Parenting with Sensory Smarts

Ever wondered why your child throws bread at bedtime or melts down in a grocery store? Kate Mason sits down with pediatric occupational therapist and parent coach Ivan Hardcastle to unravel the hidden world of sensory processing and how it deeply impacts children's behavior. Ivan shares his powerful journey from therapist to coach, emphasizing that true progress often comes when parents—not just children—are empowered with knowledge and tools. He breaks down sensory processing into understandable parts, provides real-life examples (including why a child might find solace in a cat’s litter box!), and offers actionable strategies for both parents and grandparents to better support their families. Listen For6:41 The Power of Parent-Led Therapy at Home10:18 A Crash Course in Sensory Processing12:17 Behavior vs. Sensory Need: How Can You Tell?22:43 The Bread-Throwing Child: A Real-World Example27:36 The Four Stages of Behavioral Change30:19 Ivan’s Golden Tip: Pause and ObserveLeave a rating/review for this podcast with one clickConnect with guest: Ivan Hardcastle, Parent Coach and Occupational Therapist at Castle TherapyWebsite | LinkedIn Contact Kate:Email | Website | Kate’s Book on Amazon | LinkedIn | Facebook | X