Introducing Growing Strong Roots: an OT's guide to parenting, self-regulation, and resilience

Host Lee-Anne Bloom, an experienced occupational therapist and owner of Oak Bloom OT,  discusses how her diverse career background and experiences with her son’s neurodiversity have shaped her holistic approach to occupational therapy and helping "hard kids". She explains the importance of resilience, creative problem-solving, and personalized strategies in helping children and parents thrive. Listen in to gain valuable insights and practical tips for fostering strong, resilient roots in children.  Rooted in lived experience, creativity, science-based strategies, and 15 years of clinical work, Lee-Anne shares how OT can help children and families move from surviving to thriving. 

Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to Oak Bloom OT and the Podcast
00:28 – Why the Podcast Exists and Its Purpose
00:51 – Invitation to Grow and Build Resilience Together
00:58 – Personal Story and How Motherhood Shaped Her Career
01:19 – What Occupational Therapy Is and What It Focuses On
02:06 – Being Both a Parent and an OT Supporting Her Neurodivergent Son
02:31 – A Diverse Background That Informs Her Approach
02:55 – Overcoming Disability, Pain, and ADHD Builds Empathy and Insight
03:18 – Family Influence and Lessons From Her Father’s Experience
04:09 – Sensory Sensitivities and Real-Life Adaptations
04:32 – Celebrating Creativity and Determination in Neurodiverse Learners
05:19 – Tailored Strategies for Strong-Willed and Sensitive Kids
06:02 – Challenging the Myth of Laziness and Supporting Atypical Learners
06:41 – Embracing a Nonlinear Career Path as Valuable Preparation
07:09 – Helping Families Thrive Through Experience and OT Training
07:32 – Sensory and Emotional Tools as Essential Protective Armor
07:58 – Collaborative Parent Coaching as a Key to Lasting Growth
08:24 – The Ferret Approach: Following Interests in a Screen-Filled World
08:47 – Helping Kids and Parents Discover Strengths and Coping Tools
09:00 – What It Is Really Like Raising a Hard Kid
09:14 – Building Systems That Support Confidence and Independence
09:41 – Refining Solutions Together Over Time
10:34 – Closing Message of Encouragement and Resilience
10:54 – Contact and Outro

At Oak Bloom OT, we provide holistic occupational therapy for children focusing on increasing functional life skills through interest-based learning and family involvement. 

Questions?  Comments?  Suggestions for future episodes?  leave a comment here, contact us at https://www.oakbloomot.com/contact