There are moments in motherhood when a quiet question keeps returning: Is this just a phase, or is something more going on? I remember asking that question again and again, unsure if I was being overly concerned or not concerned enough. This post was originally written in April 2015, a season when I felt confused, overwhelmed, and desperate for ...
Sensory Processing Disorder
Training a Child to Release Anger
Sixteen years ago, I wrote a blog post during a season when my oldest child —affectionately called Bubs—was struggling with safely releasing anger and frustration. Reading it again now, I’m reminded of how much growth can happen when an adult slows down, listens, and chooses to train instead of simply telling a child to stop a behavior. Why ...
13 Tips to Navigate the Holidays with Sensory-Sensitive Kids
The holidays are hard for most children and adults. But for children navigating Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism, or ADHD, the large groups of people, over stimulation, and changes in routine can send the whole day into a downward spiral. I learned—many times after the fact—that the best way to help my children (and myself) was to prepare for ...
How to Teach Volume Control: Free PDF
“Why are you using your yelling voice?” “Please turn down your volume.” “I need you to talk quieter, please.” Do those phrases sound familiar in your home? If so, friend, you’re not alone. Those were regular lines in our home when my son was younger. For the longest time, I felt like a broken record, constantly reminding him to lower his ...
When Occupational Therapy isn’t an Option
If you’re raising a child with Sensory Processing Disorder and don’t have access to occupational therapy (OT), I see you. It’s overwhelming, and the daily challenges can leave you feeling helpless and alone. But mama, you are not without tools or hope. While OT is a wonderful resource, I want to share practical, home-based strategies that made a ...
When “Normal” Doesn’t Fit Your Child
When I imagined becoming a mom, I pictured sleepy baby snuggles, first words, and sweet milestones. I didn’t picture the first month of my child’s life being spent at a children’s hospital after open-heart surgery. I didn’t expect therapy appointments to fill our calendar, or for terms like “neurophysiologist,” “psychiatrist,” and “conduct ...
What to Do When Sensory Emotions Explode
Sharing a past post in the prayers that it will be helpful to many. It was the perfect scenario—or so I thought. We had just left church, and Grams was sitting in the backseat cuddling with Bubs (age seven). We picked up pizza and chatted about the fun day we had thus far with family. Once home, everyone gathered at the dinner table—except ...
Simple Sensory Strategies to Help Kids Focus and Calm Down
Have you ever watched a child spiral into a whirlwind of energy or meltdown, unable to focus or slow down? I’ve been there. Whether it’s sensory sensitivity, ADHD, or just an overwhelming day, sometimes kiddos need a little extra help to calm down and regulate their emotions. Through occupational therapy, I learned two simple strategies that ...
How to Teach a Child to Draw
This popular post has been updated from 2010. Bubs didn't seem to enjoy drawing. Whenever he was asked to draw something, his attempts often resulted in scribbles. I knew that at his age, he should be able to draw basic pictures of people, animals, and scenery, but something was holding him back. Bubs faced severe delays in both fine motor ...
How to Teach a Child about Sadness
Teaching children about emotions is an important part of preschool and elementary learning; thus, it is a large part of the ABCJesusLovesMe Preschool Curriculum. While emotions, like joy and excitement, are fun to teach, covering a negative-feeling emotion like sadness can be intimidating. But by naming the emotion and talking about the feelings ...