Hello Proactive Caregiver, 

Here is a summary of what will be covered in this blog:

• Why Do I Have to Do It

• Optimal Movement Feels Good

• Sept 2 - 6, 2024 - Do ML With Me! NEW SCHEDULE and Links

• New YouTube Videos

  • Can't Roll Over and Heavy Head (Example)
  • Early Check Tips
  • 3 Reasons Why Your Baby Isn't Milestoning

• Blog Post 

  • Mom Approve - 6 Essential Baby Exercises

• Last Week's ML Support Topics

• Upcoming Webinars

• Upcoming Travel Intensives and In-Person Clinic Training with Michelle - Limited Time

   

Why Do I Have to Do It?

I called my sister last week, and we talked about how challenging it is to work with our children's different personalities and even our husbands.

We equally expressed the frustration of asking our kids to clean something, and it just doesn't get clean.

I told my sister that my kids keep asking "why" they need to be clean, and I am obviously not giving them a good enough answer because it's...

Hello Proactive Parent, Grandparent, or Therapist,  

Here is a summary of what will be covered in this blog:

• Tummy Time Exercises and the Coming to Sitting Milestone

• It's Not About Going Backwards in Development; It's About Giving Your Child the Movement Foundations Needed for Optimal Development

• Aug 26 - Aug 30, 2024 - DO ML WITH ME Schedule and Links

• New YouTube Videos

  • Jumping
  • How to Help Your Baby Reach Milestones
  • 3 Signs of Vision Concerns

• Blog Post 

  • High vs. Low Muscle Tone Baby - How Muscle Tone is Developed at Birth

• Last Week's ML Support Topics

• Upcoming Webinars

• Upcoming Travel Intensives and In-Person Clinic Training with Michelle - Limited Time

   

Tummy Time Exercises and the Coming to Sitting Baby Milestones

I have spent the last week or two doing Michelle's Tummy Time exercises from the Tummy Time course on my 18-month-old. In that time, I made it through 13 exercises, spending 15 to 20 minutes on each...

Hello Proactive Parent, Grandparent, or Therapist,  

• How to Get out of the Frustration Cycle

• Why Optimal Development is Time-dictated

• Aug 19 - Aug 23, 2024 - DO ML WITH ME Schedule and Links

• New YouTube Videos

• Blog Post - Pelvis Function and Movement

• Last Week's ML Support Topics

• Upcoming Webinars

• Upcoming Travel Intensives and In-Person Clinic Training with Michelle - Limited Time

   

How to Get Out of the Frustration Cycle

For years, my most present emotion was frustration (and it still kind of is). I have found myself in a constant cycle of progress and frustration. 

I did not understand the cycle. Things would be good, but inevitably, frustration would come. I could never pinpoint what caused it, which made me even more frustrated. 

In these moments, I found it hard not to fall into a cycle of depression and anxiety. 

I have a lot going on in my life. I have seven children (three of whom...

Hello Proactive Parent, Grandparent, or Therapist,  

• Home Improvements and Gentle Touch

• Gentle Touch, Breath, and Optimal Development

• Aug 5 - Aug 9 DO ML WITH ME Schedule and Links

• New YouTube Videos

• Blog Post Review

• Last Week's ML Support Topics

• Upcoming Webinars

• Upcoming Travel Intensives and In-Person Clinic Training with Michelle - Limited Time

   

Home Improvements and Gentle Touch

Seven years ago, as a young mother to two small children, one of whom had severe special needs, I decided that I did not want to spend hours every day cleaning my house. I needed to figure out how to organize my house so I could easily clean it in an hour or less every day and spend more quality time with my children. 

For many years, I have envisioned a clean and organized home, and as a result, I have continually worked to find ways to organize my house more efficiently.

One big step towards this goal happened when my mother helped...

Hello Proactive Parent, Grandparent, or Therapist,  

• Optimization and Improvements I Noticed with My Kids this Last Week

• Home Improvements and Movement

• July 29 - Aug 2 DO ML WITH ME Schedule and Links (Replays Available in Optimal Development Program)

• New YouTube Videos

• Blog Post Review

• Upcoming Webinars

• Upcoming Travel Intensives and In-Person Clinic Training with Michelle - Limited Time 

One subtle difference I noticed with my daughter, Christina, this week after I did ML on her came when walking into the grocery store. I am always pulling her to some degree as I walk, and this time she walked right with me. I didn't have to do any pulling, It was cool!

Julia is finally off oxygen, which means her breathing is optimizing. 

Margaret can maintain sitting and spin herself around in circles to self-play a bit. The right arm is still pretty useless, but occasionally it moves.

BIG SUPRISE this week, Margaret is...

Torticollis Definition

Torticollis (Wryneck)

Torticollis, also known as wryneck, is a twisting of the neck that causes the head to rotate and tilt at an odd angle.

What is Torticollis?

•  Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT): The most common type present at birth. It's caused by a shortened or overly tight sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle in the neck. 

Acquired Torticollis: This form develops after birth, often due to injury, illness, or unknown causes.

Causes

Here's a breakdown of some injury, illness, and unknown causes of acquired torticollis: 

Injury

• Birth trauma: During difficult deliveries, injury can occur to the neck muscles, leading to torticollis. 
• Minor neck trauma: Injuries sustained in sports, minor accidents, or even awkward sleeping positions can cause muscle strain or inflammation, leading to torticollis.

Illness

• Upper respiratory infections: Viral or bacterial infections of the throat, lymph nodes, or ears can cause...

As parents, we celebrate every milestone our babies reach. 

However, it should be worrisome when your baby seems to lose skills or experience unexpected delays in their development.

Is My Baby Regressing?

The Baby Development and Movement Expert Michelle Turner wants you to immediately contact your pediatrician and request appointments with a neurologist and genetics specialist if one or both of these things are happening to your 4-month-old baby.

• Loss of previously acquired skills: If your baby could roll over, sit independently, vocalize, and then lose these abilities. 

Many genetic conditions can have regressive features.

• Marked changes in behavior or responsiveness: Unusual fussiness like high-pitched screaming for hours, lethargy, or sudden poor eye contact. 

 Neurological issues can range from facial nerve inflammation to sub-clinical seizures and beyond.

When to Work With Other Types of...

If you suspect your baby might have delayed milestones, taking proactive steps can make a significant difference:

1. Consult a Pediatrician: Schedule regular well-baby check-ups and express your concerns to your pediatrician.
2. Early Intervention Services: These services provide specialized support to address developmental delays.
3. Occupational and Physical Therapy: These therapies can aid in motor skill development.
4. Speech-Language Therapy: Vital for addressing communication delays and disorders.
5. Create a Stimulating Environment: Offer age-appropriate toys, games, and activities to encourage exploration and learning.
6. Read and Communicate: Engage in reading and talking to stimulate language development.
7. Play and Interaction: Encourage playtime with you and other children to foster social skills.
8. Nutrition and Health: Ensure a balanced diet and address any underlying health concerns.
9. Start giving your child lessons in movement: You are your child's...