emotions, The Occuplaytional Therapist, Page 3

New Baby

June 15, 2023 The Occuplaytional Therapist Comments Off

When we introduce a new baby to the family, our kids might hear a lot of the following (from us, or from family members, or from well-meaning well-wishers): “You’re going to be such a good […]

“Not Letting” Them Whine

May 2, 2023 The Occuplaytional Therapist Comments Off

This post has an audio and video recorded version for those who prefer to learn by hearing rather than by reading. Scroll to the bottom for the video of me reading it. Someone recently asked […]

How the Feelings Connect to the Actions

April 18, 2023 The Occuplaytional Therapist Comments Off

It can be really tricky to teach children how to understand the emotions inside of their bodies. It feels obvious after you already know all the emotion words — maybe, depending on how in tune […]

Toddlers & Shame

April 10, 2023 The Occuplaytional Therapist Comments Off

It’s confusing to be a toddler. Toddlers often want to be “big kids” and be grown up (especially if they have older siblings)…but they may also really want to be “babies” and be taken care […]

A Successful Meltdown

March 10, 2023 The Occuplaytional Therapist Comments Off

(At the time of my writing this, my son was 3 years old.) Yesterday evening was the best meltdown we’ve had in a long time. How’s that for a starter sentence? This is an incredibly […]

“Stop Crying”

March 7, 2023 The Occuplaytional Therapist Comments Off

“Stop crying” was one of the most repeated things I heard in my childhood — definitely the most repeated “correction” I ever heard. I was constantly crying too much. And constantly in trouble for it. […]

Survive.

February 21, 2023 The Occuplaytional Therapist Comments Off

One of the most asked questions that I ever get—both in comment form, and in email form. I finally took the time to really write out a very long post answering it. Q: How can […]

Reframes

February 14, 2023 The Occuplaytional Therapist Comments Off

On my Facebook page, I asked adults to share something that their child had been doing that was frustrating or upsetting to them. I then invited people in the comments (myself included) to respond, from […]

When You “Have” To

February 5, 2023 The Occuplaytional Therapist Comments Off

I shared a post about parents asking “How do I get my child to…” and trying to get away from that language, which isn’t helpful for understanding what is going on for the child that […]

Kids Don’t Want To Hear Your But

February 1, 2023 The Occuplaytional Therapist Comments Off

At home… “I want Dad.” “I know.” But Dad needed to take a break for a little while, so I’m going to play with you for right now. “I need a Band-Aid.” “I hear you, […]