Help! I Have Kids!

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Episode 12: Horses in Therapy with Jessica Perkins

Hey friends, welcome back to Help, I Have Kids!—the podcast for moms right here in central Kentucky. In today’s episode, Pam sits down with her friend Jessica Perkins—an occupational therapist, mom of three, and passionate advocate for using horses to help kids grow and thrive.

We dive into:

• The difference between hippotherapy and therapy with horses
• Why horses are so powerful in supporting kids’ growth and development
• Surprising ways horses can be used in therapy
• Real-life stories from Jess’s work with children
• The unique connection between kids and horses here in central Kentucky

Whether you’re curious about hippotherapy, want to hear some encouraging mom-life stories, or just love learning new ways kids can thrive—you’ll love this conversation.

👉 Learn more about finding hippotherapy services in your area: https://www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe so you never miss the next conversation—and share this one with a mom friend who could use some encouragement. 💜

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Is your toddler not talking as much as you expected? Or maybe you’re wondering if your preschooler is on track with their speech and language milestones? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to guess.

In this episode of Help! I Have Kids, host Pam Marshall sits down with speech-language pathologist Beth Blankenship to talk about what typical speech development looks like, when to lean in with support, and how parents can create language-rich environments at home.

Beth shares practical strategies for building communication skills through everyday play, gives encouragement for parents navigating uncertainty, and points to resources that can help you check in on your child’s progress.

👉 One helpful tool Beth recommends is the ASHA developmental milestones guide, which lets you explore what speech and language typically look like at each age: https://www.asha.org/?srsltid=AfmBOoqREazVvPCu28i0OtjuhMUrw1N8vdR0UbHzTEVubEQHLgvTZWCN

She also reminds parents that while online tools are helpful, nothing replaces consulting with your child’s doctor if you have concerns about their development.

Whether your child is just starting to babble or already telling full stories, this conversation will give you clarity, encouragement, and tools to support their growth.

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Being a toddler parent can feel like a whirlwind of big feelings, unpredictable routines, and endless questions about what really works. In this episode of Help! I Have Kids, host Pam Marshall sits down with Emily Sadlon—mom, nurse, and podcaster—to talk about navigating the toddler years with perspective and practical strategies.

From handling tantrums and tricky transitions, to establishing routines, tackling bath time, picky eating, and even beginning potty training, Emily shares her experiences and insights in a way every parent can relate to. Whether you’re in the middle of toddlerhood or getting ready for it, this conversation offers encouragement and real-life tools to help you through one of the most challenging—and rewarding—seasons of parenting.
You can learn more about Emily’s podcast Call Her Mommy on Instagram @callhermommypod and at callhermommypod.com, and listen to it wherever you get your podcasts.

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Is your baby struggling to nurse, refusing the bottle, or constantly fussy—and someone suggested it might be a “tongue tie”? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to stay confused.
In this episode, Dr. Amy Luley, a trusted provider and expert in tethered oral tissues (TOTS), breaks down what tongue and lip ties really are, how they affect feeding, speech, and sleep, and what parents should know about evaluation and treatment. She also shares her own story of navigating tongue ties with her first child—and why she is passionate about helping families today.
You’ll hear:
What tongue, lip, and cheek ties actually are—and how they show up in infants and children
The most common symptoms and myths about tongue ties
What a proper evaluation looks like vs. a quick check
How the frenectomy procedure works using a LightScalpel CO₂ laser
What resources and support families can expect after treatment
If you’ve ever wondered whether your child may have a tongue or lip tie—or if you’ve been told “breastfeeding is just hard”—this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps.

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ADHD shows up in real life in ways that aren’t always obvious—and it can deeply affect the rhythms of home and family.

In this episode, Pam sits down with Allison Leip, an associate Mental Health Therapist and mom of twin toddlers, who brings both professional insight and personal experience to the conversation. Together, they unpack common signs of ADHD, the challenges families face, and practical strategies to make daily routines easier.

