Parenting, especially our school-aged children, takes a village. But it’s the village that you create that will make the lasting impact.

There is advice and information bombarding parents every day. Whether it’s a parenting book a friend recommends, a podcast that you find on Instagram (shoutout to Dr. Becky), or a lecture that is offered locally, learning to be the best parent for your child is an endless pursuit. That is why it is so frustrating to get that call from school about your child struggling. You have done your best to help your child by setting up an extra playdate, creating an age-appropriate chore list, and using positive reinforcement consistently. You even went outside of your comfort zone by asking the community chat for help.

You — parent or guardian — are not alone in feeling lost and overwhelmed by educational jargon, confused by endless information from friends and relatives, and bewildered by the titles of fancy professionals. Don’t get me wrong: networking and seeking guidance is extremely helpful (and very underrated), but there is a beginning and an end to that form of advice when it comes to your child.

There is no time to waste when addressing a behavioral concern before it spirals, getting the help your child needs and deserves if a diagnosis is to be made, and protecting the bank account before it is completely drained. Small Steps, a consulting company run by an occupational therapist, Sarah Small, offers expertise in guiding parents in the daunting task of finding the right professionals for their child’s specific needs.

Small consults with parents and asks guided questions to gain an in-depth understanding of their child. She then points parents to the appropriate resources, in the best sequence, to successfully navigate the specific issue. Parents feel a sense of control knowing that there is a professional directing them and holding their hand throughout the process. The ultimate goal is to see each child thrive.

There are so many wonderful resources and professionals to help your child get on track. The “wait and see method” simply isn’t an option when advocating for your precious child. Small assures that you will be saving valuable time and money by getting that right fit. Finding the village that helps raise your child in the most productive and loving way is no easy feat — but Small specializes in creating a roadmap for you. Feel free to call Small for a free consultation to see if you and your child would benefit from her expertise.

Sarah Small, OTR/L, is the owner of Small Steps. To learn more about Small Steps, email her at [email protected] or call (201) 618-9602.