Sensory Solutions for Parents - Parenting Tips, Behavior, Regulation, Meltdowns, Tantrums

Do you ever wonder if what your child is doing is “normal,” and worry that you might be missing something important?Are daily meltdowns leaving you overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure how to help your child - or yourself - feel more regulated?Does all the talk about “sensory needs” feel confusing, and you’re not even sure where to begin?Is your child rarely content, at home or out in the world, and you’re struggling to understand why?I’m so excited you’re here! This podcast will help you understand what’s really going on beneath your child’s behavior and what you see on the outside, with simple, real-life examples and strategies that actually help. Because at the end of the day, you want your child and yourself, to feel more regulated and able to handle everyday life with fewer meltdowns and more adaptability.Hi there, I’m Alison. I’m a Mom and pediatric occupational therapist who has spent over 20 years on living room floors helping families make sense of sensory differences and

Sensory Solutions for Parents - Parenting Tips, Behavior, Regulation, Meltdowns, Tantrums is a kids podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 31 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts Sensory Solutions for Parents - Parenting Tips, Behavior, Regulation, Meltdowns, Tantrums, a kids show with 31 episodes published.

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  Episode #32

  32 Does Your Child Explode at the Simplest Ask? The Truth About Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (or PDA) and What Finally Works

  Oct 6, 202622 minS1

  32 Does your child explode at the simplest ask? The Truth About Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (or PDA) and What Finally Works Does your child resist even the things they want to do? Does a simple "time to put your shoes on" turn into an explosive meltdown? Today we’re talking about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), which many families and clinicians now call a Pervasive Drive for Autonomy. In previous episodes we've talked about sensory versus behavior, sensory seeking and avoiding, and why the nervous system can override a child's motivation to “behave.” For kids and individuals with PDA, a demand doesn't feel like a request. It feels like a threat, and their nervous system responds that way. In this episode, you'll learn: What PDA is and what it looks like in daily life Why demand avoidance is a threat response, not manipulation or "bad behavior" How PDA can look different from typical oppositional behavior, and why traditional reward-and-consequence approaches backfire What happens in your child's nervous system when they feel a loss of control Practical shifts you can try at home: Declarative language ("I notice the shoes are by the door") instead of direct instructions Reducing and "disguising" demands Offering real choices and shared control Collaborating rather than commanding Regulating first, for your child and for you Why your own calm matters so much, and how to protect it on hard days Key takeaway: When a child with a PDA profile says "no," their nervous system is often saying "I don't feel safe." When we recognize and then lower the sense of threat, cooperation becomes possible. Next Steps: Step 1: Join our free Facebook community and connect with other parents who are learning to understand behavior through a sensory and nervous system lens. Step 2: Subscribe to the podcast for upcoming episodes as we continue exploring how the sensory system shapes behavior. Step 3: This week, spend a few moments recognizing your own nervous system and regulation, especially in times when your child may be dysregulated. Related Resources: At Peace Parents on TikTok: @atpeaceparents PDA North America: https://pdanorthamerica.org/ Dr. Ross Greene’s book “The Explosive Child” Child Mind Institute’s info on PDA in Kids: https://childmind.org/article/pathological-demand-avoidance-in-kids/ Related Episodes: Episode 10: Struggling with Your Child's Intense Meltdowns? What's Really Happening and What to Do in the Moment Episode 24: Can't Get Your Child to Calm Down? The Sensory Science Behind Co-Regulation Episode 31: Got a Defiant Child? Why Sticker Charts and Bribery Don't Work and What to Try Instead! Connecting with Us! Connect on FB -> Join our Free Facebook Community Podcast -> Sensory Solutions for Parents Instagram -> @SensorySolutionsforParents DISCLAIMER This podcast, Sensory Solutions for Parents, is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, occupational therapy, or other professional advice. The host is a licensed occupational therapist; however, the information shared in this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific child or situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and Alison Foura, PhD, OTR/L. Any strategies, ideas, or suggestions shared are offered as general support for parents and caregivers and should be used at your own discretion, with consideration for your child’s individual needs and your family’s values. Always seek the guidance of your child’s pediatrician, occupational therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your child’s development, behavior, or health. This podcast may also include personal experiences and, at times, faith-based perspectives. These are shared as part of Alison’s personal and professional lens and are not intended to replace individualized care or professional guidance.

