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Growing Strong Roots: an Occupational Therapist’s Perspective on Parenting, Self-Regulation, and Resilience
By Lee-Anne Bloom, MS, OTR/L; Oak Bloom OTHealth & FitnessMental HealthEducationSelf-ImprovementParentingKids & Family
Growing Strong Roots: an Occupational Therapist’s Perspective on Parenting, Self-Regulation, and Resilience episodes
- Consent-focused touch in OT with children with sensitivities
In this episode of Growing Strong Roots, occupational therapist Lee-Anne Bloom explores the importance of consent and communication when using touch with children, especially those who are sensory sensitive or have trauma histories. She explains how different kinds of touch activate the nervous system and why some children may react instinctively with fight, flight, or shutdown responses. Through real examples and practical strategies, Lee-Anne highlights how caregivers can use touch to build trust, co-regulate, and support emotional development. She discusses the difference between reacting and responding, and how repeated safe experiences can shift a child’s sensory processing over time. The episode also offers simple communication systems families can use to help children express what feels good, what doesn’t, and how to advocate for their bodies.
Timestamps
00:00:00 Introduction to podcast00:00:27 Parenting challenges and mission00:00:50 Growing stronger together00:00:58 Introducing topic of consent and touch00:01:17 Importance of communication and skilled touch00:01:42 Proceed with awareness for sensitive kids00:02:09 Light touch can be alerting or irritating00:02:38 Real example of defensive reaction00:03:01 Deep pressure as grounding and calming00:03:30 Tools for co-regulation in the clinic00:03:55 Weighted tools and ball squishes00:04:28 Why touch affects the nervous system00:05:20 Instinctive responses and brain pathways00:06:12 Rewiring through repeated safe touch00:06:34 Difference between reacting and responding00:07:26 Temperament and trauma influence touch perception00:08:18 Importance and controversy around therapeutic touch00:08:44 Touch builds trust and physiological change00:09:08 Intention behind touch matters00:09:29 Establishing communication systems00:10:02 Observing body language and emotional cues00:10:28 Using rough and tumble play to teach feedback00:10:49 Predictable touch builds safety00:11:15 Modeling signals and responses00:11:52 Teaching children to interpret body reactions00:12:15 Individualizing sensory tools with OT support00:12:36 Touch as calming or alerting00:13:00 Asking for consent and reading cues00:13:34 Choosing touch based on current state00:14:02 Combining touch with other regulation supports00:14:30 Gathering observations throughout the week00:14:50 Sharing insights with caregivers00:15:09 Website resources and research links00:15:25 Closing and invitation to connect16 min - Self-Care for Parents of Neurodivergent kids
In this episode, host Lee-Anne Bloom, OTR/L, explores realistic, attainable self-care strategies for parents who are supporting sensitive or neurodivergent children. Instead of idealized or time-consuming routines, she shares simple, daily practices that nourish the body, mind, and emotions. Topics include physical regulation through small movement habits, supportive bedtime and meal routines, mental boundary-setting, emotional nourishment, and practical tools like habit stacking, visual cues, and setting reminders. The episode emphasizes that even five minutes of intentional self-care can help parents stay grounded, improve co-regulation with their children, and build resilience as a family.
