The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast: Episode 1KHO 549 - The Hidden Skills Behind School Readiness with Allison Mell, Tots on Target

Release Date: August 14, 2025

Introduction

In the inaugural episode of "The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast," host Jenny Ertz engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Allison Mell from Tots on Target. As a pediatric physical therapist and a mother of four, including twins, Dr. Mell brings a wealth of experience and insight into the crucial role of outdoor play in childhood development.

Journey to Tots on Target

Jenny Ertz [00:53]:
"You are perfectly primed to be helping out parents because you are a pediatric physical therapist and a mom of four, including a set of twins. Talk to us about your path toward Tots on Target."

Dr. Allison Mel [01:06]:
"When the idea of Tots on Target came, it was really in an effort to educate parents on child development. What do they need to know? What's good to know? How can they foster development in their home environment?"

Dr. Mell shares her passion for working with children, highlighting her diverse experience across various settings—from sensory gyms and schools to private practices. Her mission with Tots on Target is to empower parents with knowledge and tools to support their children's motor and overall development within the home environment.

Understanding Developmental Milestones

Jenny Ertz [02:29]:
"Talk to us about where we're at with developmental milestones. ... Are they at the right stage? Can you talk to us about the focus there and what's happening overall?"

Dr. Allison Mel [02:54]:
"There is a range of normal. No two babies are going to do things exactly the same, but there's a range of normal that we want our children to be meeting milestones within."

The discussion delves into the myriad of developmental milestones spanning from birth to early childhood, encompassing gross motor skills, fine motor skills, sensory processing, and speech. Dr. Mell emphasizes the emotional toll parents often face when assessing their child's progress against these milestones. She reassures that variations are natural, stressing the importance of recognizing a range of normal development to alleviate undue parental anxiety.

The Crucial Role of Crossing the Midline

Jenny Ertz [08:00]:
"Can you talk about what it is, why it's important?"

Dr. Allison Mel [09:26]:
"There is an imaginary line that runs down the center of our body... We're not born with this skill. Babies can't actually do any of that. They have a lot of reflexive movements and it actually is a skill that matures closer to the age of eight."

Dr. Mell introduces the concept of "crossing the midline," explaining its significance in coordinating the brain's hemispheres and its impact on various skills like reading, writing, and physical coordination. She illustrates how activities such as hand-clapping games and games like Twister naturally encourage children to develop this crucial skill, which forms the foundation for more complex motor and cognitive tasks essential for school readiness.

Impact of Screen Time on Physical Development

Jenny Ertz [13:00]:
"This is when they talk about displacement... it's taking up some of the time that kids maybe would be doing these things that are helping to build their brain."

Dr. Allison Mel [15:14]:
"Our kids are experiencing education through screens. It's too much, unavoidable... if your child isn't in the normal range, you're just seeing that much more of an effect in the classroom."

The conversation shifts to the detrimental effects of increased screen time on children's physical and cognitive development. Dr. Mell discusses how screens displace essential physical activities that foster motor skills, sensory processing, and brain development. She underscores the importance of balancing screen time with active, outdoor play to mitigate these negative impacts and promote holistic development.

Strategies for Encouraging Physical Play

Jenny Ertz [25:06]:
"What does crawling actually have to do with playing Monopoly, playing Twister, et cetera?"

Dr. Allison Mel [25:10]:
"Crawling is this tremendous experience that they are having, which is a tremendous amount of strengthening... it's all about the brain and body making those connections."

Dr. Mell elaborates on the significance of crawling in building upper and lower body strength, enhancing fine motor skills, and developing sensory processing abilities. She highlights various crawling styles and their implications, stressing that atypical crawling patterns may indicate underlying strength or sensory processing issues that warrant attention. Additionally, she provides practical suggestions for parents to incorporate physical activities into their children's daily routines, ensuring that motor development milestones are met.

Balancing Technology and Outdoor Play

Jenny Ertz [53:20]:
"Overarching advice because here's how I feel... what would you tell them to do with their time?"

Dr. Allison Mel [53:50]:
"We are living in a society where technology is huge... finding the time that you are going to set aside for that screen-free opportunity for you."

Addressing the omnipresence of technology in today's society, Dr. Mell offers actionable advice for parents striving to balance technological engagement with physical play. She shares her personal strategies, such as setting aside dedicated screen-free times and creating stimulating environments that encourage movement and exploration. Dr. Mell acknowledges the challenges posed by societal norms and technological advancements but emphasizes the necessity of intentional efforts to prioritize outdoor play for optimal child development.

Reflections and Fond Memories

Jenny Ertz [63:25]:
"What's a favorite memory from your childhood?"

Dr. Allison Mel [63:25]:
"I remember going to Hershey Park... feeding the ducks every night and enjoying that."
"Another memory is going out with friends on bikes, feeling so independent..."

In a heartfelt conclusion, Dr. Mell reminisces about her cherished childhood experiences centered around outdoor activities and unstructured play. These memories underscore the intrinsic value of physical engagement in fostering independence, confidence, and joy—qualities she strives to instill in today's children through her work with Tots on Target.

Conclusion

Episode 1KHO 549 of "The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast" offers a compelling exploration of the hidden skills essential for school readiness, emphasizing the pivotal role of physical play and motor development. Dr. Allison Mell's insights serve as a clarion call to parents and educators to prioritize outdoor activities, balance technological influences, and nurture the foundational skills that enable children to thrive both academically and personally.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Allison Mel [02:54]:
  "There is a range of normal. No two babies are going to do things exactly the same, but there's a range of normal that we want our children to be meeting milestones within."

• Dr. Allison Mel [09:26]:
  "There is an imaginary line that runs down the center of our body... We're not born with this skill."

• Dr. Allison Mel [25:10]:
  "Crawling is this tremendous experience that they are having, which is a tremendous amount of strengthening... it's all about the brain and body making those connections."

• Dr. Allison Mel [53:50]:
  "We are living in a society where technology is huge... finding the time that you are going to set aside for that screen-free opportunity for you."

For more insights and resources on child development, visit Tots on Target and explore the Tot Spot membership, blog, and Instagram for ongoing support and information.