Hey {{first_name}}
Before we dive in, I need a quick favor. I’m putting together new support for parents this year, and I want to make sure it’s actually what you need (not what I think you need).
So I made a super short 5-minute questionnaire about what support you’ve received in the past (OT, parent coaching, courses, memberships, etc.) and what you’d want more of going forward. You can click here to fill it out and enter the raffle to win a free call with me :)
🎉 Raffle prize: I’m opening my calendar for ONE free 45-minute 1:1 call with me (my 1:1 calendar is currently closed, so this is a rare chance) where you can ask me anything about your child’s sensory needs + emotional regulation; transitions + participation in routines (morning/after school/bedtime), mealtime participation, picky eating, sleep struggles, etc. The deadline to complete the questionnaire is January 29th at midnight EST.
👉 Fill out the 5-minute questionnaire + enter the raffle here
Thank you so much!! Your input truly shapes what I create next.
Now, let’s get into something I see all the time 👇
✨ Avoid these 3 common mistakes with your sensory + big-feelings kiddo
1️⃣ Waiting until things fall apart to use strategies
It’s so common to reach for calming tools during a meltdown.
But once your child is dysregulated, their thinking brain is offline. Regulation strategies work best proactively: before transitions, before hard tasks, after school, before bedtime.
2️⃣ Assuming all movement is calming
Movement is powerful, but not all movement regulates. Fast spinning, chaotic running, and rough play can actually increase dysregulation for some kids.
Others truly need big movements to feel organized. The key is noticing:
Does your child seem more settled after, or more wired? Goal-oriented movement activities are so much more helpful than pointless running around. Some ideas include: DIY obstacle course, laundry transfer (have them push/pull a laundry full of toys or a sibling, scavenger hunts with a weighted backpack).
3️⃣ Using sensory supports as rewards
I hear it alllll the time: “no movement break until you finish”
But sensory supports aren’t a prize or a reward they need to earn. They’re what helps your child access regulation in the first place. Think of sensory tools like glasses: we don’t earn them and you would never expect a child to meet their daily expectations without their glasses…
🍽️ Bonus: 3 common picky eating mistakes
👉 Not offering a safe food at every meal.
👉 Offering a new food once… and then giving up. Exposure takes time!! Do it with every snack and meal!!!
👉 Only interacting with foods at mealtime. Food prep and play with food outside meals counts!
Thanks again for filling out the questionnaire and entering the raffle 🎉
I can’t wait to read your responses!!
See ya next week,
Effie