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  Episode #31

  31 Got a Defiant Child? Why Sticker Charts and Bribery Don't Work and What to Try Instead!

  Sep 29, 202622 minS1

  Got a Defiant Child? Why Sticker Charts and Bribery Don't Work and What to Try Instead! Your child isn’t choosing to misbehave, their nervous system might be overriding their motivation to do the right thing in that moment. In this episode, we’re breaking down why "they know better" so often falls apart in the moment it matters, what's actually happening in a child's brain during a meltdown or a power struggle, and why sticker charts and consequences fail when a child's nervous system has already taken the wheel. In this episode, you'll learn: · Why motivation isn't the problem when your child "won't" listen — and what actually is · The difference between a fight-or-flight meltdown and a freeze/shutdown response, and why both can look like defiance · How to shift from "won't" to "can't right now" without dropping your boundaries · Practical, sensory-first strategies: co-regulating before correcting, catching dysregulation early, and teaching skills only once your child is calm enough to learn Next Steps: Step 1: Join our free Facebook community and connect with other parents who are learning to understand behavior through a sensory and nervous system lens. Step 2: Subscribe to the podcast for upcoming episodes in the Sensory Solutions Framework series as we continue exploring how the sensory system shapes behavior. Step 3: This week, spend a few moments recognizing your own nervous system and regulation, especially in times when your child may be dysregulated. Related Resources: Dr. Ross Greene: https://drrossgreene.com There are also additional free resources on the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) approach and the idea that "kids do well if they can." https://livesinthebalance.org Related Episodes: Episode 10: Struggling with Your Child's Intense Meltdowns? What's Really Happening and What to Do in the Moment Episode 13: Why Your Toddler Falls Apart After Daycare (And What to Do About It!) Episode 22: Does Your Child Have a Behavior Problem…or a Skill Problem? The 5 Skills Behind Better Behavior that Every Parent Needs to Know Connecting with Us! Connect on FB -> Join our Free Facebook Community Podcast -> Sensory Solutions for Parents Instagram -> @SensorySolutionsforParents DISCLAIMER This podcast, Sensory Solutions for Parents, is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, occupational therapy, or other professional advice. The host is a licensed occupational therapist; however, the information shared in this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific child or situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and Alison Foura, PhD, OTR/L. Any strategies, ideas, or suggestions shared are offered as general support for parents and caregivers and should be used at your own discretion, with consideration for your child’s individual needs and your family’s values. Always seek the guidance of your child’s pediatrician, occupational therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your child’s development, behavior, or health. This podcast may also include personal experiences and, at times, faith-based perspectives. These are shared as part of Alison’s personal and professional lens and are not intended to replace individualized care or professional guidance.

