Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

I sat down with Pam Barnhill—longtime homeschooler, former classroom teacher, and podcasting inspiration—for an insightful conversation about fostering independence and planning skills in homeschooled kids. Pam shares her own homeschooling journey, from her early days teaching preschool at home to launching her teens into work studies and career paths. Together we discuss the ups and downs of raising independent learners, offering practical tips for developing planning muscles, navigating different organizational styles, and supporting kids with unique needs, like dyslexia. Whether you're new to homeschooling or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with relatable stories, honest reflections, and actionable ideas to help your family thrive.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Pam introduces herself, mentioning her background as a former classroom teacher and her journey as a homeschool mom.
• Discussion about learning alongside children and how homeschooling has been enriching for both parents and kids.
• Learning Through Homeschooling
• Pam's experience homeschooling her children from preschool through high school.
• The concept of "redeeming" one's own education as a homeschooling parent.
• Developing Independence and Planning Skills
• The importance of teaching kids independence in setting up and organizing their school day.
• The idea that independence is a muscle that needs gradual strengthening, not a switch.
• Tools and Techniques for Planning
• Using checklists and "Sarah McKenzie's spiral notebook" for tracking daily tasks, even before children can read.
• Benefits of lists/checklists in reducing decision fatigue for both kids and parents.
• Transition to weekly lists as kids mature, allowing more flexibility in how kids schedule their work.
• Adjusting planning approaches for each child based on their preferences and capabilities.
• Time Management and Overcoming Overwhelm
• Teaching children to estimate how long tasks will take and tracking actual times.
• Dealing with "this will take forever" feelings and procrastination.
• Using timers (e.g., 20-minute work blocks) to encourage focus and reduce overwhelm.
• The myth of "one right way" for planning and organization; acknowledging various effective approaches.

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Social Skills & Executive Functioning
• Homeschool Daily Setup: Parental Planning Guide
• Pam Barnhill's Website
• Episode 10: Streamlining Your Space: Organizing for Better Executive Functioning
• Episode 11: Exploring Unique Learning Paths in Homeschooling with Guest Amy Bodkin
• Episode 12: Executive Functioning in Homeschooling: A Teenager's Experience with Organization and Planning
• Episode 42: Executive Functioning Skills for Families: Holiday Edition
• Episode 67: Setting Up A Homeschool Day

Connect With Our Guest, Pam Barnhill

Pam Barnhill believes that you don't have to sacrifice relationships to homeschool strong. An award-winning educator, former journalist, and now homeschooling mom, she has a knack for breaking down big tasks into small, manageable steps and getting to the heart of the stories her listeners want to hear.

She is the host of the popular podcast Homeschool Better Together and the author of three homeschooling books, including: Better Together: Strengthen Your Family, Simplify Your Homeschool, and Savor the Subjects that Matter Most and Plan Your Year: Homeschool Planning for Purpose and Peace. Pam lives in the Deep South with her husband of thirty-one years, three (mostly) awesome kids, and the dog dynamic duo. You can find her online at pambarnhill.com.

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

I sat down with Ryan, who is a lifelong artist, educator, and founder of faith-based art initiatives, including Shako Art Space, the Maker Institute of Studio Art and Theology, and Made Makers—a K-12 online art curriculum rooted in theology.

Ryan shares his inspiring journey from a childhood shaped by art as a means of self-expression and healing, to leading art education at the country's top public art school, and ultimately, designing resources to empower homeschoolers and families everywhere. We explore the profound ways that art influences our brains, builds executive functioning skills like persistence and flexibility, and helps us make meaning from the world around us.

We'll dig into why creativity is inherent in all of us, how to nurture it in children (and ourselves!), and embracing the process over perfection—whether your child is pointing to someone else as "the artist" in the room or discovering their own unique spark through baking, building, or problem-solving. Plus, Ryan offers practical advice and fresh perspectives for parents wanting to cultivate expressive, curious, and resilient learners at home. Get ready to rethink what art means—beyond the paintbrush, beyond the outcome, and into the heart of how we learn, grow, and flourish.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Brief account of Ryan's personal and professional background in art
• Childhood interest and affirmation in art
• Art as a coping mechanism in a difficult family environment
• Education (BA, MA, MFA); 17 years teaching at VCU
• Founding of Shako Art Space, Maker Institute, and Made Makers (Christian art curriculum)
• Ryan's Perspective on What Art Is
• Challenging the narrow definition of art as just expression or creativity
• Importance of combining art, design, and craft as interconnected
• Art, design, and craft as pervasive in everyday life
• Examples: design of household objects, typography, music, architecture
• Imagination, Creativity, and the Making Process
• Debunking the myth that only some people are creative
• Imagination as synthesizing what you know with new possibilities
• Creativity as rooted in prior knowledge and context
• Everyday examples of imagination in problem-solving (e.g., pouring coffee, driving)
• Value of play, risk-taking, and freedom from perfectionism in creative processes
• Supporting Children's Creativity and Executive Functioning
• Addressing perfectionism and its root in self-protection rather than the process
• The importance of process over product in creative education
• Executive functioning skills in art: Flexibility, time management, task initiation, emotional regulation, prior knowledge, impulse control, self-monitoring
• Typical reinforcement of perfectionism in schools (praising realism, narrow definitions of creativity)
• Broader vision for making and creative knowledge in children
• Value of imparting knowledge as a means of growth and blessing for others
• Balancing Structure and Flow in Learning
• Setting big-picture goals for children's growth each year
• Using larger family and life purposes as reference points to manage structure versus creative flow
• Practical Tips for Encouraging Creativity at Home
• Broadening the definition of art to uncover creativity in various domains Looking for and naming creative behavior in non-traditional areas (baking, engineering, sports, fashion)
• The Value of Creativity for Today's Children Real-life story: an "at-risk" student flourishes academically through art
• Art as a serious, knowable subject—not just a freeform activity
• The arts as an entry point to learning and self-understanding
• Art fostering optimism, encouragement, and persistence
• Building intrinsic knowledge, perseverance, and curiosity for lifelong growth

