August 28, 2025

Rewind: Managing Sensory Overwhelm in Parenthood with Larissa Geleris

39 minutes

Disclaimer: This episode is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please seek immediate care from your physician if you have any concerns about your health.

This week, Rachael sits down with occupational therapist Larissa Geleris of @steadyparents to explore a topic that hits home for so many parents: sensory overwhelm.

Picture this: you're cooking dinner, the oven fan is on, your baby is crying, your toddler is banging a toy, and your partner is asking you a question. You’re overstimulated, overwhelmed, maybe even raging. Sound familiar? You’re not alone—and this episode is for you.

Larissa breaks down what sensory overload really is, how common it is in parenthood, and why it's a completely normal response to an overstimulating environment. She shares her personal story as a pediatric OT who experienced sensory dysfunction after a concussion—and how that shifted her focus to supporting overwhelmed parents just like you.

Here’s what they discuss inside this episode:

What sensory overwhelm is (and why it’s common in parenting)

The “touched out” feeling—why it happens and what to do

Quick, practical sensory strategies to use in the moment

How to reduce the chances of overwhelm ahead of time

Why self-compassion is key to self-regulation

How to co-regulate with your child even when you’re dysregulated

Tools to help you feel more confident and steady in your day-to-day parenting

And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Larissa’s Instagram: @steadyparents

Larissa’s program: Sensing Your Needs in Parenthood

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By Rachael Shepard-Ohta

4.8

564564 ratings