In this episode of Growing Strong Roots, occupational therapist Lee-Anne Bloom explains how to understand and manage aggressive behavior in children through a regulation-focused lens. Instead of viewing aggression as defiance, she explores the sensory, emotional, and communication needs underneath the behavior and offers practical OT strategies for prevention, co-regulation, emotional awareness, and meaningful repair after conflict. Watch on Youtube   Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction to the podcast and mission[00:00:27] Raising sturdy children with science-based strategies[00:01:00] The goal: helping children self-regulate before they act aggressively[00:01:12] How OTs view aggression as a signal, not defiance[00:01:40] Looking beneath behavior to identify underlying causes[00:01:52] HALT framework: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired[00:02:23] Why relationship and trust matter for co-regulation[00:02:43] Adults staying grounded and modeling calm[00:03:08] Using tone, body language, and breathing to co-regulate[00:03:36] Sensory diet activities for regulatory support[00:04:03] Creating a safe space for intense emotions and release[00:04:35] Deep pressure tools for calming the nervous system[00:05:10] Structure and predictability during transitions[00:05:38] Teaching emotional awareness and self-expression[00:06:30] Repair, reflect, and reset after aggressive moments[00:06:56] Practicing alternative responses and role play[00:07:18] Supporting meaningful apologies and understanding impact[00:07:41] Introducing consequences with clarity and consistency[00:08:39] Episode wrap-up and future topics   About Oak Bloom OT Oak Bloom OT provides holistic, child-led occupational therapy in Oakland, California, helping children develop functional life skills through meaningful activities and strong family collaboration. If You Found This Episode Helpful Please like, subscribe, and share with someone raising or working with young children. Thanks for listening — see you next time on Growing Strong Roots!