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Social Skills & Executive Functioning
• Gratitude Builds Flexibility For Executive Function
• Made Makers Christian Art Education
• Maker Institute Of Studio Art And Theology
• Episode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseverance
• Episode 15: From Morning to Night: Incorporating Social Emotional Learning in Homeschool
• Episode 27: Preserving Childhood in a Digital World: Greta Eskridge's Expertise for Families
• Episode 46: Navigating Homeschool Priorities with Amy Sloan: From Family Dynamics to Crisis Management

Connect With Our Guest, Ryan Lauterio

Ryan is a Christian conservative, multi-award-winning studio artist and educator whose work has been recognized with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for his induction into the Palmdale High School Hall of Fame. Ryan's professional journey weaves through the dynamic realms of painting, drawing, studio methods, curating, and deeply exploring the intersection of art and theology with over 30 years of experience.

Ryan boasts a substantial academic foundation, earning both a B.A. and an M.A. in Studio Art from CSU Sacramento, followed by an MFA in Painting and Printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Complementing his extensive art education, Ryan's theological understanding has been profoundly shaped by three years of rigorous in-house pastoral training at Remnant Church. He served as the Pastor for Art and Culture there from 2014 to 2020, a role that significantly enhanced his ability to weave his faith seamlessly into his artistic pursuits. Ryan is an Associate for Christian Art and Aesthetics at the Cantaro Institute in Niagara Canada.

Ryan has 30 years dedicated to teaching, enriching the lives of his students, and fostering a dynamic learning environment. His comprehensive background and dedication to art education make him a pivotal figure in academic and artistic communities.

Ryan is the founder and Director of Shockoe Artspace in Richmond, VA, an art gallery that has become a hub for local and nationally recognized artists since its inception. Ryan has exhibited his work widely, including the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and the Taubman Museum of Art. His artworks, celebrated for their depth and complexity, have been featured in prestigious publications like New American Paintings and Image Journal. They are cherished parts of private and public collections, such as that of Capital One. His written and visual work and insights were recently highlighted in "A Prophet in the Darkness: Exploring Theology in the Art of Georges Rouault," published as part of IVP's Studies in Theology and the Arts series.

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

We unravel what executive functioning really means (hint: it's all about self-cueing from the inside out), explore how it underpins our ability to learn and accomplish everyday tasks, and examine its powerful connection to literacy. Tera shares her unique journey across disciplines—spanning neuroscience, psychology, occupational therapy, and more—which led her to develop innovative frameworks and a cognitive processing model now making waves in the field.

You'll also hear practical strategies for parents and educators, including how to foster working memory at home, support literacy beyond just curriculum, and make use of game-changing tools like reflexive questioning. Whether you're supporting a struggling learner, homeschooling, or just curious about how our brains organize information to drive success, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights and actionable takeaways.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Tera's career journey: Starting in French and math, transitioning to speech language pathology.
• Tera's quest for holistic approaches: Education in neuroscience, cognitive psychology, occupational therapy, and cognitive linguistics.
• Development of Tera's personal cognitive processing model through interdisciplinary study.
• What is Executive Functioning?
• Tera's definition: "Self cueing from the inside out."
• Importance of internal versus external cues.
• The role of executive function interventions and how many are overly external.
• External Tools vs. Internal Skills
• Examples of external tools (planners, schedules, timers).
• Explanation that tools only work if internal executive function is present.
• The myth of tools being the ultimate solution (e.g., planners not solving disorganization).
• The need to support internal development rather than focusing solely on external aids.
• Executive Function and Literacy
• How executive functioning underpins literacy acquisition.
• Critical executive function skills involved in literacy
• Impact of impairments: Student disengagement, inability to absorb instruction.
• "Attention flashlight" metaphor: Directing mental energy during learning.
• Working Memory: The Literacy Bottleneck
• Types of working memory: Verbal and nonverbal.
• Verbal working memory as an initial step in phonics and reading.
• The developmental trajectory of working memory (not fully developed until mid-teens).
• Curriculum misalignments: Demanding more from working memory than a child might currently manage (e.g., CVC words).
• Identifying Executive Function Challenges in Literacy
• Signs of processing issues: Relearning phonics, stalled progress, rapid forgetting.
• Recommendations to seek professional assessment for accurate diagnosis.
• Importance of individualized approaches rather than rigidly sticking to curriculum tools.
• Practical Executive Function Activities
• Adjusting starting points to match the child's capacity (one or two sounds, not just three-letter words).
• Mention of specific programs (e.g., LiPS program, Phoneme Sequencing Program) and their techniques.
• Supporting Working Memory Throughout the Day
• The link between working memory, planning, and life skills.
• Importance for children with anxiety: Using mental rehearsal to reduce uncertainty.
• Role of Sensory Experience in Nonverbal Working Memory
• How the brain creates internal maps through sensory experiences.
• Play as critical for wiring nonverbal working memory—why screen-based learning can be limiting.
• Discussion of the brain's eight sensory systems (including proprioception, vestibular, and interoception).
• Integrating Multi-disciplinary Insights
• Tera's expertise combines OT, SLP, neuroscience, psychology, and linguistics.
• Bringing together disparate concepts for parents to understand executive function holistically.

