Meet Val: Why Kids Should Play With Sticks

In this episode, Duncan Gill is joined by Valerie Bowles, OTR/L, Clinical Director at Direction Behavioral Health Associates. Val discusses occupational therapy, how childhood has changed in the age of smartphones and constant supervision, and why she believes modern children need more opportunities for risk, independence, and unstructured play.   The conversation explores everything from climbing trees and playing with sticks to anxiety, attention, physical development, and the unintended consequences of overprotective parenting. Along the way, Val makes the case that some of the most important lessons children learn come from figuring things out for themselves.   For related articles and resources, please visit www.directionbehavioralhealth.com.