Topics covered include:

• What ADHD can look like at home beyond hyperactivity
• How symptoms may impact family rhythms and relationships
• Ways parents can reframe “misbehavior” through the lens of ADHD
• Simple systems and strategies that lower stress without overhauling your entire life
• Encouragement for moms who feel isolated, judged, or overwhelmed

ADHD doesn’t mean your home has to be chaotic—or that you’re failing as a parent. With the right tools, love, and support, families can thrive.

Subscribe to Help! I Have Kids Podcast for more practical conversations with pediatric experts, and follow us on Instagram @helpihavekidspodcast
for updates and encouragement.

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This week, we’re doing things a little differently. Meredith, a first-time expectant mom, takes the host chair to interview Pam Marshall—pediatric occupational therapist and seasoned mom—with all the questions new (and soon-to-be) moms are often too nervous to ask out loud.

From late-night Google spirals about pacifiers to the big debates around baby-led weaning versus purees, Meredith brings her honest questions, and Pam provides practical, research-based, and compassionate answers.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What’s actually worth researching before baby arrives
• Pacifiers: are they good, bad, or somewhere in between?
• Baby-led weaning vs. purees and how to know what’s best for your baby
• How to realistically support development as a busy parent
• Swaddles, swings, and sleep gear—do they help or hurt?
• Baby registry must-haves (and what you can skip)

If you’re an expectant mom, new parent, or just in the trenches of decision fatigue, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and the kind of real talk that makes the parenting journey a little less overwhelming.

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We’re kicking off our Breastfeeding Series with a conversation every new mom needs to hear. Whether you’re struggling with pain, unsure if your baby is latching well, or just want to prepare before birth—this episode is for you.

Join us as we talk with Nicole Haney, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, and Rachel Lee, Speech Language Pathologist—both Certified Lactation Consultants with specialized training in infant massage and Tethered Oral Tissue (TOTs). These experts understand how infant function and development impact feeding, both now and in the future.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
💡 Common causes of breastfeeding pain (and why it’s never normal)
🚩 Early red flags that mean it’s time to seek help
🍼 At-home tips that can make feeding more comfortable
❌ What to avoid doing if you’re in pain
📈 How feeding challenges can affect future development

Whether you’re a first-time mom or have been here before, this conversation is full of practical advice, encouragement, and hope.

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Gearing up for the new school year? Wondering how to navigate 504 Plans, IEPs, or classroom accommodations? In this episode of Help! I Have Kids, host Pam Marshall sits down with licensed psychologist Jamie Roig to break down everything you need to know about advocating for your child’s learning and mental health needs.

Whether you're just starting the journey or preparing for another round of meetings with the school team, Jamie offers decades of wisdom and practical steps to help you speak up with confidence, partner well with teachers, and support your child through every challenge.

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Starting a new school year can be filled with excitement, nerves, and everything in between—for both kids and parents! In this episode, we’re joined by Heather Whitis, a Clinical Pediatric Mental Health Therapist with over 21 years of experience, to talk about how to help your kids start the year emotionally strong.

Heather shares practical tips on easing back-to-school anxiety, establishing healthy routines, supporting kids in making friends, and navigating big transitions like Pre-K and beyond. Whether your child is bouncing with excitement or feeling the first-day jitters, this episode is full of wisdom to help them thrive.

Heather also opens up about her own journey as a mom and the best parenting advice she’s ever received—plus a simple way to remind your child they’re loved even when you’re apart.

If you’re ready to help your kids step into the school year with confidence, this conversation is for you.

👉 Follow us on Instagram for more encouragement: @helpihavekidspodcast

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In this episode of Help! I Have Kids, we're getting ready for a new school year with advice that makes sense for real families. Our guest is Caitlin Brown, a school-based occupational therapist and mom of two, who brings both professional insight and personal experience to the conversation.

We talk about how to help kids ease into routines, what to look for in a backpack or pair of shoes, and how to set your child up for success in the classroom. Caitlin shares practical tools for focus, organization, and independence, especially for kids who may struggle with anxiety, attention, or transitions.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by school supply lists, Pinterest hacks, or the pressure to do it all, this episode will help you take a breath and start the year with confidence.

Subscribe for more honest conversations and helpful ideas from people who get it.
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Have a question or topic you want us to cover? Leave a comment and let us know.

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