasha Pyka:

Kasha Pyka is a bubbly and energetic Physiotherapist who grew up in the heart of Toronto (literally, she was raised a 10-minute walk from the CN Tower)! She always knew she wanted to work in pediatrics, and this all started in her 10-year role as a Camp Counsellor/Director. Within this position, Kasha worked with a vast group of young athletes and dancers creating educational and recreational activities for them. In addition to this, she also had the opportunity to help integrate children and youth with disabilities into camp activities through the Reach for the Rainbow Program.

Because of her passion and drive to work with children, Kasha curated her school-experiences at Queen’s University to revolve around pediatrics. Through her clinical internships, she was exposed to numerous clinics (including seating and neonatal follow-up clinics); as well gained valuable practical knowledge and skills treating children with: torticollis, plagiocephaly, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, and down syndrome.

Contact:

https://www.instagram.com/motormilestonephysio/

About Annamarie von Firley:

After 20 years of owning and running her own fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie von Firley returned to her toy design roots. With a BA in Wooden Toy Design and Construction and a BFA in Furniture Design, she took her knowledge of child development and expertise in play to found Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016. In the Summer of 2020, it became apparent to her that pandemic lockdowns were going to have a profound effect on the development of babies born after 2018. Annamarie assemble a team who can design, develop, organize, manage, along with experts in the fields of pediatric occupational therapy, speech therapy, and child neurology in order to help parents of young children to guide their development.

About Fledglings' Flight:

At Fledglings Flight, we understand that every child is unique and deserves the best opportunities for growth and learning. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of play-based exercises specifically designed for children from birth to 3 years of age. These exercises are carefully curated to stimulate their cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development.

Follow us:

Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/

App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com

Instagram:   / fledglingsflight  

TikTok:   / fledglings.flight  

Facebook:   / fledglingsflight  

LinkedIn:   / fledglings-flight  

Pinterest:   / fledglingsflight 

Music: Purple Planet Music

Building Secure Attachments in Early Childhood

In this insightful episode of A Parent’s Guide to Child Development, we sit down with clinical psychologist and parenting expert Dr. Sarah Mundy to explore the science of secure attachment—and how your everyday interactions shape your child’s emotional foundation for life.

Secure attachments are the foundation for healthy emotional development. Children need strong, trusting bonds to feel safe, regulate their emotions, and build healthy relationships.

Whether you're navigating tantrums, power struggles, or simply want to better understand your child’s emotional world, this episode is packed with research-based strategies and heart-centered insights that will strengthen your bond and help you raise a securely attached child.

👉 Follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

0:00 Intro

2:23 What does attachment mean and what are attachment relationships?

3:38 What are the different types of attachment relationships?

6:14 Other types of attachment relationships

11:58 Why do children have a hard time calming themselves down when feeling big emotions?

15:51 What does separation anxiety mean and what does it look like?

19:08 Emotional regulation and its relationship with shame and guilt

25:15 Why is rupture and repair important in creating secure attachments?

26:45 What is the PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) model?

29:10 Internal Working Models and what they are in TWO MINUTES

30:59 Dr. Sarah Mundy contact info and published works

33:45 Outro

Dr. Sarah Mundy received her first degree in Psychology and Zoology, as well as a Masters in Forensic Psychology. She achieved her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University College London in 2004.Sarah has worked primarily with parents and children, specializing in providing support to those who have experienced early adversity.

Her therapeutic work is based upon Dyadic Developmental Psychology, the underpinnings of which is the PACE approach. Her book, Parenting Through Stories, helps families to put this theory in to practice, with PACE embedded throughout the Parenting Handbook and Bartley’s Books.

Contact Dr. Sarah Mundy:   / parenting_through_stories  

About Annamarie von Firley:

After 20 years of owning and running her own fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie von Firley returned to her toy design roots. With a BA in Wooden Toy Design and Construction and a BFA in Furniture Design, she took her knowledge of child development and expertise in play to found Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016. In the Summer of 2020, it became apparent to her that pandemic lockdowns were going to have a profound effect on the development of babies born after 2018.

About Fledglings' Flight:

At Fledglings Flight, we understand that every child is unique and deserves the best opportunities for growth and learning. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of play-based exercises specifically designed for children from birth to 3 years of age. These exercises are carefully curated to stimulate their cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development.

With our user-friendly app, parents and caregivers have access to a library of engaging exercises that change monthly. You can customize your daily routine by selecting exercises that align with your child's developmental needs. As a Basic Member, you can track your child's milestones and receive insights into their progress. For even more personalized guidance, our Premium Members gain access to a developmental profile.

