1KHO 549: The Hidden Skills Behind School Readiness | Allison Mell, Tots on Target

Most people think school readiness means knowing letters, numbers, and how to sit still—but what if those are the outcomes, not the foundations? In this powerful episode, pediatric physical therapist and founder of Tots on Target, Dr. Allison Mell, reveals the “hidden” developmental milestones that set kids up for academic and social success—things like crawling, balance, crossing the midline, and even clapping games. These early motor and sensory experiences—often displaced by screens—are how the body feeds the brain. When kids skip them, it shows up in surprising ways: struggling with handwriting, falling out of chairs, or bouncing off friends in circle time.

Allison and Ginny explore why these physical milestones matter so deeply and what parents can do—at any age—to help kids thrive. You'll leave this episode with practical strategies, renewed confidence, and a deeper understanding of how movement builds strong, capable learners. Whether your child is just learning to crawl or heading into middle school, this conversation is your blueprint for supporting natural development in a world that’s rushing childhood.

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