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Gratitude Builds Flexibility For Executive Function
• Tera's Website
• Tera's Book & Resources
• Tera's Online Community
• Connect With Tera On Instagram
• Connect With Tera On Facebook

Connect With Our Guest, Tera Sumpter

Tera Sumpter, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the author of the internationally best-selling book, The Seeds of Learning and founder of Seeds of Learning, LLC, a private practice in Cleveland, Ohio specializing in executive function, reading, speech, language, writing, and other pediatric learning challenges. She leads a global online community for professionals and families focused on executive function, presents her cognitive processing model nationally and internationally, and creates practical EF resources for professionals and parents. Tera is an adjunct instructor

We unravel what executive functioning really means (hint: it's all about self-cueing from the inside out), explore how it underpins our ability to learn and accomplish everyday tasks, and examine its powerful connection to literacy. Tera shares her unique journey across disciplines—spanning neuroscience, psychology, occupational therapy, and more—which led her to develop innovative frameworks and a cognitive processing model now making waves in the field.

You'll also hear practical strategies for parents and educators, including how to foster working memory at home, support literacy beyond just curriculum, and make use of game-changing tools like reflexive questioning. Whether you're supporting a struggling learner, homeschooling, or just curious about how our brains organize information to drive success, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights and actionable takeaways.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Tera's career journey: Starting in French and math, transitioning to speech language pathology.
• Tera's quest for holistic approaches: Education in neuroscience, cognitive psychology, occupational therapy, and cognitive linguistics.
• Development of Tera's personal cognitive processing model through interdisciplinary study.
• What is Executive Functioning?
• Tera's definition: "Self cueing from the inside out."
• Importance of internal versus external cues.
• The role of executive function interventions and how many are overly external.
• External Tools vs. Internal Skills
• Examples of external tools (planners, schedules, timers).
• Explanation that tools only work if internal executive function is present.
• The myth of tools being the ultimate solution (e.g., planners not solving disorganization).
• The need to support internal development rather than focusing solely on external aids.
• Executive Function and Literacy
• How executive functioning underpins literacy acquisition.
• Critical executive function skills involved in literacy
• Impact of impairments: Student disengagement, inability to absorb instruction.
• "Attention flashlight" metaphor: Directing mental energy during learning.
• Working Memory: The Literacy Bottleneck
• Types of working memory: Verbal and nonverbal.
• Verbal working memory as an initial step in phonics and reading.
• The developmental trajectory of working memory (not fully developed until mid-teens).
• Curriculum misalignments: Demanding more from working memory than a child might currently manage (e.g., CVC words).
• Identifying Executive Function Challenges in Literacy
• Signs of processing issues: Relearning phonics, stalled progress, rapid forgetting.
• Recommendations to seek professional assessment for accurate diagnosis.
• Importance of individualized approaches rather than rigidly sticking to curriculum tools.
• Practical Executive Function Activities
• Adjusting starting points to match the child's capacity (one or two sounds, not just three-letter words).
• Mention of specific programs (e.g., LiPS program, Phoneme Sequencing Program) and their techniques.
• Supporting Working Memory Throughout the Day
• The link between working memory, planning, and life skills.
• Importance for children with anxiety: Using mental rehearsal to reduce uncertainty.
• Role of Sensory Experience in Nonverbal Working Memory
• How the brain creates internal maps through sensory experiences.
• Play as critical for wiring nonverbal working memory—why screen-based learning can be limiting.
• Discussion of the brain's eight sensory systems (including proprioception, vestibular, and interoception).
• Integrating Multi-disciplinary Insights
• Tera's expertise combines OT, SLP, neuroscience, psychology, and linguistics.
• Bringing together disparate concepts for parents to understand executive function holistically.

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Gratitude Builds Flexibility For Executive Function
• Tera's Website
• Tera's Book & Resources
• Tera's Online Community
• Connect With Tera On Instagram
• Connect With Tera On Facebook

Connect With Our Guest, Tera Sumpter

Tera Sumpter, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the author of the internationally best-selling book, The Seeds of Learning and founder of Seeds of Learning, LLC, a private practice in Cleveland, Ohio specializing in executive function, reading, speech, language, writing, and other pediatric learning challenges. She leads a global online community for professionals and families focused on executive function, presents her cognitive processing model nationally and internationally, and creates practical EF resources for professionals and parents. Tera is an adjunct instructor

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

t down with Ross Forsyth, Executive Director of the National Weather Museum and Science Center in Norman, Oklahoma. Together, we explore an unexpected but universally relatable topic: the weather. From its role as a classic conversation starter to its powerful ability to spark curiosity and connection, we dive into how weather can serve as a gateway for building social skills, executive functioning, and even fostering shared experiences within families and homeschool communities.

