• The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT

  • By: Sarah Collins
  • Podcast

The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT

By: Sarah Collins
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • The OT is IN podcast merges the worlds of education and occupational therapy to empower families like yours. Sarah Collins, your host, an occupational therapist and homeschooling parent of 3 ranging in age from elementary to high school. Sarah Collins has experienced occupational therapy by supporting families for over 15 years but also through seeking out support for her own children- so, she's right there in the trenches with you. Though there is not one right way to educate your child, there is a lot to consider when individualizing an education. The goal of this podcast is to explain some of the "why" behind what an occupational therapist is thinking so you can artfully apply it to your own family especially with executive functioning, handwriting, and sensory processing. Each episode will be packed with practical tips, expert interviews, and real-life stories aimed at helping you create a supportive learning environment for your child.
    2024
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Episodes
  • Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents

    Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents
    Sep 12 2024
    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 mins
  • Parenting with Co-Regulation

    Parenting with Co-Regulation
    Sep 5 2024

    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 mins
  • Bonus Episode: Ask the OT about Impulsivity

    Bonus Episode: Ask the OT about Impulsivity
    Aug 29 2024

    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 mins
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