Ashley Thurn, MS, OTR/L

I'm Ashley. I am a mother to two little ones and a pediatric occupational therapist by trade. I have always loved being able to use my experience as an OT to encourage moms and caregivers in relating with their children. My goal is to help others in the pursuit of fostering healthy, confident and independent children. Follow our adventures on Instagram or my blog, Helping Hands Occupational Therapy.

Toddler Learn & Play

24 simple activities to help prepare your child for preschool

Help your child feel more confident in preschool by practicing these essential skills at home.

Updated April 17, 2024

Brandedlego2024, First day prep, Parenting advice, Preschool, Preschool and beyond

Parenting

The developmental benefits of letting your kids be messy, mama

Babies learn through touch.

January 3, 2020

Mama, Play time, Play toddlers, Playing with kids, Positive parenting

Life

Having a second child totally changed my perspective on motherhood

The demands of motherhood laughed at my idea of picture-perfect motherhood. Every night I went to bed feeling like I had failed my children.

April 17, 2019

Motherhood is hard, Positive parenting, Self-care, Two kids

Life

How to raise a child who loves food

2. Consider the sensory component of food

October 19, 2018

22 month old, Eating behaviors, First foods, Food, Home, Home-food, Parentpalagesstages2021, Picky eater, Play

Baby Feeding Guides & Schedules

10 nutrient-dense first foods for baby

And how to introduce them using baby led weaning.

October 1, 2018

Six months, Six months: week 4, Solids

Parenting

Age-appropriate chores for your toddler—from 14 months to 5 years old

Keep their little hands and minds busy working alongside you.

March 15, 2018

14 month old, Chores, First year, Home, Motherly, Motherly product, Play

Parenting

5 simple + effective ways to prevent a toddler meltdown

Go to hacks for lessening the drama.

January 23, 2018

Life

Motherhood challenges me to be a better person—every day

Even when I get it wrong, it doesn’t stop me from reflecting on my day and praying I get it right tomorrow.

January 4, 2018

Challenge, Learning, Mama, Montessori, Motherhood, Positive parenting, Teaching kids

Toddler Nutrition

11 ways to help your child overcome picky eating & develop healthy habits

8. Remove the words “eat it” or “try some” from your dinner vocabulary

December 15, 2017

First foods, Health, Play, Preschool and beyond, Toddler food recipes

Child

How to conquer potty training—at the right time

Here are some basic ways to determine potty training readiness.

November 8, 2017

Child development, Childhood, Diapers, Fourth trimester, Mama, Parenting, Parenting advice, Parenting styles strategies, Play, Potty trianing

Parenting

8 simple ways to develop + encourage speech in your toddler’s daily routine

Hint: It’s so fun!

October 18, 2017

Parenting, Parenting advice, Parenting styles strategies, Play, Toddler, Toddler milestones

Parenting

The building blocks babies need for language development

Before language and communication can emerge, there are a few building blocks that need to be established.

October 6, 2017

Baby development, Child development, Learn play, Parenting, Parenting advice, Parenting styles strategies, Play, Toddler