63. Regulating Ourselves through Transitions using a Sensory Emotional Lens

Transitions aren’t just tricky for kids — they challenge us as adults too! In this week’s episode, we explore how our own sensory and emotional profiles influence how we handle morning routines, unexpected changes, and the many moving parts of daily life. When we, as caregivers, teachers, or therapists, start our day dysregulated, our stress can ripple outward — leading to co-escalation instead of co-regulation. We’ll offer practical strategies for tuning into your own sensory needs so that you can model calm, confidence, and connection during transitions with your kids. In this episode, you’ll discover sensory-based insights and gentle morning strategies tailored for five different adult sensory-emotional play (SEP) profiles:Anxious yet Deeply FeelingWhy predictability is your best friendHow to use nighttime planning to reduce morning anxietyThe power of sensory comfort (like pre-setting the room temperature or using a sleep pod)Playful “low and slow” movement ideas to start the day grounded Unaware yet Deep ThinkerWhy movement and sensory input are essential for waking upHow a morning shower or quick walk can boost regulationSimple ways to weave “heavy work” and connection into your morning routine Scattered yet Intentional and PassionateHow to channel your big ideas and energy into intentional planningTools for making your morning flow (even when everything changes last minute!)The importance of rehearsing your plan aloud to anchor your focus Confused yet Full of WonderUnderstanding sensory-motor mismatches in everyday interactionsHow to use self-talk (“gentle,” “puuuush”) to guide motor controlStrategies to improve coordination and connection through mindful cues Needy yet CompassionateNavigating mornings with postural weakness or chronic fatigueIntroducing the “spoon theory” for energy conservationAdaptive tools and posture-saving tips to support regulation and enduranceNot sure what your SEP is? Take the quiz Your sensory-emotional profile doesn’t just shape how you feel—it shapes how you connect. When adults are regulated, kids feel it — and transitions flow more smoothly. Grace, predictability, and self-awareness can turn chaotic mornings into moments of connection.Join our community!@TheSensoryEmotional_OT on ⁠Instagram⁠@GreatKidsPlace on ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠Facebook⁠Want more resources? Visit: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/AboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, CIMI-2Occupational Therapist, Great Kids PlaceCo-Director, Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMentAnnMarie is an Occupational Therapist and Assistant Professor at FDU, where she teaches mental health, neuroscience, and interprofessional education. She holds a doctoral degree in occupational therapy, specializes in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder, and is a fellow of Michele Parkins.Her background also includes a degree in Psychology, supporting her focus on social-emotional development, parent stress, and family dynamics.A Tribute to Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E®Founder, Great Kids Place and the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of ReferenceMichele dedicated her life to supporting children and families with sensory processing and social-emotional challenges. As both a professional and a parent of two sensory children, she combined expertise with deep personal understanding.Passionate about empowering families and mentoring therapists, Michele taught internationally, consulted with schools, and co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the leading textbook in the field. At the time of her passing, she was writing books to help families recognize their Sensory Emotional Personality styles and discover strength and joy within them.Though gone too soon, Michele’s legacy endures in the lives she touched, the community she built, and the vision she entrusted us to carry forward.