Ross shares his personal journey and the story behind the National Weather Museum, revealing how weather brings together people with different interests—whether it's science, photography, music, or even aviation. He explains how their Weather Kids program helps students find excitement and learning opportunities in the weather all around them, and why understanding and discussing the weather can be such a valuable tool for growing curiosity and meaningful relationships.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Ross Forsyth shares his personal and professional background
• Executive Director of the National Weather Museum and Science Center.
• How the museum was founded by his father, a retired meteorologist.
• Evolution from a mobile museum to a permanent facility.
• The museum's unique artifacts, like the thunderstorm-research plane.
• Weather as a Shared Social Experience and Tool for Connection
• Importance of weather as a conversation starter and social glue.
• Weather as a "common denominator" and part of daily lived experience.
• How discussing weather fosters relationships and teaches social skills.
• Children sharing personal weather-related stories at the museum.
• Building rapport through shared, relatable experiences (e.g., bad weather, event cancelations).
• Piquing Curiosity and Fostering Interests Through Weather
• Weather as a gateway to multiple interests and disciplines
• Weather's Role in Building Deeper Social and Academic Skills
• Deeper connections formed as kids engage with weather topics
• Use of personal experiences to express themselves.
• Facilitating early conversations and "ping pong" exchanges around weather.
• Weather in Diverse Areas of Life and Learning
• How weather connects to various academic and creative fields
• Music (e.g., "The Thunder Rolls" by Garth Brooks).
• Storytelling and entertainment (e.g., Wizard of Oz tornado scenes).
• Food supply, gardening, and farming.
• Careers: aviation, emergency management, entrepreneurship (e.g., weather-related products). The possibilities for integrating weather into nearly any domain of learning or professional path.
• Weather as a Real-World Lens for STEM Education
• Weather's application in teaching advanced mathematics and science:
• Real-life examples of thermodynamics and calculus via weather phenomena.
• Making abstract concepts tangible and relevant for students.
• Sensory Experience and Self-Reflection Through Weather
• Occupational therapy perspective: Weather as a tool for teaching sensory awareness (interoception) in children.
• Developing self-reflection and communication about bodily sensations and emotional states. "What to wear" as an entry point for young children to connect with weather.
• The Weather Kids App and Interactive Learning
• Dashboard adapts to age level (basic choices for young kids, more data for older).
• Incorporating self-reflection and shared parent-child activities.
• Executive Functioning and Forward Planning Skills
• Weather as a tool to teach flexibility, problem-solving, and emotional control.
• Reacting and adapting to uncontrollable events (like weather changes).
• Building planning and forecasting skills
• The Weather Kids Program, Curriculum, and Parent Involvement

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Social Skills & Executive Functioning
• Connect With Ross On Instagram
• Connect With Ross On Facebook
• Episode 26: Sensory Safe Evacuation: Preparing for Emergencies with Kids' Sensory Needs in Mind

Connect With Our Guest, Ross Forsyth

Ross Forsyth is a seasoned startup founder with experience managing multi-million dollar projects. He is an engineering graduate from the University of Oklahoma who began his career working in oil/gas field operations, later transitioning to reservoir engineering where he was responsible for over $100 million in reserves estimates. Finding his passion in building digital and technology experiences, he transitioned to software development and led teams to design and build digital experiences. He's worked with clients such as Pepsi, Balance Athletica, Punch Bowl Social, Climate Reality Project, US Air Force and many others. He is an entrepreneurial engineer with experience in the space of Virtual/Augmented Reality and product development. He most recently followed in his father's love for weather in helping to create the National Weather Museum and Science Center, where he currently is the Executive Director.

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

I sat down with Liz Downing, a pediatric occupational therapist from Wilmington, Delaware, whose passion for nature-based therapy and supporting children's emotional and sensory needs shines through her practice, In the Woods OT. We first connected at the American Occupational Therapy Association conference, where we bonded over our shared interest in helping children navigate social and environmental pressures.

In this episode, we dig deep into the realities kids face both in traditional school settings and beyond. Including overwhelming schedules, academic demands, and the increasing lack of unstructured play. Liz explains how children—especially those who are neurodivergent, often feel compelled to "mask" their true selves to meet external expectations, and how this can take a real toll on their nervous systems and emotional well-being.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Introduction of Liz Downing
• How Sarah and Liz met (AOTA conference)
• Liz's professional background: pediatric occupational therapy, hospital-based experience, transition to nature-based OT
• Liz's family background and experiences traveling during COVID
• Founding of "In the Woods OT" (nature-based practice in Wilmington, DE)
• Focus on emotional regulation and supporting both kids and parents
• Defining Social and Environmental Pressures
• Explanation of "social pressures" and "environmental pressures" from Liz's perspective
• Primary struggles observed in children, especially in school environments
• Growing expectations placed on children (school duration, structured activities, reduced unstructured play)
• The adult perspective: cultivating compassion and re-evaluating expectations for children
• The Concept of Masking in Children
• Definition of masking, particularly among neurodivergent children
• Attempts by children to "fit in" or meet external expectations at the expense of authenticity
• Emotional and psychological impacts of masking: shame, energy drain, and exhaustion
• The daily versus occasional need to "wear a different persona"
• Comparison to adult experiences of situational masking
• The Neuroscience of Masking and the Nervous System
• The nervous system's "safe/connected" versus "protected" (fight/flight/freeze) modes
• How masking keeps kids in a protected, energy-draining state
• Physical and emotional consequences: fatigue and aftermath (e.g., after-school meltdowns)
• The parent's role: understanding, empathy, and recognizing dysregulation
• Parental Strategies for Supporting Dysregulated Kids
• Managing after-school meltdowns: recognizing the need for reconnection and restoration
• Practical strategies: providing snacks, space, co-regulation, and minimizing choices when overwhelmed
• Importance of parental regulation to support the child
• Balancing support with age-appropriate expectations
• Avoiding perpetually low expectations; instead, nurturing growth and capacity
• Practicing body/sensory awareness in regulated moments
• Building emotional language and self-awareness in children for proactive regulation

