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  • Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents

    Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents
    2024/09/12
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! --- Whitney Whitten and I talk about the concept of co-regulation, discussing how parents can influence their children's state of regulation through purposeful actions and words. We share many practical tips for self-regulation, like using earplugs to manage overstimulation or engaging in calming oral activities like chewing gum. Whitney also shares valuable resources available from Sensational Moms, highlighting the importance of being a regulated and peaceful presence for children. Whether you’re a parent looking for guidance on handling dysregulated moments or a homeschooling mom seeking strategies to balance busy schedules, this episode is packed with insights and tips. --- In this episode you'll hear about: Whitney’s journey as a homeschooling mother of four.Comparison of challenges between traditional school car lines and homeschooling hardships.Planning schedules for homeschooling and the flexibility it demands.Explanation of co-regulation and its importance.Influence of parents on children’s state of regulation.Examples of purposeful actions and words for co-regulation.Self-regulation for Parents and ChildrenImportance of parents being regulated themselves.Tips for recognizing states of regulation and dysregulation.Role of connection and flexible mindset in defining good moments as a parent.Safe Spots and Calming TechniquesFinding safe spots for parents and children when feeling unsafe.Recommendations for dealing with overstimulation or overwhelm: Leaning against a wall, Using earplugs.Oral input techniques: using a straw, chewing gum, sucking on hard candy.Balancing busy schedules while prioritizing needs and being present with children.Importance of self-awareness and adaptability in structuring the homeschool day.Being mindful of optimal alertness patterns for both parent and child.Modeling and Practicing Self-regulationModeling self-regulation to children.Using scripts to communicate the need for a break during stressful situations.Preparing and practicing self-regulation strategies with children.Day-to-Day Integration of Self-Regulation TechniquesIncorporating self-regulation techniques in day-to-day conversations.Handling both positive and negative emotions via curiosity and self-awareness.Addressing Dysregulated MomentsApproaches for handling dysregulated moments in children.Significance of self-compassion and planning for dysregulated instances.Activities for managing dysregulation: Muscle engagement, Breath work.Various ways for mothers to practice self-regulation: Finding a safe place, Engaging in calming physical activities, Handling Physical AggressionPotential for physical aggression in dysregulated states.Importance of channeling calming techniques appropriately. Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Sensory Regulation Tips for ParentsSensory Balanced Focus Group from Homeschool OTWhat is co-regulation in relationships? 6 Tips to Coregulation in ParentingEpisode 29: Co-Regulation and Parenting: Building Strong Parent-Child Connections Free self-regulation tools for momsSensational Moms WebsiteFollow Sensational Moms on InstagramJoin the Sensational Moms Facebook Group Connect with Sarah Collins Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOTJoin the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOTVisit the Homeschool OT Website Connect with our Guest, Whitney Whitten Whitney is a pediatric occupational therapist turned homeschool mom who coaches touched out, talked out homeschool moms dealing with sensory overwhelm. She combines her personal experience and expertise in the nervous system with each moms' own wisdom to help them find connection and fulfillment in motherhood.
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    35 分
  • Parenting with Co-Regulation

    Parenting with Co-Regulation
    2024/09/05

    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

    In this episode my guest, Gigi Vincent, delves into her role as a homeschooling mom and postpartum doula, emphasizing self-regulation and personal growth as vital components of co-regulating with children. She shares practical tips on preparing children for challenging activities, recognizing and eliminating triggers, and modeling emotional regulation. We also explore the delicate balance of parenting, co-regulation, and the importance of understanding and responding to both your own and your children's emotional needs.

    In this episode you'll hear about:

    • Getting Babies on a Schedule and Sleeping Through the Night
    • Common concerns from parents about schedules
    • Importance of understanding and responding to babies' communication
    • Holding babies for naps and establishing close physical connections
    • Asking for help and using carriers to take breaks from holding
    • Calming a parent's nervous system through heavy work and proprioception
    • The importance of self-regulation for effective co-regulation with children
    • Eliminating triggers and preparing children for challenging activities
    • Importance of observing, communicating, and modeling self-regulation
    • Seeking therapy and using self-soothing techniques (e.g., deep breathing, singing)
    • Understanding children's triggers, narrating their feelings, and allowing choices
    • Communicating and modeling feelings
    • Setting timers and monitoring children's environment for triggers (TV shows, toys)
    • Using declarative language for transitions
    • Importance of meeting basic needs as self-care for new parents
    • Defining and finding self-identity amidst parenting and homeschooling challenges
    • Importance of Social Interaction and Personal Interests
    • Beyond basic needs: social interaction and personal interests for self-care
    • Mindset shifts post major life changes (e.g., having a baby)
    • Self-care, co-regulation, and transforming to support children better
    • Creating a calming presence for children's safety
    • Equipping children with emotional regulation skills from personal experiences
    • The significance of relationships in parenting
    • Helping parents attune to their babies and understand infant behavior as a doula
    • Self-care and journaling as crucial resources

