Beyond ABCs: What Your Child Really Needs Before School Starts - Maria Perco

Hi everyone, In this episode of Wine with Wita, we’re joined by paediatric occupational therapist and founder of Move Play Grow, Maria Perco. Maria has helped hundreds of children build the motor, sensory and self-care skills they need to thrive at school and beyond. In our chat, Maria shares her practical insights on what school readiness really means from an OT perspective. Spoiler alert - it is about more than handwriting, numbersand knowing the alphabet. We talk about:✔️ Why independence in self-care matters ✔️ The link between sensory regulation and attention ✔️ What crossing the midline actually is and how play helps ✔️ How to support your child’s confidence and self-advocacy at schoolWhether you’re a parent, carer or educator, this episodewill help you better understand what to look for, what to support at home, and when to seek help. Maria also shares her personal experience as a mum of three,plus how she co-founded an app designed to streamline therapist-family communication in allied health.📲 Connect with Maria on Instagram @moveplaygrowot🌐 Visit the website: www.moveplaygrowot.com.auLots of love, RitaP.S.: Follow me on @winewithwitapodcastfor more tips, insights and updates.This episode was proudly sponsored Tambakis Physiotherapy, because parents deserve support too.When you're raising a child with physical or developmental challenges having the right people around you makes all the difference.Tambakis offers expert, family centred physiotherapy and exercise physiology in Sydney's South-West, helping you feel less alone and more supported on the journey.Learn more at tambakisphysiotherapy.com.auDisclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.