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Social Skills & Executive Functioning
• Connect With Liz On Facebook
• Connect With Liz On Instagram
• In The Woods OT
• Episode 13: Beyond the Five Senses: Understanding Your Child's Interoceptive World with Cara Kosinski
• Episode 14: Outdoor Activities to Develop Interoception in Children with Guest Caroline Santangelo
• Episode 15: From Morning to Night: Incorporating Social Emotional Learning in Homeschool
• Episode 16: Navigating the Interoceptive Sense: Insights and Strategies for Parents
• Episode 28: Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development
• Episode 29: Parenting with Co-Regulation
• Episode 30: Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents
• Episode 49: Connection Over Curriculum: Building Strong Bonds in Homeschooling
• Episode 61: Mindful Moments: Supporting Focus and Calm in Children

Connect With Our Guest, Liz Downing

Liz Downing is a pediatric occupational therapist with 17 years of experience supporting kids and families across hospitals, early intervention, schools, and private practice. She now runs In the Woods OT, a nature-based solo practice in Wilmington, DE, with a focus on emotional regulation and whole-family support. Outside of work, she's a wife, mom to three awesome kids, and a new dog mom to a rescue mini poodle.

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

m joined by the incredible Janine Halloran—a licensed counselor with over 20 years of experience supporting children and families as they build their coping toolkits.

Janine has dedicated her career to developing accessible, effective resources for families, from workbooks and activity cards to evidence-based strategies you can use at home. In our conversation, she shares her personal journey into counseling, why healthy coping skills are so essential, and how every child's way of managing emotions is unique. We dig into what parents can expect at different developmental stages, how the digital age is changing the way kids regulate emotions, and why having a variety of coping options is so important.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or therapist, you'll walk away with practical insights on helping kids handle life's stresses in healthy, safe ways—and maybe even a few new ideas for yourself! Stay tuned as we explore the colorful world of coping skills with Janine Halloran.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Janine's journey to becoming a counselor
• Experience as a school counselor and focus on coping skills
• Development of resources (checklists, workbooks, card decks)
• Core mission: teaching coping skills to kids, teens, and adults
• Defining Coping Skills
• Janine's definition: strategies for dealing with big feelings, thoughts, and stressful situations
• Healthy vs. unhealthy coping skills
• Example for children: handling frustration during play without harming others
• The Individual Nature of Coping
• Emphasis on the need for personalized coping strategies
• Importance of finding what's helpful for each individual
• Developmental and Cultural Norms in Emotional Regulation
• Children's first experiences with emotions
• Emotional intensity in young children and its developmental trajectory
• Brain development periods: toddlers and teens
• Variability in emotional regulation based on age and development stage
• Variability in Coping from Day to Day
• Reasons for inconsistent coping ability (e.g., sleep, stress, environment)
• Parental expectations vs. daily reality
• Helping Kids Identify and Label Emotions
• The importance of naming and talking about emotions from a young age
• Using books and media (e.g., Bluey, Mo Willems books) as conversation starters
• The Digital Age and Changing Coping Skills
• Impact of growing up in a digital era (in-person vs. online interactions)
• Learning and managing social skills in virtual environments
• Emotional regulation during digital activities (e.g., video games, social media)
• Recognizing when digital engagement becomes unhealthy
• Family Communication and Screen Time
• Importance of open communication about screen habits
• Understanding each child's unique interaction with screens
• Aligning digital habits with family values
• Practical Example: Screen Fasting
• Host's experience with family "screen fasts"
• Observations and outcomes from time off screens
• Children's awareness of their own emotions and self-regulation post-fast
• Developing and Choosing Coping Skills Strategies
• Janine's process for developing resources
• Iterative development based on real-world results
• Challenges of implementing coping skills in the heat of the moment
• Importance of practice and early intervention
• Using visuals and making concrete plans for expected stressors
• Post-challenge reflection: what worked, what didn't

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Social Skills & Executive Functioning
• Coping Skills For Kids Website
• Janine's Website
• Connect with Janine on Instagram
• Connect with Janine on Facebook
• Follow Janine on Youtube
• Episode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseverance
• Episode 15: From Morning to Night: Incorporating Social Emotional Learning in Homeschool
• Episode 17: Neuro Affirming Homeschool Environments with Keisha Berry
• Episode 19: Understanding Screen Time Effects on Children's Development and Relationships
• Episode 31: Cultivating Calm: Understanding Nervous System Dysregulation in Children and Practical Solutions for Parents
• Episode 53: Redefining Rest: An approach to Spiritual, Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional Rest
• Episode 59: Translating OT Concepts: Creating a Children's Book for Sensory Processing Awareness
• Episode 60: Tackling Childhood Anxiety: How Occupational Therapy Can Help
• Episode 61: Mindful Moments: Supporting Focus and Calm in Children