    Links and Resources From Today's Show

    • Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
    • Sensory Regulation Tips for Parents
    • Sensory Balanced Focus Group from Homeschool OT
    • The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind
    • How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
    • Co-Regulation as a Tool for Fostering the Development of Self-Regulation Skills
    • The Power of Co-Regulation and Interoception
    • Episode 13 Beyond the Five Senses: Understanding Your Child's Interoceptive World with Cara Kosinski

    Connect with our Guest, Gigi Vincent

    Gigi Vincent is a postpartum doula, newborn care specialist, and lactation educator committed to shifting the disparity between the amount of focus most families place on birth versus preparing for the fourth trimester and the parenting years. Gigi is a homeschooling parent to three amazing children, and she loves to work with parents as they find their way to thrive.
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    42 分
  • Bonus Episode: Ask the OT about Impulsivity

    Bonus Episode: Ask the OT about Impulsivity
    2024/08/29

    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

    ---

    In the BONUS episode, I'm answering your questions about response inhibition—an essential executive functioning skill often seen in terms of impulsivity or impulsive behaviors. Drawing insights from our previous 4 episodes, we'll explore practical ways to support your child’s development in this area.

    Whether it's handling sensory-seeking behaviors like hitting or pinching, or addressing the impulsivity in schoolwork, I've got you covered. We'll delve into strategies, environmental adaptations, and activities to help build these crucial skills.

    Plus, stay tuned for tips on incorporating heavy work into your child's routine and how to match your expectations to their abilities. So grab your headphones, and let's dive into this journey of discovery together!

    Links and Resources From Today's Show
    • Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
    • Board Games to Teach Executive Functioning
    • Executive Functioning Group from Homeschool OT
    • Reverse Planning Guide for Homeschool Families
    • The OT is IN Membership
    • Episode 25- Understanding Hippotherapy: Therapeutic Equestrian Activities for Children's Development
    • Episode 26- Sensory Safe Evacuation: Preparing for Emergencies with Kids' Sensory Needs in Mind
    • Episode 27- Preserving Childhood in a Digital World: Greta Eskridge's Expertise for Families
    • Episode 28- Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development

    Connect with Sarah Collins

    • Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOT
    • Join the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOT
    • Visit the Homeschool OT Website
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    17 分
  • Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development

    Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development
    2024/08/22
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! --- As a parent, it can be scary to let your children engage in activities that seem dangerous, like climbing trees, riding bikes, or playing rough. But research shows that taking age-appropriate risks through play is actually crucial for children's development - physically, cognitively and emotionally. When we talk about "risky play", we don't mean putting kids in harm's way. Rather, it's about giving them opportunities to test their limits, problem-solve, and build confidence in a relatively safe environment with adult support and supervision. Risky play helps kids develop important skills like risk assessment, body awareness, and emotional self-regulation. But where do we draw the line between healthy risk-taking and dangerous behavior? How can we scaffold risky play experiences so kids progress at an appropriate pace? And what role should we play as parents and caregivers? Whether your child is cautious by nature or an impulsive daredevil, I hope this episode will give you a new perspective on letting kids take risks through play. Let's jump in! In this episode you'll hear about: Executive Functioning Definition: skills required to start, persist, and complete tasksImportance in daily functioning and personal growthResponse inhibition (impulsivity) and its development in childrenRole in safety evaluation and decision-makingRisky Play as defined by the Canadian Pediatric SocietyEight different types of risky play Playing at heightsplaying at speedplay involving toolsplay involving potentially dangerous elementsrough and tumble playplay with risk and disappearing or getting lostplay involving impactsvicarious play Progression of risky play (e.g., playing at height and speed)Importance of teaching children to recognize and evaluate potential dangersNeed for supervision and teaching response inhibitionGradual progression in allowing children to engage in risky playRisky Play vs. Dangerous PlayVaries from person to personFamilies need to evaluate it for themselvesPersonal examples (trampoline for gaga ball and games like Deadman)Benefits of Risky PlayPositive contribution to child development (e.g., response inhibition and emotional control)Vicarious play: watching others engage in risky play and modeling behaviorAccepting children's current skills while allowing for growth and developmentResources available through the homeschool OT communityStrategies for Supporting Risky PlayObservation, communication, and setting boundariesProviding opportunities for practice and evaluationSupporting and observing children's play, communicating openlyImplementing safety measures for various activities (e.g., bike riding, using tools, playing near fire)Adapting Risky Play for Different NeedsMulti-age play and accommodating different children's needsUsing walkie-talkies in games or providing spaces for safe impact activitiesDeveloping children's sensory input, body awareness, and executive functioning skills while maintaining safety Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Board Games to Teach Executive FunctioningExecutive Functioning Group from Homeschool OTReverse Planning Guide for Homeschool FamiliesThe OT is IN MembershipLife in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got Me Out of My Head and Into the WorldSmart but Scattered: The Revolutionary "Executive Skills" Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their PotentialBalanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable ChildrenEight Types of Risky Play, Navigating the balance with injury preventionEpisode 12- Executive Functioning in Homeschooling: A Teenager's Experience with Organization and PlanningEpisode 25- Understanding Hippotherapy: Therapeutic Equestrian Activities for Children's DevelopmentEpisode 26- Sensory Safe Evacuation: Preparing for Emergencies with Kids' Sensory Needs in MindEpisode 27- Preserving Childhood in a Digital World: Greta Eskridge's Expertise for Families
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    31 分
  • Preserving Childhood in a Digital World: Greta Eskridge's Expertise for Families

    Preserving Childhood in a Digital World: Greta Eskridge's Expertise for Families
    2024/08/15

    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

    ---

    In this episode, I sit down with Greta Eskridge, a second-generation homeschooler, former public high school teacher, and homeschooling mom of four. Greta is passionate about protecting children's innocence and combating the dangers of pornography in our increasingly digital world.

    Throughout the episode, Greta shares her expertise on the importance of open communication with children about online safety, setting strict rules for internet use, and providing engaging alternatives to screen time. She discusses the alarming statistics surrounding children's exposure to pornography, with the average age of first exposure being around eleven years old, and emphasizes the need for parental vigilance and proactive measures to protect children from accidental exposure.

    Join us as we delve into this critical topic and learn how parents can work together to keep their children safe, preserve their innocence, and cultivate meaningful connections in an increasingly digital age.

    In this episode you'll hear about:

    • Greta's expertise in protecting children's innocence and combating pornography
    • The importance of protecting children's innocence
    • Increasing accessibility of the internet and risks of early exposure to pornography
    • The average age for first exposure to pornography is around eleven or younger
    • Addressing accidental exposure and consequences of repeated exposure
    • Children with self-control struggles are particularly vulnerable
    • Strategies for protecting children
    • Having honest conversations with children about pornography
    • Encouraging children to seek a trusted adult when feeling curious or uncertain
    • Redirecting children's responses and occupying their time with alternative activities
    • Making non-screen activities attractive
    • Creating enjoyable experiences with snacks and outdoor reading
    • Online gaming risks
    • Exposure to pornography and sexual predators while playing online video games
    • The need for parental vigilance and setting strict rules
    • Using a router to protect children under twelve from accidental exposure to pornography
    • Resources for parents seeking tech help and guidance on discussing pornography with children
    • Parents are not alone in addressing these issues

    Links and Resources From Today's Show

    • Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
    • Board Games to Teach Executive Functioning
    • Executive Functioning Group from Homeschool OT
    • Protect Young Eyes Website
    • Decision-making and Executive Functions in Problematic Pornography Use
    • 10 Amazing Resources for Talking to Kids About Porn
    • Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today's Young Kids Book
    • How to Talk to Your Kids About Pornography Book
    • Episode 11- Exploring Unique Learning Paths in Homeschooling with Amy Bodkin
    • Episode 15- From Morning to Night: Incorporating Emotional Learning in Homeschool with Elizabeth Sautter
    • Episode 19- Understanding Screen Time Effects on Children and Relationships with Victoria Dunckle
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    32 分
  • Sensory Safe Evacuation: Preparing for Emergencies with Kids' Sensory Needs in Mind

    Sensory Safe Evacuation: Preparing for Emergencies with Kids' Sensory Needs in Mind
    2024/08/08

    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

    ---

    Today’s episode is all about preparing for emergencies - whether it’s hurricanes, wildfires, floods, or any other unexpected events. We'll be sharing practical packing lists and planning strategies that can truly make a difference when disaster strikes.