Follow us:

Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/

App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com

Instagram:   / fledglingsflight  

TikTok:   / fledglings.flight  

Facebook:   / fledglingsflight  

LinkedIn:   / fledglings-flight  

Pinterest:   / fledglingsflight  

Music: Purple Planet Music

What Is DMI Therapy—and Why It Matters
Understanding DMI (Dynamic Movement Intervention) therapy can make a big difference in supporting a child’s development. In this episode, Kacee Stevens, a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy, walks us through what DMI therapy is, how it works, and why it’s an important tool for helping children reach their milestones.

👉 Follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Timestamps:

0:00: Intro

1:29 What is DMI therapy?

2:01 What is a postural response?

2:30 What are typical movement patterns and what do they look like?

2:48 Milestones delays

3:21 Who is DMI therapy for, who does it?

3:56 How is DMI therapy different than typical therapy?

4:57 What types of exercises are included in DMI therapy?

6:15 Does DMI focus on a particular developmental category?

7:20 Defining gross-motor skills

8:50 Can DMI therapy techniques be used in conjunction with other therapy techniques?

12:37 How do you determine if DMI therapy is right for a child?

15:21 Frequency of exercises and can some exercises be done at home?

16:53 How do you determine of DMI therapy is right for a child?

19:42 Advice for parents interested in DMI therapy for their children

23:03 Outro

Kacee Stevens, PT, DPT is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy. She graduated from Brenau University in 2019 with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Since starting her career, pediatrics has been her primary practice, but she also has some experience in geriatrics. Kacee has experience treating genetic syndromes, ASD, Down Syndrome, Torticollis, surgical repairs, Cerebral Palsy, developmental delay, and much more. Kacee is also certified in the Thera Suit Method for Intensive Physical Therapy and DMI Introductory Level A and B certified. In her free time, Kacee spends majority of her time doing out door activities with her two kids, husband, and four dogs.

Contact:

https://www.instagram.com/kacee_stevens_dpt/

About Annamarie von Firley:

After 20 years of owning and running her own fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie von Firley returned to her toy design roots. With a BA in Wooden Toy Design and Construction and a BFA in Furniture Design, she took her knowledge of child development and expertise in play to found Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016. In the Summer of 2020, it became apparent to her that pandemic lockdowns were going to have a profound effect on the development of babies born after 2018.

About Fledglings' Flight:

At Fledglings Flight, we understand that every child is unique and deserves the best opportunities for growth and learning. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of play-based exercises specifically designed for children from birth to 3 years of age. These exercises are carefully curated to stimulate their cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development.

With our user-friendly app, parents and caregivers have access to a library of engaging exercises that change monthly. You can customize your daily routine by selecting exercises that align with your child's developmental needs. As a Basic Member, you can track your child's milestones and receive insights into their progress. For even more personalized guidance, our Premium Members gain access to a developmental profile.

Follow us:

Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/

App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fledglingsflight/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Fledglings.Flight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FledglingsFlight/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fledglings-flight/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fledglingsflight/

Music: Purple Planet Music

Feeding Preemies: Tips from a Neonatal Feeding Expert

Feeding a preemie or preterm baby can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. In this episode, Ashley Karlin—an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L), and specialist in neonatal feeding and touch—shares expert tips and insights to help you support your baby’s feeding journey with confidence.

👉 Follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

2:24 When is a baby considered preterm?

2:33 How is premature categorized?

4:54 How can parents expect their baby to be when born prematurely?

7:42 How is feeding a preterm infant different than feeding a full term infant?

9:15 Things for parents to do to improve feeding while baby is in NICU

11:07 Can a preterm infant breastfeed?

12:17 What challenges can a preterm baby have with breastfeeding?

15:07 What challenges can a new mom have with breastfeeding a preterm baby?

16:59 Is it safe to feed a preterm baby with formula and breast milk?

18:48 Is it okay to alternate feeding a preterm baby between breast and bottle?

20:17 Tips for new moms for getting babies to latch properly

22:10 Recommendations for moms who's milk has not come in yet wanting to breast feed a preterm

24:55 How to manage day-to-day living with pumping and breastfeeding a preterm baby while still recovering from the birth

29:36 Tips for families with multiple kids born at once

32:50 Explaining the primitive reflexes of the rooting reflex, sucking reflex, and babkin reflex

37:07 What happens when the primitive reflexes are not retained?

38:20 Are premature babies more likely to have retained reflexes?

40:38 How can a parent tell if a baby has a retained reflex and when should they seek help and/or intervention?

