227 Sensory Awareness & Problem Solving

AMDG. Why do my kids always fidget during school? Why am I always overstimulated by loud noises? Why does my house feel tense right now? Occupational therapist and mom of five Caitlin Russ has the answers to these questions and more. Caitlin breaks down occupational therapy and emotional regulation; easy steps to optimize your homeschool environment for learning; how to emotionally regulate yourself as a parent; how to help your child understand and reframe their own behavior; and why you need to see an occupational therapist right now. 

Throughout the episode we reference This Whole Life episode 50 Senses & Regulation. 

Caitlin mentions the below resources: 

• Raising a Sensory Smart Child by Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske 

• The Whole Brain Child by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson 

• Balanced and Barefoot by Angela J Hanscom 

• Sensory Integration and the Child by A. Jean Ayres 

• Zones of Regulation the concept of labeling regulation levels at green, yellow, red, blue 

• The OT Butterfly, a website for a pediatric OT who has great resources for families to try 

• The Sensory Connection Program another helpful website talking about sensory 

• American Occupational Therapy Association,  helpful for any aspiring OTs 

Related Kolbecast episodes: 

• 167 Sanity & Sanctity with Johanna Seagren of Interior Kingdom 

• 176 The Agenda Is to Grow with Art & Laraine Bennett 

• 188 Challenges as Opportunities and 219 The Upside of Anxiety with Dr. Kevin Majeres 

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