Episode 44 – ’Sensory Processing Disorders’

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-5a2br-13c8f98

Lynnae, a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, joins Nikki and Chad for episode 44 and shares what Sensory Processing Disorders are, what they can look like in children, and how and when to ask for professional help. Their conversation highlights the overlap between childhood mental health disorders and difficulties with sensory processing. 

Lynnae recommends these resources for more information about Sensory Processing Disorders:

Mama OT

Sensory Processing Disorder

Lemon Lime Adventures

The OT Toolbox

Self-regulation and mindfulness; Over 82 exercises & worksheets for sensory processing disorder, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder by Varleisha D. Gibbs

Episode 42 – ’Putting the ME in Mental Health’

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-6f6vd-1398204

While this podcast focuses on children’s mental health, this episode is about parent and caregiver mental health and serves as a reminder to be sure to take care of yourself too. Nikki and Chad share ideas for how and when to check in on your own mental health so you can be at your best while modeling healthy self-care for your children.

Episode 41 – ’Why Threats Don’t Work’

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-xzyts-138744f

Many parents, including Chad and Nikki, resort to making threats to change their kids’ difficult behaviors. Even though it may feel instinctive to threaten to take away your child’s phone or another privilege when they are being uncooperative, this episode is a conversation about why that rarely works and what you can try instead. Spoiler Alert: Threats come from our brain stem but skills and solutions come from our frontal lobe!

Episode 38 – ’Therapy vs. Medication

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-nucc6-135202e

The title of this episode might be how many people look at therapy and medication in the treatment of mental health symptoms: see a therapist or take medicine, which is better? In reality though, it doesn’t have to be one over the other. Therapy and medication together are often the best way to treat mental health conditions at any age. Chad and Nikki discuss when to consider psychotropic medication, when not to consider them, and other important information to keep in mind when making decisions about psychiatric medication. 

Episode 37: Teaching Gratitude

Gratitude may seem like a stretch from children’s mental health but in Episode 37, Chad and Nikki make a case for gratitude being a fundamental building block of raising children with a solid sense of self, coping skills, and resilience in the face of adversity. They also share practical strategies for teaching gratitude in your home. 

Check out these articles for more information about the mental health benefits of gratitude:

Giving Thanks Can Make Your Happier

From Greed to Grateful in 112 Simple Steps

Gratitude: The Benefits and How to Practice It