40:21 Final tips for families with preterm babies

42:56 How to get in touch with Ashley Karlin

43:44 Outro

Ashley Karlin is both an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and a licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) with advanced practice in feeding, eating, and swallowing (SWC) and certification in Neonatal touch and massage (NTMC).Ashley has supported pediatric patients and their families in the hospital setting, high risk infant follow up clinics, in medical model outpatient clinics and in her own private practice. While she has experience helping healthy newborns and their parents navigate the challenges of breast and bottle feeding, she also has experience helping premature infants and other children with complex medical diagnoses to breastfeed, bottle feed, and transition to solids.

Contact Ashley Karlin:https://www.familytreeot.com/https://www.instagram.com/familytreeotandlactation/

About Annamarie von Firley:

After 20 years of owning and running her own fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie von Firley returned to her toy design roots. With a BA in Wooden Toy Design and Construction and a BFA in Furniture Design, she took her knowledge of child development and expertise in play to found Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016. In the Summer of 2020, it became apparent to her that pandemic lockdowns were going to have a profound effect on the development of babies born after 2018.

About Fledglings' Flight:

At Fledglings Flight, we understand that every child is unique and deserves the best opportunities for growth and learning. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of play-based exercises specifically designed for children from birth to 3 years of age. These exercises are carefully curated to stimulate their cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development.

Follow us:

Fledglings’ Flight: ⁠https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/⁠

App: ⁠https://app.FledglingsFlight.com⁠

Instagram: ⁠  / fledglingsflight  ⁠

TikTok: ⁠  / fledglings.flight  ⁠

Facebook: ⁠  / fledglingsflight  ⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠  / fledglings-flight  ⁠

Pinterest: ⁠  / fledglingsflight ⁠

Music: Purple Planet Music

Understanding Infant Feeding Issues: What to Watch For
Infant feeding plays a vital role in early development, and challenges can arise for many different reasons. In this episode, Melissa Murphy and Chandler Edge share their expertise on common feeding issues, how to recognize the signs, and practical ways parents can support their child through them.

👉 Follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

About Melissa Murphy:

Melissa Murphy, OTR/L CO-OWNER, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST. After receiving her Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and Kinesiology from Georgia Southern University, Melissa pursued her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine. Melissa has significant experience with medically complex diagnoses and her skilled areas of interest include treating neurological disorders/conditions, infant positioning and handling, and visual impairments.She is passionate about educating caregivers on prevention of torticollis & positional plagiocephaly, as well as treating these conditions within the clinic in order to promote independence in developmental milestones. Melissa also provides therapy intensives and performs infant assessments for Mommy and Me services at Beyond Measure.

About Chandler Edge:

Chandler Edge, COTA/L, CBSCO-OWNER, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT, CERTIFIED BREASTFEEDING SPECIALIST. After pursuing an education in Early Childhood/Special Education at Mercer University, Chandler received her Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant degree from Middle Georgia State University. Chandler has spent the majority of her professional career specializing in pediatrics, where her passion and knowledge surrounding the pediatric population continues to grow. Chandler has significant experience with IDEA’s thirteen categories of disabilities, primitive reflex integration, positioning and handling, sensory processing, and both sensory and infant related feeding disorders. In order to continue offering specialized care, Chandler has gone on to receive her Certified Breast feeding Specialist certification and is a founder of the "Mommy & Me" program offered through Beyond Measure, a clinical approach to infant feeding and development.

About Annamarie von Firley:

After 20 years of owning and running her own fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie von Firley returned to her toy design roots. With a BA in Wooden Toy Design and Construction and a BFA in Furniture Design, she took her knowledge of child development and expertise in play to found Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016. In the Summer of 2020, it became apparent to her that pandemic lockdowns were going to have a profound effect on the development of babies born after 2018. Annamarie assemble a team who can design, develop, organize, manage, along with experts in the fields of pediatric occupational therapy, speech therapy, and child neurology in order to help parents of young children to guide their development.

About Fledglings' Flight:

At Fledglings Flight, we understand that every child is unique and deserves the best opportunities for growth and learning. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of play-based exercises specifically designed for children from birth to 3 years of age. These exercises are carefully curated to stimulate their cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development.

Follow us:

Fledglings’ Flight: ⁠https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/⁠

App: ⁠https://app.FledglingsFlight.com⁠

Instagram: ⁠  / fledglingsflight  ⁠

TikTok: ⁠  / fledglings.flight  ⁠

Facebook: ⁠  / fledglingsflight  ⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠  / fledglings-flight  ⁠

Pinterest: ⁠  / fledglingsflight ⁠

Music: Purple Planet Music