Growing Strong Roots: an Occupational Therapist’s Perspective on Parenting, Self-Regulation, and Resilience
Lee-Anne Bloom, MS, OTR/L; Oak Bloom OT
7 episodes
6 hours ago
As a mom and a therapist working with families for many years, I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be to raise sturdy children. My goal is to share science-based strategies, real-life stories and resources that can help you nourish those roots so that you and the children in your life can grow stronger, sturdier, and more resilient.
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As a mom and a therapist working with families for many years, I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be to raise sturdy children. My goal is to share science-based strategies, real-life stories and resources that can help you nourish those roots so that you and the children in your life can grow stronger, sturdier, and more resilient.
Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits: an OT’s Guide to a Balanced Digital Diet
Growing Strong Roots: an Occupational Therapist’s Perspective on Parenting, Self-Regulation, and Resilience
11 minutes
1 month ago
Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits: an OT’s Guide to a Balanced Digital Diet
Episode: How Screens Impact Neurodivergent Kids and What Parents Can Do
In this episode, Lee-Anne Bloom, occupational therapist and mom, dives into the challenges of parenting neurodivergent children in the age of screens. She explains how ADHD, autism, and sensory differences make screen use more intense, why dopamine crashes can lead to emotional and behavioral struggles, and how parents can structure balanced free time using a “plate” model of focus, movement, creativity, connection, and moderated screen use. Learn practical, research-based strategies to help your child self-regulate, enjoy screens without conflict, and grow resilient.
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Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome and Podcast MissionIntroduction to Growing Strong Roots and supporting families through occupational therapy strategies.
00:48 – Parenting Challenges with ScreensWhy modern digital devices create new difficulties for children and parents.
01:30 – Neurodivergent Brains and Screen ImpactHow ADHD, autism, and sensory differences make screen use more neurologically intense.
02:20 – Dopamine Crashes and Behavioral ResponsesWhy overstimulation can lead to aggression, shutdowns, and difficult transitions.
03:15 – It’s Not Misbehavior, It’s Neurological RecoveryUnderstanding that children are regulating after intense screen exposure.
04:00 – Balancing Ease and Boundaries Around ScreensWhy screens can be useful but still require thoughtful structure and limits.
04:40 – The Balanced Plate of Free TimeA model to structure focus, movement, creativity, connection, and screens like a healthy meal.
05:10 – Protein: Focused, Skill-Building TimeActivities that strengthen learning, attention, and confidence.
05:40 – Vegetables: Movement and RegulationBody-based play that supports emotional and neurological balance.
06:15 – Carbs: Creative, Open-Ended PlayImaginative play and exploration that fuel curiosity and expression.
06:50 – Condiments: Connection with a ParentUsing co-regulation, conversation, and shared experiences to build trust and resilience.
07:25 – Dessert: Screens in Small PortionsHow screens can be a treat rather than the main activity when balanced with other play.
08:05 – Level Up: Screen Days Instead of Daily UseReducing screen frequency to prevent conflict and promote self-regulation.
09:00 – Expect Pushback and Stay FirmConsistency and adult leadership help children adjust and thrive.
10:00 – Takeaways and Next Episode PreviewLeading around screens builds resilience; next episode addresses screen-related aggression.
00:00 – Introduction
Welcome to Growing Strong Roots. Host Lee-Anne Bloom introduces herself and the mission of Oak Bloom OT.
00:59 – The Screen Time DilemmaIntroduction to the episode’s main topic: the impact of screens on neurodivergent children.
01:25 – The Reality of Modern ChildhoodLee-Anne reflects on how today’s children face constant digital stimulation and social pressures.
01:49 – Navigating Screen ChallengesDiscussion of the difficulties for neurodivergent children and families in managing screen time.
02:19 – Research and Real-Life SolutionsLee-Anne shares her research and personal experience, emphasizing the importance of not just removing screens but replacing them with meaningful activities.
02:45 – The Double-Edged Sword of ScreensScreens can be helpful for parents but also create real problems, especially for motivation, mood, and relationships.
03:07 – The Impact on ChildrenHow screen time affects self-regulation and the parent-child relationship, especially in neurodivergent brains.
03:37 – Neurological Recovery After ScreensExplaining the intense reactions children may have after screen time and the science behind it.
04:01 – Transitioning from Screens to Real LifeThe challenge of moving from digital motivation to real-world activities.
04:08 – The Balanced Plate MetaphorIntroducing the "balanced plate" approach to free time, inspired by Dan
Growing Strong Roots: an Occupational Therapist’s Perspective on Parenting, Self-Regulation, and Resilience
As a mom and a therapist working with families for many years, I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be to raise sturdy children. My goal is to share science-based strategies, real-life stories and resources that can help you nourish those roots so that you and the children in your life can grow stronger, sturdier, and more resilient.