Link to Youtube video
00:00 – Podcast Introduction00:27 – Mission: Raising Resilient Children00:50 – Invitation to Grow Together00:59 – Parenting When You’re Depleted01:24 – The Extra Demands of Parenting Neurodivergent Kids01:48 – Balancing Parenting With All Your Other Roles02:20 – Why Self-Care Matters for Parents02:40 – Simple, Realistic Self-Care Tools03:09 – Physical Self-Care: Movement as Regulation03:38 – Small Routines Build Resilience04:03 – Sleep and Nutrition as Foundational Supports04:29 – Practical Meal Planning Tips04:52 – Mental Self-Care Strategies05:19 – Protecting Your Mental Space05:40 – Emotional Self-Care Practices06:02 – Purpose and Meaning as Emotional Nourishment06:23 – Making Self-Care Realistic and Small06:52 – Habit Stacking to Build New Routines07:11 – Visual Cues to Support Consistency07:36 – Reminders and Gentle Prompts08:16 – Protecting Your Time and Energy08:37 – Accountability and Support from Others09:01 – Your Regulation Sets the Tone for Your Child09:16 – Encouragement for Small, Consistent Steps11 min - Family Communication and Emotional Resilience at Home: Introducing "Complaint O’Clock"Episode: Complaint O'Clock – A Family Ritual for Emotional Expression and conflict management
Watch on Youtube
Downloadable PDF instructions
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome and Podcast Overview
00:27 – Mission: Helping Families Raise Resilient Children
00:50 – Invitation to Grow and Bloom Together
01:00 – Introducing Complaint O’Clock
01:19 – Emotional Intensity in Neurodivergent Kids
01:40 – Wanting Children to Feel Heard Without Overwhelm
02:03 – Discovering That the Whole Family Benefits
02:37 – What Complaint O’Clock Looks Like
03:03 – Ground rules
04:00 – The "triforce of communication" framework for responses
04:30 – Using the Triforce Framework at Home
04:54 – Creating a Focused, Distraction-Free Space
05:19 – Explaining the Triforce in Detail- communication Goals in Three Categories
06:08 – Listening, Empathy, and Problem-Solving Options
06:32 – Additional Ground Rules for Respectful Sharing
06:59 – Three-Minute Pause for Regulation
07:25 – Why Complaint O’Clock Works
07:44 – A Safe Container for Family Expression
08:39 – Teaching Emotional Regulation and Communication
09:01 – A Real-Life Example of Vulnerability and Repair
09:22 – Growth Through Reflecting and Owning Mistakes
09:45 – “Know Better, Do Better” Mindset
09:53 – How Complaint O’Clock Has Transformed the Family
10:13 – Reducing Complaints and Strengthening Skills
10:18 – Encouragement to Try It at Home
Please like, subscribe, and share with someone who could benefit from creating a safe space for emotional expression in their family. Thanks for listening to Growing Strong Roots!
About Oak Bloom OTOak Bloom OT provides holistic occupational therapy for children in Oakland, California, helping them develop functional life skills through interest-led learning and strong family collaboration.
If You Found This Episode HelpfulPlease like, subscribe, and share with someone who could benefit from creating a safe space for emotional expression in their family.
Thanks for listening to Growing Strong Roots!
11 min - Aggressive Child? An OT’s Approach to Understanding and Managing Aggression in Children
In this episode of Growing Strong Roots, occupational therapist Lee-Anne Bloom explains how to understand and manage aggressive behavior in children through a regulation-focused lens. Instead of viewing aggression as defiance, she explores the sensory, emotional, and communication needs underneath the behavior and offers practical OT strategies for prevention, co-regulation, emotional awareness, and meaningful repair after conflict.
Watch on Youtube
Timestamps
[00:00:00] Introduction to the podcast and mission[00:00:27] Raising sturdy children with science-based strategies[00:01:00] The goal: helping children self-regulate before they act aggressively[00:01:12] How OTs view aggression as a signal, not defiance[00:01:40] Looking beneath behavior to identify underlying causes[00:01:52] HALT framework: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired[00:02:23] Why relationship and trust matter for co-regulation[00:02:43] Adults staying grounded and modeling calm[00:03:08] Using tone, body language, and breathing to co-regulate[00:03:36] Sensory diet activities for regulatory support[00:04:03] Creating a safe space for intense emotions and release[00:04:35] Deep pressure tools for calming the nervous system[00:05:10] Structure and predictability during transitions[00:05:38] Teaching emotional awareness and self-expression[00:06:30] Repair, reflect, and reset after aggressive moments[00:06:56] Practicing alternative responses and role play[00:07:18] Supporting meaningful apologies and understanding impact[00:07:41] Introducing consequences with clarity and consistency[00:08:39] Episode wrap-up and future topicsAbout Oak Bloom OTOak Bloom OT provides holistic, child-led occupational therapy in Oakland, California, helping children develop functional life skills through meaningful activities and strong family collaboration.
If You Found This Episode HelpfulPlease like, subscribe, and share with someone raising or working with young children.
Thanks for listening — see you next time on Growing Strong Roots!
9 min - Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits: an OT’s Guide to a Balanced Digital Diet
Episode: How Screens Impact Neurodivergent Kids and What Parents Can Do
In this episode, Lee-Anne Bloom, occupational therapist and mom, dives into the challenges of parenting neurodivergent children in the age of screens. She explains how ADHD, autism, and sensory differences make screen use more intense, why dopamine crashes can lead to emotional and behavioral struggles, and how parents can structure balanced free time using a “plate” model of focus, movement, creativity, connection, and moderated screen use. Learn practical, research-based strategies to help your child self-regulate, enjoy screens without conflict, and grow resilient.