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  Episode #30

  30 Why 'Just Take a Bite' Doesn't Work for Extremely Picky Eaters (And What To Do Instead!)

  Sep 22, 202619 minS1

  Episode 30 Why 'Just Take a Bite' Doesn't Work for Extremely Picky Eaters (And What To Do Instead!) Last time, we talked about why toddler picky eating is usually just development doing its job. But what about the kids who don't grow out of it — the five-food kids, the kids who gag at the sight of a new food before a bite ever happens? In this episode, we go a layer deeper into extreme picky eating. You'll learn why eating isn't one single skill but a whole sequence of smaller skills, and why jumping straight to "just take a bite" skips many of the steps most kids haven't built yet. We'll also talk about two things that get overlooked constantly - how your child's body is positioned at the table, and the mealtime environment around them. In this episode, you'll learn: Why extreme picky eating is different from typical toddler pickiness Why a new food can genuinely register as a threat to a child's nervous system Why proper seating and the right environment frees things up in your child’s body for the harder work of trying new foods Simple environment adjustments that reduce the sensory load at the table, without changing the food at all The goal isn't to get your child eating everything overnight. It's to recognize that touching, smelling, or simply tolerating a new food on the plate is real progress, and that setting up their body and environment to succeed matters just as much as any food strategy. Resources Mentioned: Link to the Nutrients article on neophobia Dr. Kay Toomey’s SOS Approach to Feeding Next Steps: Step 1: Join our free Facebook community and connect with other parents who are learning to understand behavior through a sensory and nervous system lens. Step 2: Subscribe to the podcast for upcoming episodes. Step 3: This week, offer one new food with zero pressure to eat it — just let it sit on the plate next to something familiar, and see what happens. Related Episodes Episode 2: Messy Play Meltdowns! Why Some Kids Struggle with Getting Their Hands Messy Episode 8: Do mealtimes feel like you're wrangling kittens!? How positioning and body awareness impact a child's ability to sit for mealtime and what to do about it! Episode 24: Can't Get Your Child to Calm Down? The Sensory Science Behind Co-Regulation Episode 29: Is Your Toddler a Picky Eater? 5 Things to Try Today to Make Mealtimes Easier Connecting with Us! Connect on FB -> Join our Free Facebook Community Podcast -> Sensory Solutions for Parents Instagram -> @SensorySolutionsforParents DISCLAIMER This podcast, Sensory Solutions for Parents, is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, occupational therapy, or other professional advice. The host is a licensed occupational therapist; however, the information shared in this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific child or situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and Alison Foura, PhD, OTR/L. Any strategies, ideas, or suggestions shared are offered as general support for parents and caregivers and should be used at your own discretion, with consideration for your child's individual needs and your family's values. Always seek the guidance of your child's pediatrician, occupational therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your child's development, behavior, or health. This podcast may also include personal experiences and, at times, faith-based perspectives. These are shared as part of Alison's personal and professional lens and are not intended to replace individualized care or professional guidance.

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  Episode #29

  29 Is Mealtime a Battle with Your Picky Eater? 5 Things to Try Today to Help Make Mealtimes Easier!

  Sep 16, 202616 minS1

  Episode 29 Is Mealtime a Battle with Your Picky Eater? 5 Things to Try Today to Help Make Mealtimes Easier! Your toddler used to eat everything. Now dinner is beige, the sandwich has to be cut just right, and yesterday's favorite food is suddenly "yucky." If mealtimes have turned into a nightly battle, you're not imagining it — and you didn't cause it. In this episode we’re talking about why toddlers get so “picky” with their eating and why this is one of the most normal, predictable stages of development. We’ll also discuss what's typical picky eating vs. what's worth mentioning to your pediatrician, why pressuring your toddler to "just try one bite" almost always backfires and 5 practical strategies you can start using at tonight's dinner! The goal isn't to win every meal. It's to keep food a calm, low-pressure part of your toddler's day, so curiosity has room to grow over time. Resources Mentioned: Link to the Nutrients article on neophobia Next Steps: Step 1: Join our free Facebook community and connect with other parents who are learning to understand behavior through a sensory and nervous system lens. Step 2: Subscribe to the podcast for upcoming episodes. Step 3: This week, offer one new food with zero pressure to eat it — just let it sit on the plate next to something familiar, and see what happens. Related Episodes Episode 2: Messy Play Meltdowns! Why Some Kids Struggle with Getting Their Hands Messy Episode 8: Do mealtimes feel like you're wrangling kittens!? How positioning and body awareness impact a child's ability to sit for mealtime and what to do about it! Episode 24: Can't Get Your Child to Calm Down? The Sensory Science Behind Co-Regulation Connecting with Us! Connect on FB -> Join our Free Facebook Community Podcast -> Sensory Solutions for Parents Instagram -> @SensorySolutionsforParents DISCLAIMER This podcast, Sensory Solutions for Parents, is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, occupational therapy, or other professional advice. The host is a licensed occupational therapist; however, the information shared in this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific child or situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and Alison Foura, PhD, OTR/L. Any strategies, ideas, or suggestions shared are offered as general support for parents and caregivers and should be used at your own discretion, with consideration for your child's individual needs and your family's values. Always seek the guidance of your child's pediatrician, occupational therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your child's development, behavior, or health. This podcast may also include personal experiences and, at times, faith-based perspectives. These are shared as part of Alison's personal and professional lens and are not intended to replace individualized care or professional guidance.