    We'll discuss the importance of planning on calm days and how these strategies can even be useful for vacations. I’ll also introduce a unique fire-safety plan required for homeschooling families in Pennsylvania, which includes activities like visiting a firehouse and practicing ladder escapes.

    A key focus of this episode is using a sensory lens in emergency planning. We’ll explore how to consider sensory sensitivities and create a sensory safe evacuation planner tailored for your family. And good news – there’s a no-cost planner available to guide you through your evacuation process.

    In this episode you'll hear about:

    • Planner designed to empower individuals for different obstacles during emergencies
    • Importance of planning on calm days
    • Strategies can also be useful for vacations
    • Fire-safety plan required in Pennsylvania for homeschooling
    • Sensory Considerations in Planning
    • Incorporating a sensory lens when planning
    • Impact of sensory sensitivities during emergencies
    • Development of the Brain Executive Program
    • Explains sensory modulation and sensory processing challenges to kids
    • Book: "How to be a Brain Executive and Get Sensory Sharp"
    • Planning with Sensory Sensitivities in Mind
    • Katie's work in translating sensory processing science to everyday life
    • Creation of a sensory-safe evacuation planner
    • Katie's emphasis on understanding sensory characteristics
    • Seeking help from occupational therapists
    • Practical Implementation Suggestions
    • Sarah's insights and suggestions for observing children's sensory needs
    • Addressing sensory challenges during evacuation
    • Mitigating stress through early planning
    • Planning and Training for Emergencies
    • Importance of repetitive training and preparation
    • Planning for children with motor planning challenges
    • Stressing the significance of safety and its role in seeking OT services
    • Need for addressing anxiety or difficulties discussing emergencies with children
    • Benefit of a child-oriented version of the emergency preparedness planner

    Links and Resources From Today's Show

    • Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
    • Board Game Suggestions to Teach Executive Functioning
    • Executive Functioning Focus Group
    • Episode 10: Streamlining Your Space: Organizing for Better Executive Functioning
    • Emergency Kit Checklist for Families with Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
    • Emergency Preparedness for Families with Special Needs Children
    • Preparedness Tips for Sensory-Intense Environments: How to Help Your Children
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    35 分
  • Understanding Hippotherapy: Therapeutic Equestrian Activities for Children's Development

    Understanding Hippotherapy: Therapeutic Equestrian Activities for Children's Development
    2024/08/01

    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

    ---

    In this episode of the "OT is In" podcast, Gina Taylor and I dive deep into the world of hippotherapy. Gina is an occupational therapist and hippotherapy clinical specialist. Together we discuss the benefits of incorporating horses into therapy for children with special needs. Gina explains the different types of equine therapy, particularly focusing on hippotherapy and its role in occupational therapy.

    Gina how different activities in hippotherapy address motor skills, social skills, and cognitive skills in children. Gina also shares insights on the academic ties of hippotherapy, working with the POWER framework, and how parents can navigate insurance coverage for hippotherapy.

    In this episode you'll hear about:

    • Equine Therapy and Homeschooling
    • The differences between homeschooled and traditionally schooled teenagers in volunteering
    • Defines equine therapy as therapy for horses
    • Differentiates between adaptive/therapeutic horseback riding, equine-assisted psychotherapy, and hippotherapy
    • Gina discusses how she assesses children's movement patterns and sensory differences
    • Explains the selection of horses based on their movement and temperament for therapy
    • Provides examples of pairing horse movement with specific child needs for therapy
    • Therapy requirements vary based on age and individual abilities
    • The importance of safety awareness and the ability to follow directions, especially for teenagers
    • Posture and physical abilities play a role in determining readiness for hippotherapy
    • Executive Functioning Skills in Hippotherapy
    • Describes the importance of safety awareness and response inhibition in hippotherapy
    • Using the horse's behavior responses to teach children about their actions
    • Explains how hippotherapy can help children develop self-regulation and social skills
    • Outlines a typical session routine including body mapping, grooming tasks, and horseback riding
    • The integration of motor, cognitive, and emotional activities during a hippotherapy session
    • The importance of functional activities and evaluation at the end of the session
    • Demonstrates how hippotherapy activities can target academic, cognitive, and physical objectives
    • Highlights the connection between hippotherapy sessions and functional skills development
    • Discusses how hippotherapy activities can improve academic skills such as organization and sequencing
    • Using the Power Framework in hippotherapy sessions to tie in academic concepts
    • Describes how lessons learned in hippotherapy can be applied to daily living tasks at home
    • Advises on questions to ask therapists when considering hippotherapy for a child