Download printable PDF for step-by-step at-home instructions
Watch on Youtube
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome and Podcast MissionIntroduction to Growing Strong Roots and supporting families through occupational therapy strategies.00:48 – Parenting Challenges with Screens
Why modern digital devices create new difficulties for children and parents.01:30 – Neurodivergent Brains and Screen Impact
How ADHD, autism, and sensory differences make screen use more neurologically intense.02:20 – Dopamine Crashes and Behavioral Responses
Why overstimulation can lead to aggression, shutdowns, and difficult transitions.03:15 – It’s Not Misbehavior, It’s Neurological Recovery
Understanding that children are regulating after intense screen exposure.04:00 – Balancing Ease and Boundaries Around Screens
Why screens can be useful but still require thoughtful structure and limits.04:40 – The Balanced Plate of Free Time
A model to structure focus, movement, creativity, connection, and screens like a healthy meal.05:10 – Protein: Focused, Skill-Building Time
Activities that strengthen learning, attention, and confidence.05:40 – Vegetables: Movement and Regulation
Body-based play that supports emotional and neurological balance.06:15 – Carbs: Creative, Open-Ended Play
Imaginative play and exploration that fuel curiosity and expression.06:50 – Condiments: Connection with a Parent
Using co-regulation, conversation, and shared experiences to build trust and resilience.07:25 – Dessert: Screens in Small Portions
How screens can be a treat rather than the main activity when balanced with other play.08:05 – Level Up: Screen Days Instead of Daily Use
Reducing screen frequency to prevent conflict and promote self-regulation.09:00 – Expect Pushback and Stay Firm
Consistency and adult leadership help children adjust and thrive.10:00 – Takeaways and Next Episode Preview
Leading around screens builds resilience; next episode addresses screen-related aggression.00:00 – Introduction
Welcome to Growing Strong Roots. Host Lee-Anne Bloom introduces herself and the mission of Oak Bloom OT.
00:59 – The Screen Time Dilemma
Introduction to the episode’s main topic: the impact of screens on neurodivergent children.01:25 – The Reality of Modern Childhood
Lee-Anne reflects on how today’s children face constant digital stimulation and social pressures.01:49 – Navigating Screen Challenges
Discussion of the difficulties for neurodivergent children and families in managing screen time.02:19 – Research and Real-Life Solutions
Lee-Anne shares her research and personal experience, emphasizing the importance of not just removing screens but replacing them with meaningful activities.02:45 – The Double-Edged Sword of Screens
Screens can be helpful for parents but also create real problems, especially for motivation, mood, and relationships.03:07 – The Impact on Children
How screen time affects self-regulation and the parent-child relationship, especially in neurodivergent brains.03:37 – Neurological Recovery After Screens
Explaining the intense reactions children may have after screen time and the science behind it.04:01 – Transitioning from Screens to Real Life
The challenge of moving from digital motivation to real-world activities.04:08 – The Balanced Plate Metaphor
Introducing the "balanced plate" approach to free time, inspired by Daniel J. Siegel’s "The Yes Brain."04:35 – Screens as Dessert
Comparing screens to dessert: enjoyable in moderation, but not the main course.05:05 – Building a Healthy Plate of Free Time
How to create a balanced mix of activities for children, including focus time, movement, creativity, and connection.05:42 – Focus Time (Protein)
Encouraging activities that build focus and confidence, like puzzles, reading, and building.06:09 – Movement (Vegetables)
The importance of physical activity for regulation and well-being.06:33 – Creative Play (Carbs)
The value of open-ended, imaginative play in child development.07:09 – Connection (Condiments)
The role of parent-child connection in making all activities more meaningful and digestible.08:09 – Screens (Dessert)
Screens as a treat, best enjoyed after a balanced "meal" of other activities.08:31 – Using the Plate at Home
Practical tips for building a daily routine that balances focus, movement, creativity, and connection.09:15 – Leveling Up: No-Screen Days
Introducing the concept of "screen days" and the benefits of having days without screens.09:43 – Handling Pushback
Advice for parents on managing resistance and holding boundaries around screen time.10:17 – Consistency and Grit
Encouragement to stay strong and consistent as a parent.10:43 – Looking Ahead
Preview of future episodes on screen-related aggression and maintaining connection.11:11 – Closing
Final thoughts and thanks from Lee-Anne Bloom.Questions? Comments? Suggestions for future episodes? Want to book me for a parenting or development consultation? Contact us. Help grow the show by leaving a comment here!