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #28

  28 Is My Child a Sensory Seeker or a Sensory Avoider? How to Tell the Difference and Why Most Kids are BOTH!

  Sep 8, 202619 minS1

  Episode 28 Is My Child a Sensory Seeker or a Sensory Avoider? How to Tell the Difference and Why Most Kids are BOTH! Understanding whether your child is a sensory seeker, a sensory avoider, or a mix of both is one of the most useful tools you can have as a parent — because it changes everything about which strategies will actually help. In this episode, we're breaking down what sensory seeking and sensory avoiding really look like day to day, why your child might be both depending on the type of input or the time of day, and how to start noticing these patterns in your own home. In this episode, you'll learn: What sensory seeking actually looks like — crashing, jumping, chewing, touching everything, needing constant movement What sensory avoiding actually looks like — covering ears, avoiding messy play, selective/picky eating, resisting touch or certain fabrics Why your child can be a seeker for one type of input and an avoider for another, all at the same time Why the same child might seek input on some days and avoid it on others, depending on their nervous system's capacity that day How knowing your child's pattern helps you choose strategies that actually work, instead of guessing Why "too much" and "too little" can look identical from the outside, even though your child needs the opposite response The goal isn't to put your child in a permanent box labeled "seeker" or "avoider." It's to start noticing their patterns so you can respond to what their nervous system actually needs, in that moment — not what worked yesterday, or what worked for someone else's child. Next Steps: Step 1: Join our free Facebook community and connect with other parents who are learning to understand behavior through a sensory and nervous system lens. Step 2: Subscribe to the podcast for upcoming episodes. Step 3: This week, notice one seeking behavior and one avoiding behavior in your child — you may be surprised to find both. Related Episode Episode 2: Struggling to understand all of this sensory stuff? Breaking it down into every day language Episode 10: Struggling With Your Child’s Intense Meltdowns? What’s Really Happening and What to Do in the Moment Episode 11: Curious About Why Your Child Plays the Way They Do? Understanding Their Sensory Needs Through Play Episode 21: Got a Kiddo Who Just Won’t Stop Moving?! What Proprioception Is and Why It Matters for Your Child’s Behavior Episode 23: Do Your Child's Big Emotions and Meltdowns Leave You Feeling Confused? Understanding Why Behavior Makes Sense Through Regulation and Dysregulation Episode 24: Can’t Get Your Child to Calm Down? The Sensory Science Behind Co-Regulation Connecting with Us! Connect on FB -> Join our Free Facebook Community Podcast -> Sensory Solutions for Parents Instagram -> @SensorySolutionsforParents DISCLAIMER This podcast, Sensory Solutions for Parents, is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, occupational therapy, or other professional advice. The host is a licensed occupational therapist; however, the information shared in this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific child or situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and Alison Foura, PhD, OTR/L. Any strategies, ideas, or suggestions shared are offered as general support for parents and caregivers and should be used at your own discretion, with consideration for your child's individual needs and your family's values. Always seek the guidance of your child's pediatrician, occupational therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your child's development, behavior, or health. This podcast may also include personal experiences and, at times, faith-based perspectives. These are shared as part of Alison's personal and professional lens and are not intended to replace individualized care or professional guidance.

  ListenShow Notes

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