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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.

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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 Children
• Importance 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 Techniques
• Finding 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-regulation
• Modeling 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 Techniques
• Incorporating self-regulation techniques in day-to-day conversations.
• Handling both positive and negative emotions via curiosity and self-awareness.
• Addressing Dysregulated Moments
• Approaches 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 Aggression
• Potential 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 Parents
• Sensory Balanced Focus Group from Homeschool OT
• What is co-regulation in relationships?
• 6 Tips to Coregulation in Parenting
• Episode 29: Co-Regulation and Parenting: Building Strong Parent-Child Connections
• Free self-regulation tools for moms
• Sensational Moms Website
• Follow Sensational Moms on Instagram
• Join the Sensational Moms Facebook Group

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

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.