    Links and Resources From Today's Show

    • Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
    • What are Executive Functioning Skills?
    • Executive Functioning Focus Group
    • Board Games to teach Executive Functioning
    • What is Hippotherapy?
    • Episode 9- The Impact of Music on Executive Functioning with Mandy Doman
    • Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy at the Temple Grandin Equine Center
    • Introduction to Hippotherapy for Occupational Therapy Practitioners
    • Find a Certified Hippotherapy Therapist
    • POWER Handout from Epona Therapy
    • Epona Therapy (for parents)
    • Animals & Aquatics podcast for OT's
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    30 分
  • Understanding the Handwriting Journey: Tools and Techniques for Homeschoolers

    Understanding the Handwriting Journey: Tools and Techniques for Homeschoolers
    2024/07/25
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! --- We are diving into one of the most frequently asked topics in homeschooling—handwriting. In this episode, we'll explore the many elements that contribute to effective handwriting, from visual skills to core stability, fine motor control, and cognitive functions. We’ve discussed some of these topics in past episodes, including vision and primitive reflexes, but today we’ll connect all the dots to give you a comprehensive understanding of what impacts handwriting. Plus, stick around for practical tips and strategies to help your kids build better handwriting skills. If you're a parent or educator looking to help children express their thoughts clearly on paper, you won't want to miss this episode! In this episode you'll hear about: Handwriting as a common, observable issue in homeschoolingFrequently asked questions about handwritingImportance of HandwritingObservability of handwriting issuesA comprehensive perspective on handwriting componentsComponents of Handwriting Visual Skills: Acuity and moreStability and Posture: Core strength and body postureFine Motor Skills: Grip and motor controlCognitive Skills: Understanding the purpose of writingExecutive Functioning Skills: Attention, organization, self-control, working memory Proximal stability for distal mobilityCore strength activities (e.g., tummy time, crawling)Activities for older children (e.g., scooter boards, balance boards, playground games)Writing on vertical surfaces to improve core stabilityPosture guidelines (90-90-90 rule)Importance of grip patternsTools to encourage proper grip (e.g., small pencils, broken crayons)Activities to enhance fine motor skills (e.g., tweezers, play doh, kitchen activities) Hardware Skills: Eye muscle control and focus (tracking, fixation, convergence)Signs of visual issues (e.g., tired eyes, double vision, trouble with line orientation)Home Activities: I spy games, hidden pictures, outdoor playAdaptations for Visual Support: Paper placement, cursive writing, using pens instead of pencilsUnderstanding visual perception (figure ground, form constancy, visual memory)Activities to Support Visual Perception:Importance of understanding writing's purposeComponents of executive functioning (attention, organization, etc.) Links and Resources From Today's Show Watch this episode with slidesWhy Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Primitive Reflex Guide from Homeschool OTHandwriting Focus GroupBeyond 20/20 Vision: Understanding Crucial Aspects of Visual Assessment in ChildrenHarnessing the Great Outdoors for Visual Development and LearningHow Form Drawing Supports Vision, Handwriting, and AcademicsBeyond the Pencil: Exploring Vision's Impact on Homeschool Handwriting SuccessTailored Kids’ Activities from Crafts to Sleep: Insights from Connie O'NeillExploring Primitive Reflexes: From Birth to IntegrationSupporting Children Through Play-Based Reflex IntegrationPractical Sleep Solutions for Children: Insights from Occupational TherapyHow to Improve Handwriting Without WritingThe Skills Nature Builds Connect with Sarah Collins Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOTJoin the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOTVisit the Homeschool OT Website
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    25 分