Connect With Our Guest, Janine Halloran

Janine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has been working with children, teens, and their families for over 20 years. She has been helping children and teens build their coping skills throughout her career in a variety of settings, including schools, mental health clinics and in her private practice. She founded Coping Skills for Kids to help children and teens learn healthy and safe ways to manage big feelings. She has written several books, including the bestselling Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, the Coping Skills for Teens Workbook and the Social Skills for Kids Workbook. She is also the host of the Calm & Connected Podcast and the founder of the Coping Skills Community Hub. Her work has been featured in the Boston Globe, CNN, Huffington Post, and The Skimm Newsletter. Janine lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two children.

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

This week I'm joined by Dr. Isabella "Bella" Tate, a pediatric occupational therapist and recent doctoral graduate, who shares her journey from New Jersey to Sacramento as a traveling OT. I first met Bella at the AOTA Conference in Philadelphia, where Bella was presenting her doctoral capstone research on the STASI Protocol—a new screening tool designed to assess social skills and developmental needs in youth, especially in group therapy and community settings.

We'll dive into the essential social, executive functioning, and communication skills that children need to thrive, with a particular focus on the homeschool community. Bella discusses the gaps she observed in existing screening tools, how her protocol helps parents and therapists identify strengths and challenges, and why building a supportive team and meeting children where they are is crucial for growth and participation—wherever learning happens. Whether you're a fellow OT, homeschool parent, or just curious about child development, this episode is full of practical insights, encouragement, and real-life experiences to support your child's unique journey.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Dr. Tate's occupational therapy (OT) journey
• Recent graduation with a doctorate from Duquesne University.
• Her first travel OT contract in Sacramento, California.
• Passion for pediatric OT but desire to travel and explore different settings.
• Personal background: originally from New Jersey, journeying cross-country.
• The STASI Protocol Development
• Presentation at AOTA conference: Capstone project titled "STASI Protocol."
• Initial working title "Sassy," later changed for appropriateness.
• Rationale for the protocol:
• Bridging the gap between parent-reported intake issues and observational presentation in therapeutic groups.
• Need for a quick, cohesive screening tool (not a full evaluation).
• Key Social Skills for Children (Developmental Focus)
• Social skill requirements for group settings (relevant to homeschoolers)
• Executive functioning as a core social skill component
• Problem-solving, attention to task, and "theory of mind."
• Reading nonverbal cues and adapting behavior to environment.
• Communication's pivotal role
• Expressing feelings, needs, and navigating behaviors.
• Overlap and collaboration between OT and speech pathology.
• Executive Functioning and Social Development
• Components of executive functioning discussed
• Task initiation, persistence, flexible thinking, impulsivity/safety.
• Challenges of observing executive function in homeschool settings:
• Parental accommodations mask struggles outside the home.
• Socialization in Homeschooling Contexts
• Differences in socialization between standard schools and homeschools
• Mixed-age interactions, multi-generational influence in co-ops.
• Opportunities to build communication skills across various ages.
• Homeschooling strengths: flexibility, diverse groupings, natural mentorship.
• The Assessment Process & Tools for Parents
• Direct, quick, activity-based screening by the therapist (STASI activities)

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Social Skills & Executive Functioning
• Dare To Lead By Brené Brown
• Amplify OT
• Child And Adolescent Scale Of Participation
• Developmental Milestones For Productivity
• The Relationship Between Children's Executive Functioning, Theory Of Mind, And Verbal Skills
• Social And Emotional Learning
• Homeschooled Children's Social Skills
• Episode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseverance
• Episode 15: From Morning to Night: Incorporating Social Emotional Learning in Homeschool
• Episode 17: Neuro Affirming Homeschool Environments with Keisha Berry
• Episode 49: Connection Over Curriculum: Building Strong Bonds in Homeschooling

Connect With Our Guest, Isabella Tate

Dr. Isabella Tate is an occupational therapist. She completed her occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) this past December from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. She has had a lot of experience working in pediatrics throughout her education and life. Her doctoral capstone addressed screening children for therapeutic groups at an outpatient pediatric site and the way she fell in love with the profession was by growing up watching her mom, who is also a pediatric OT. She feels not only do children have a lot to learn from us, but us from them as well, and looks forward to one day having a permanent job with the bright, young minds. She is working as a travel OT, currently on her first contract in Sacramento, CA at a skilled nursing facility.

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

This week I sat down with Tiffany Parsons, a pediatric occupational therapist and homeschooling mom with a deep passion for supporting families outside of traditional school settings. Tiffany shares her unique journey from clinic-based therapy to homeschooling her twin boys, and how that experience inspired her to bridge the gap for homeschool, micro school, and private school communities seeking occupational therapy resources.