yours,
Lee-Anne
References and citations:- Podcast (1:22:8) “dopamine depletion from screens”
- Resource: https://newsroom.ucla.edu/magazine/children-screen-time?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Cepnit, A. B., Ledoux, T. A., & Johnston, C. A. (2020). Screen media: A powerful reinforcement. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 14(2), 126-129. 10.1177/1559827619892543
- Evidence: Dopamine overstimulation– short-form video exposure triggers constant dopamine hits, reducing pleasure sensitivity. The drug-like neurochemical effects; high screen linker to reward system changes similar to addiction (“electronic cocaine”). Imaging studies show decreased D2 receptor availability in internet-addicted users. Excessive screen engagement may dull the brain’s response to slower, less stimulating tasks.
- (2:25:0 - 2:53:0) neurodivergent brains and screen time
- Resource: Yuan, G., Zhu, Z., Guo, H., Yang, H., Zhang, J., Zhang, K., Zhang, X., Lu, X., Du, J., Shi, H., Jin, G., Hao, J., Sun, Y., Su, P., & Zhang, Z. (2024). Screen Time and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Risk, Usage, and Addiction. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 10.1007/s10803-024-06665-z. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-024-06665-z
- Resource: Chen, J. Y., Strodl, E., Wu, C. A., Huang, L. H., Yin, X. N., Wen, G. M., Sun, D. L., Xian, D. X., Chen, Y. J., Yang, G. Y., & Chen, W. Q. (2021). Screen time and autistic-like behaviors among preschool children in China. Psychology, health & medicine, 26(5), 607–620. https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2020.1851034
- Resource: Hill, M. M., Gangi, D. N., & Miller, M. (2024). Toddler Screen Time: Longitudinal Associations with Autism and ADHD Symptoms and Developmental Outcomes. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 1-12. doi: 10.1007/s10578-024-01785-0
- Resource: Dong, H. Y., Feng, J. Y., Wang, B., Shan, L., & Jia, F. Y. (2021). Screen Time and Autism: Current Situation and Risk Factors for Screen Time Among Preschool Children With ASD. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 675902. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.675902
- Evidence: Systematic review links prolonged preschool screen exposure to higher ASD likelihood.
- A Chinese cohort found early screen use (<3 years) predicts autistic-like behaviors.
- ASD kids with >2 hour/day screens show delayed development and poorer parent-child interaction.
- Higher problematic screens exposure correlates with developmental delays in ASD
- Toddlers with more screen time developed more ASD/ ADHD symptoms and lower developmental scores.
- (3:29:2): Quoted The Yes Brain book
- Resource: Siegel, D. J., & Bryson, T. P. (2018). The yes brain: How to cultivate courage, curiosity, and resilience in your child. Bantam Books.
- Evidence: draw ideas from developmental neuroscience, attachment theory, and emotional regulation research. Making connections before corrections; balance, resilience, insight, empathy.
- Linking concepts to interpersonal neurobiology (prefrontal cortex function, social engagement, and emotional regulation) can be nurtured through supportive caregiving.
- (5:25:6) - physical exercise and emotional regulation
- Resource: Wang, T., Nie, Y., Yao, X. et al. The chain mediating role of emotion regulation and stress perception in physical activity alleviating college students’ health anxiety. Sci Rep 15, 29189 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-14481-3
- Evidence: Physical activity is positively linked to emotional regulation and negatively associated with health anxiety and stress perception.
12 min - Setting Loving Boundaries: Self-Regulation for Parents
Learn how to set loving, effective boundaries that support your child’s emotional regulation, independence, and resilience. Host Lee-Anne Bloom OTR/L shares practical strategies for scaffolding tasks, reducing overwhelm, and creating calm, connected family routines. She explores one of the most common but most challenging parenting topics: how to set loving, effective boundaries with children, especially those who are neurodivergent or navigating big life transitions. Lee-Anne breaks down why boundaries feel uncomfortable for both kids and caregivers, and why they are still essential for emotional regulation, independence, and family harmony. She explains how boundaries create predictability and safety, reduce stress, and ultimately help kids build resilience and real-world skills.
