processing emotions, The Occuplaytional Therapist, Page 3

The Difference Between Play & Fun

March 27, 2023 The Occuplaytional Therapist Comments Off

This little piece of art by Lynda Barry stopped me in my tracks the first time I saw it: It’s so true! And it’s also true that it’s easy to forget as adults and classify […]

A Successful Meltdown

March 10, 2023 The Occuplaytional Therapist Comments Off

(At the time of my writing this, my son was 3 years old.) Yesterday evening was the best meltdown we’ve had in a long time. How’s that for a starter sentence? This is an incredibly […]

“Stop Crying”

March 7, 2023 The Occuplaytional Therapist Comments Off

“Stop crying” was one of the most repeated things I heard in my childhood — definitely the most repeated “correction” I ever heard. I was constantly crying too much. And constantly in trouble for it. […]

Survive.

February 21, 2023 The Occuplaytional Therapist Comments Off

One of the most asked questions that I ever get—both in comment form, and in email form. I finally took the time to really write out a very long post answering it. Q: How can […]

Reframes

February 14, 2023 The Occuplaytional Therapist Comments Off

On my Facebook page, I asked adults to share something that their child had been doing that was frustrating or upsetting to them. I then invited people in the comments (myself included) to respond, from […]

When You “Have” To

February 5, 2023 The Occuplaytional Therapist Comments Off

I shared a post about parents asking “How do I get my child to…” and trying to get away from that language, which isn’t helpful for understanding what is going on for the child that […]

Kids Don’t Want To Hear Your But

February 1, 2023 The Occuplaytional Therapist Comments Off

At home… “I want Dad.” “I know.” But Dad needed to take a break for a little while, so I’m going to play with you for right now. “I need a Band-Aid.” “I hear you, […]

Wouldn’t It Be More Fun…?

December 29, 2022 The Occuplaytional Therapist Comments Off

A few days ago, I was holding one of my children, who was distressed and melting down. We were sitting together on the couch while they sobbed, and then settled down, and then would remind […]