We break down what occupational therapy really is, how parents can identify if their child might benefit from OT support, and why movement and developmental milestones—like crawling and rolling are so crucial to a child's learning and emotional wellbeing. We discuss practical ways parents can observe their child's movement to spot potential challenges, creative activities to support development (hint: it's not just about handwriting worksheets!), and friendly, hands-on advice for making therapeutic activities a natural part of everyday life at home.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Tiffany's background as a pediatric occupational therapist
• Experience in outpatient clinics and decision to homeschool her twin boys
• Recognition of limited OT resources for homeschool, micro school, and private Christian school families
• Initial challenges in offering therapy services to families unaware of OT benefits
• Shift toward educating parents and educators through in-services
• Defining Occupational Therapy and Identifying Needs
• Tiffany's broad definition of "occupation" for children
• Explanation of how OT addresses all areas affecting a child's quality of life: play, academics, self-help skills
• Observing and Understanding Movement in Children
• Tiffany's perspective on observing children's movement as an indicator of nervous system and brain function
• Developmental Milestones and the Link to Functional Challenges
• Importance of achieving developmental milestones in order
• Example symptoms: emotional regulation difficulties, picky eating, sleep issues
• The connection between early movement and later struggles
• The neurological connection between spinal rotation, brain processing, and self-regulation
• Simple assessments (e.g., ask a child to turn while standing, observe ability to cross midline)
• The Critical Role of Crawling
• Relevance of crawling, despite changes in pediatric milestone recommendations
• Developmental foundation offered by crawling: proprioception, bilateral integration, ocular motor skills
• The impact of crawling on hand-eye coordination, depth perception, and learning readiness
• What to do if a child didn't crawl or only crawled briefly
• Creative and functional ways to encourage crawling behaviors at any age
• Practical difficulties: shifting focus between near/far tasks, copying from board to paper
• How underdeveloped crawling or movement can impact visual and physical skills needed for reading and writing
• Tips for parents to frame OT-based activities as playful and family-wide, not "fixes" for deficits
• The importance of making adaptations natural, fun, and group-oriented
• Handwriting Without Handwriting
• Why direct handwriting practice is often less effective than movement and play-based activities
• Vertical surface activities, Play-Doh, and other proximal (core/shoulder) to distal (hand/finger) strengthening
• How developmental readiness and explicit instruction should be balanced

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Connect With Tiffany Parsons On Facebook
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Handwriting Motor Assessment
• Primitive Reflexes Resource Guide
• Episode 8: Beyond the Pencil: Exploring Vision's Impact on Homeschool Handwriting Success
• Episode 23: Blending Sensory Integration and Fitness for Better Handwriting
• Episode 38: Practical Learning Tools from a Homeschool Graduate: Sensory Kits for Homeschool Success
• Episode 56: Unlocking Writing Confidence in Children: The Role of Personal Expression

Connect With Our Guest, Tiffany Parsons

Tiffany is a pastors wife, bonus mom, twin mom, homeschool mom and pediatric occupational therapist. She is a 2014 graduate from West Virginia University. She is passionate about educating others on what occupational therapy is and how it can benefit

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

Sarah Muldoon shares her journey from working in school systems, where she noticed traditional methods weren't engaging kids—to self-publishing a series of imaginative, doodle-driven books that help children build core handwriting skills through play and storytelling. They dive deep into the foundational skills behind handwriting, from core strength and visual-motor integration to the magic that happens when kids are having fun and using their imagination.

Whether you're an OT, a parent, an educator, or part of the growing homeschool world, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips for making learning both functional and fun. Plus, hear about the importance of the "pre-writing" stage, the power of art in literacy, and how Muldoon's journey led her to national recognition.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• The motivation for bringing Sarah Muldoon onto the podcast: sharing her products and story with educators and the homeschool community
• Sarah Muldoon's Occupational Therapy Journey
• Sarah Muldoon's background as a school-based occupational therapist (OT)
• Challenges with existing handwriting materials: lack of engagement for kids
• The significance of handwriting as a referral point ("canary in the mine") for OT-related problems
• The OT perspective: the importance of imagination and play in children's occupations
• Development of Play-Based Handwriting Materials
• The spark for creating imaginative, play-based handwriting books
• Realization of a gap in the market for handwriting materials that link letter formation to creativity and story
• Sarah Muldoon's process: self-publishing, using graphic design and illustration skills
• Rapid success: from publishing the first book to creating 15 titles, role of social media in her growth
• Understanding Underlying Skills in Handwriting
• Discussion of foundational skills involved in handwriting:
• Core strength, wrist/hand strength, and their importance
• Visual motor integration and oculomotor skills
• The complex interplay of visual scanning, board-to-paper copying, and neurological processes
• OT interventions: warming up muscles, adapting equipment, building visual-motor skills
• Importance of Play in Learning and Skill Acquisition
• Role of play in accelerating skill learning ("400 repetitions vs. 20-30 when play-based")
• Ways to incorporate play into handwriting practice
• How Sarah Muldoon's books embed playful, imaginative activities aligned with OT strategies
• Modifying Activities to Support Individual Needs
• How to adapt doodling and handwriting exercises for different children or needs
• Example: breaking down drawing steps, allowing for tracing, providing multiple attempts
• Emphasizing creativity and engagement over perfection
• Defining Play and Its Role in Handwriting
• OT's definition of play: flow state, imagination, creation, intrinsic enjoyment
• Linking letter formation to storytelling and meaning-making
• How her books foster both skill development and personal expression
• Standardized Assessment in Occupational Therapy
• Introduction to standardized tests like the BOT (Bruininks-Oseretsky Test)
• What OTs are assessing and why: focus on function and "occupation"
• Using tests for pre/post measurements rather than just "teaching to the test"
• Translating test scores into meaningful activities
• Bridging Functional Skills and Playful Practice
• The rationale behind combining assessment-driven skill-building and playful activities
• Examples of how handwriting and drawing practice support broader life skills
• Encouraging continued skill reinforcement throughout daily activities
• Expanding the Reach: Products for Different Ages and Needs
• Overview of Sarah Muldoon's product line