Watch on Youtube
Time stamps: Setting Loving Boundaries
In this episode, Lee-Anne Bloom explores the power of loving boundaries in parenting. She explains why boundaries are essential for both children and parents, how scaffolding supports independence, and why parental self-regulation is key to modeling healthy behavior. Using practical examples from daily life, she shares strategies for setting routines, handling pushback, and breaking down tasks so children can thrive while parents maintain energy and calm.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction: Podcast Mission and Host Background00:28 – The Challenge of Parenting Resilient Children00:51 – Episode Overview: Rooting Down Together01:00 – Setting Loving Boundaries: Why It Matters01:55 – Boundaries’ Role in Family Life: Routines and Self-Regulation02:19 – Boundaries as Structure, Predictability, and Safety02:44 – Scaffolding: Supporting Kids at Their Level03:11 – Daily Life Examples of Boundaries and Scaffolding03:41 – The Observer Effect: Building Independence Gradually04:37 – Handling Pushback as a Sign of Growth05:03 – Differentiating Struggle vs. Resistance06:03 – Parental Self-Regulation and Modeling Calm07:39 – Knowing Your Why: Values Behind Boundaries08:52 – Breaking Down Overwhelm Into Manageable Steps09:39 – Boundaries Benefit Parents: Energy, Self-Care, and Reduced Conflict10:20 – Episode Wrap-Up: Combining Boundaries, Scaffolding, and Self-RegulationQuestions? Comments? Suggestions for future episodes? Want to book me for a parenting or development consultation? Contact us at https://www.oakbloomot.com/contact. Please leave a comment here as well! Thanks for listening.
11 min - Introducing Growing Strong Roots: an OT's guide to parenting, self-regulation, and resilience
Host Lee-Anne Bloom, an experienced occupational therapist and owner of Oak Bloom OT, discusses how her diverse career background and experiences with her son’s neurodiversity have shaped her holistic approach to occupational therapy and helping "hard kids". She explains the importance of resilience, creative problem-solving, and personalized strategies in helping children and parents thrive. Listen in to gain valuable insights and practical tips for fostering strong, resilient roots in children. Rooted in lived experience, creativity, science-based strategies, and 15 years of clinical work, Lee-Anne shares how OT can help children and families move from surviving to thriving.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to Oak Bloom OT and the Podcast00:28 – Why the Podcast Exists and Its Purpose00:51 – Invitation to Grow and Build Resilience Together00:58 – Personal Story and How Motherhood Shaped Her Career01:19 – What Occupational Therapy Is and What It Focuses On02:06 – Being Both a Parent and an OT Supporting Her Neurodivergent Son02:31 – A Diverse Background That Informs Her Approach02:55 – Overcoming Disability, Pain, and ADHD Builds Empathy and Insight03:18 – Family Influence and Lessons From Her Father’s Experience04:09 – Sensory Sensitivities and Real-Life Adaptations04:32 – Celebrating Creativity and Determination in Neurodiverse Learners05:19 – Tailored Strategies for Strong-Willed and Sensitive Kids06:02 – Challenging the Myth of Laziness and Supporting Atypical Learners06:41 – Embracing a Nonlinear Career Path as Valuable Preparation07:09 – Helping Families Thrive Through Experience and OT Training07:32 – Sensory and Emotional Tools as Essential Protective Armor07:58 – Collaborative Parent Coaching as a Key to Lasting Growth08:24 – The Ferret Approach: Following Interests in a Screen-Filled World08:47 – Helping Kids and Parents Discover Strengths and Coping Tools09:00 – What It Is Really Like Raising a Hard Kid09:14 – Building Systems That Support Confidence and Independence09:41 – Refining Solutions Together Over Time10:34 – Closing Message of Encouragement and Resilience10:54 – Contact and OutroAt Oak Bloom OT, we provide holistic occupational therapy for children focusing on increasing functional life skills through interest-based learning and family involvement.
Questions? Comments? Suggestions for future episodes? leave a comment here, contact us at https://www.oakbloomot.com/contact
14 min
About Growing Strong Roots: an Occupational Therapist’s Perspective on Parenting, Self-Regulation, and Resilience
From the publisher's feed
As a mom, owner and Occupational Therapist at Oak Bloom OT working with families for many years, I've seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be to raise sturdy children. My goal is to share…
science-based strategies, real-life stories and resources that can help you nourish those roots so that you and the children in your life can grow stronger, sturdier, and more resilient.