Callan Parker Occupational Therapy

21/09/2026

📢One week left...
Have you registered your nanny yet....
Link to register - https://forms.gle/o3YDCJzM1oX3rQaD7

16/09/2026

14/09/2026

A great day of combining theory with practical learning at the High Performance Centee! 🧠💪

Courtney and Callan recently had the privilege of lecturing the final-year Biokinetics students, focusing on the management and handling of clients with neurological conditions, including stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy.

We then took the learning into practice with hands-on training in transfer techniques, as well as how to teach clients to manage a transfer off the floor following a fall.

It’s always so rewarding to share practical skills that can help future healthcare professionals feel more confident, competent and safe when working with clients with neurological conditions. 🤝

11/09/2026

11/09/2026

📚✨ NICU Readathon 2026 ✨📚

Callan and Tessa from The Children’s Therapy Centre, Eastern Cape were so privileged to join the doctors, nurses and staff of the NICU at St George’s Hospital for the NICU Readathon — an international initiative encouraging families and healthcare professionals to read to premature and medically complex babies.

We are incredibly proud that St George’s is currently the only unit in Africa participating in this international initiative. 💛

Parents and grandparents were invited to be part of the experience, with each family receiving a book to read to their little one. 🥰

Reading can help babies stay calm and settled, support physiological stability, and provide gentle, developmentally appropriate auditory input — making it a valuable part of neurodevelopmental care in the NICU.

And perhaps most importantly, reading gives parents a beautiful opportunity to connect with their baby during a time when so much of their experience is medical and uncertain. ❤️

👂 Did you know?
The auditory system develops remarkably early in pregnancy. The structures of the inner ear begin developing in the first trimester, and by around 24–25 weeks of gestation, premature babies can already respond to sounds and voices. This means that a familiar parent’s voice, the rhythm of their speech and the gentle sounds of reading can be meaningful long before a baby is born — and continue to provide valuable sensory, emotional and developmental experiences in the NICU.

A tiny baby may not understand the story yet — but they are listening to your voice, your rhythm, your love and your presence.

02/09/2026

💜We are so excited to welcome Nicole Hamilton to the team! 💜

Some of you may have seen this new face around the practice in the last month... Nicole has joined us as a part-time therapist, bringing her passion, warmth and commitment to supporting children and their families.

We are thrilled to have her as part of our team and look forward to all the wonderful work she will do with the children and families we have the privilege of working with. 🌱

21/08/2026

Exercise #4 – The Humming Bird 🐦

This week's breathing exercise is The Humming Bird. 🐦

Humming as you breathe out creates gentle vibrations that many children find calming and soothing. It can help children slow their breathing, reduce stress, and prepare their bodies for rest.

This is one of my favourite breathing exercises to use before bedtime or during quiet time.

14/08/2026

Exercise #3 – Tongue Tube / Big Grin Breaths 😁

This week's breathing exercise is Tongue Tube (or Big Grin) Breaths! 😁

This breathing technique encourages slow, controlled breathing while giving children something fun to focus on. The cool air can feel calming and refreshing, making it a great exercise for helping children reset their bodies and refocus their attention.

Perfect before classroom tests, homework, mealtimes or any activity that requires concentration.

07/08/2026

Exercise #2 – Dragon Fire Breaths 🐉

This week's breathing exercise is Dragon Fire Breaths! 🐉

This fun activity encourages children to take a deep breath in and blow a long, controlled breath out. It's a great way to help release nervous energy, practise slowing the breath, and build body awareness.

Give it a try and let your little dragon breathe some fire!

31/07/2026

Did you know that breathing is one of the easiest ways to help children regulate their emotions, calm their bodies, and improve their focus?

The key is to practise these techniques when children are calm, so they're easier to use when big feelings arise.

Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing a series of fun, child-friendly breathing exercises that you can try at home, in the classroom, or during therapy.

This week's exercise: The Hot Air Balloon Breath. 🎈

Save this post so you can build your own calming toolkit, and share it with someone who might find it helpful!