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Handwriting Motor Assessment
• Handwriting Course
• Doodles Help Handwriting Website
• Connect With Sarah Muldoon On IG
• Free Doodles
• Improving Handwriting Without Actually Writing
• Skills Nature Builds
• Building Fine Motor skills Using Handicrafts
• Episode 6: Harnessing the Great Outdoors for Visual Development and Learning
• Episode 14: Outdoor Activities to Develop Interoception in Children with Guest Caroline Santangelo
• Episode 22: Supporting Children Through Play-Based Reflex Integration
• Episode 28: Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development
• Episode 39: Outdoor Adventures: Developing Fine Motor Skills Through Nature-Based Therapy with Carmela Trejo
• Episode 40: Crafting Holiday Memories while Building Handwriting Skills
• Episode 56: Unlocking Writing Confidence in Children: The Role of Personal Expression

Connect With Our Guest, Sarah Muldoon

Sarah is an occupational therapist who has worked with kids as an OT and beyond. She has always been interested in drawing and loved handwriting.

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

We're joined by Renee Mathews, an occupational therapist known for her innovative activity ideas geared toward kids both indoors and out. This lively conversation dives into Renee's journey from working in inpatient rehab to becoming a leader in the world of school-based teletherapy, where she helps students and families access vital OT services no matter where they are.

We'll chat about the ins and outs of teletherapy, exploring what it looks like for families in remote areas or those who choose virtual schooling, and how occupational therapy can be adapted creatively for the online space. Renee shares her process for developing fun, accessible activities that support kids' body awareness, motor skills, and overall development—using everyday household items and a spark of creativity! Plus, you'll hear practical tips for parents considering teletherapy, advice for building an at-home OT toolkit, and resources to help keep kids moving and engaged throughout the year.

Whether you're new to occupational therapy or looking for inspiration to shake up your daily routine, this episode is packed with fresh ideas, expert wisdom, and plenty of encouragement for both parents and professionals.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Renee Mathews' professional journey
• Education: Master's in Occupational Therapy from Seton Hall University
• Initial work in inpatient rehabilitation and transition to school-based OT
• Experience coaching a Special Olympics unified track and field team
• Move to teletherapy in 2019, especially with COVID-19's onset
• Creation of digital resources (YouTube, Instagram, Teachers Pay Teachers)
• Current role as a teletherapy clinical manager
• Teletherapy: What It Looks Like and Who It Serves
• Teletherapy as an option for families far from OT services or choosing virtual education
• Roles of caregivers, schools, and support staff in teletherapy
• Dispelling myths about teletherapy
• Flexibility: Activities can be hands-on, in different environments (even outdoors)
• Creativity and adaptability required for effective teletherapy sessions
• Considerations for Choosing Teletherapy
• How to find a teletherapist
• Through school assignments, private providers, or online searches
• Assessing whether teletherapy is the right fit
• Activities for Body Awareness and Movement
• Renee's approach to designing activities
• Engaging her audience for feedback on needed activities
• Theming activities (e.g., summer-themed surfboard video)
• Making activities accessible using common household items
• Tips to adapt video pace for varying child needs
• Importance of movement for children

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Connect with Sarah Collins on IG
• The Homeschool OT Teachers Pay Teachers
• Executive Functioning For Teens Course
• Handwriting Motor Assessment
• Connect With Renee On IG
• Connect With Renee On Youtube
• Miss Renee's Teachers Pay Teachers
• Episode 5: Beyond 20/20 vision: understanding crucial aspects of visual assessment in children
• Episode 6: Harnessing the Great Outdoors for Visual Development and Learning
• Episode 7: How Form Drawing Supports Vision, Handwriting, and Academics
• Episode 8: Beyond the Pencil: Exploring Vision's Impact on Homeschool Handwriting Success
• Episode 9: The Impact of Music on Executive Functioning: A Homeschooling Perspective
• Episode 21: Exploring Primitive Reflexes: From Birth to Integration
• Episode 22: Supporting Children Through Play-Based Reflex Integration
• Episode 23: Blending Sensory Integration and Fitness for Better Handwriting
• Episode 24: Understanding the Handwriting Journey: Tools and Techniques for Homeschoolers
• Episode 37: Reading, Writing, and Growing: The Bigger Picture of Developing Fine Motor Skills in Children
• Episode 55: Understanding Dysgraphia: Tools and Strategies for Homeschoolers

Connect With Our Guest, Renee Mathews

Renee is a licensed occupational therapist with a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Seton Hall University. She brings extensive experience across diverse settings, including inpatient rehabilitation, private and public schools, and teletherapy. Throughout her career, she has supported a wide range of populations and collaborated closely with families navigating both asynchronous and synchronous virtual learning environments. Renee is highly skilled in the use of teletherapy tools/resources and has developed original educational content to support therapists, educators, and families. Under the brand "Miss Renee OT," she shares resources through platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Teachers Pay Teachers. Currently, she serves as a clinical manager, providing guidance to therapists and school districts to ensure student needs are met with evidence-based, individualized support.