A Sensory Emotional Lens

Have you ever watched a parent try to comfort a child who is completely overwhelmed — maybe during bath time, getting dressed, or when a shirt tag suddenly feels unbearable — and you can see the parent trying everything they can think of to help, but nothing seems to work? Mom or dad might feel rejected, confused, or even a little helpless. But what if what looks like behavior is actually the child’s nervous system responding to sensory input in ways that are deeply connected to emotion and relationship? What looks like “behavior” is often something much deeper. In this episode of A Sensory Emotional Lens, host AnnMarie is joined by licensed professional counselor and registered play therapist Laura Baldwin for a powerful conversation on how sensory processing and attachment are deeply intertwined. Together, they explore how children’s sensory experiences shape emotional regulation, parent-child connection, and everyday routines—and how therapists and caregivers can better understand what’s really happening beneath the surface. Through a sensory emotional lens, this episode reframes common challenges like meltdowns, avoidance, and sensory seeking as meaningful communication from the nervous system. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of attunement, practical ways to support regulation through play, and a renewed appreciation for the role of relationship in development.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why sensory processing challenges impact the entire family systemHow sensory experiences and emotional regulation are neurologically connectedThe role of attunement in building secure parent-child attachmentHow “behavior” can reflect a child’s overwhelmed or under-responsive nervous systemWhy play is a powerful tool for both regulation and relationship-buildingHow to support parents in becoming a “secure base” for their childThe importance of understanding both the child’s and the parent’s sensory profilesWhy repair—not perfection—is the foundation of secure attachment Join our community!@TheSensoryEmotional_OT on ⁠Instagram⁠@GreatKidsPlace on ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠Facebook⁠AboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, PNAPOccupational Therapist, Great Kids PlaceCo-Director, Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMentAnnMarie is an OT and Assistant Professor at FDU, where she teaches mental health, neuroscience, and pediatrics. 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. Laura Baldwin, MA, LPC, ACS, RPT™, NCC, ADHD-CCSPLicensed Professional Counselor, Great Kids PlaceLaura is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and Approved Clinical Supervisor with over 20 years of experience supporting children with sensory, emotional, and developmental needs. She specializes in pediatric mental health, play therapy, and relationship-based interventions that improve the physical, psychological, social, and emotional well-being of children and their families.  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.

In this special Valentine’s Day episode of A Sensory Emotional Lens, we explore the real first love the brain ever knows: the bond between parent and child. Before hearts, flowers, and romance, the brain learns love through the senses. This episode dives into how touch, sound, sight, smell, and taste shape attachment, regulate the nervous system, and wire the brain for connection—long before we have words for any of it.  In this episode, you’ll discover: Why the brain doesn’t develop in isolation—it develops in relationship How touch and oxytocin support co-regulation and emotional safety How a caregiver’s voice and tone shape a child’s stress and reward systems Why being seen (eye contact and attunement) fuels motivation and connection How smell anchors emotional memory and a sense of belonging How feeding and taste build trust in both caregivers and the body What happens when sensory processing or early experiences are unpredictable Why these patterns are not failures of love, but survival strategies The hopeful truth: the brain remains plastic—and healing connection is possible at any age Love isn’t about what you buy—it’s about presence, attunement, and showing up. The small, everyday sensory moments of connection are what shape the brain and build secure attachment over time. Join our community!@TheSensoryEmotional_OT on ⁠Instagram⁠@GreatKidsPlace on ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠Facebook⁠Visit our Learning Center We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference, into your home or work.https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.comWant more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/AboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, PNAPOccupational 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 pediatrics. 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, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E. 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 Parkins 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.

In this episode of A Sensory Emotional Lens, we’re continuing the Neurological Foundations series with a deep dive into how actions and behaviors are shaped by brain development. AnnMarie is joined by Laura Baldwin, licensed professional counselor and registered play therapist, for a powerful conversation about how behavior is not “misbehavior,” but communication from a developing nervous system. Together, they explore how the brain builds itself from the bottom up and inside out—and how sensory experiences, relationships, and emotional safety literally wire the brain for regulation, learning, and connection. From toddlers to teens, this episode reframes challenging behaviors as skills under construction, not character flaws—and offers practical, compassionate ways adults can support children at every stage. In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why the brain develops in layers—and how early sensory and emotional experiences shape behaviorHow repetition in play helps children process emotions and build neural pathwaysWhy “challenging” behaviors in young children are often signs of healthy developmentThe real meaning behind boundary-pushing, big feelings, and the powerful toddler “no”What “afterschool restraint collapse” is—and why school-aged kids often unravel at homeHow sensory input supports regulation, attention, and emotional controlWhat’s really happening in the adolescent brain (hello, another limbic leap!)Why regulation comes before reasoning at every ageThe difference between fear-based behavior control and connection-based skill-buildingHow to respond with co-regulation, validation, and supportive boundaries instead of punishment When we understand brain development, we stop seeing behavior as something to eliminate—and start seeing it as communication from a growing nervous system. With connection, play, sensory support, and co-regulation, we help children build the neural pathways they need for lifelong emotional regulation, learning, and resilience.AboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, PNAPOccupational Therapist, Great Kids PlaceAnnMarie is an Occupational Therapist and Assistant Professor at FDU, where she teaches mental health, neuroscience, and pediatrics. 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. Laura Baldwin, MA, LPC, ACS, RPT™, NCC, ADHD-CCSP Licensed Professional Counselor, Great Kids PlaceLaura is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and Approved Clinical Supervisor with over 20 years of experience supporting children with sensory, emotional, and developmental needs. She specializes in pediatric mental health, play therapy, and relationship-based interventions that improve the physical, psychological, social, and emotional well-being of children and their families.  A Tribute to Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E® Founder, Great Kids Place and the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of ReferenceMichele Parkins 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.

In today’s episode, occupational therapist AnnMarie Murphy is joined by Laura Baldwin, licensed professional counselor, registered play therapist, and beloved member of the Great Kids Place team. Together, they explore the neuroscience behind behavior—specifically how the brain’s structure, stress responses, and sensory processing shape the everyday emotional and behavioral reactions of our sensory kids. This episode offers a rich blend of brain science, practical examples, and compassionate guidance for parents, caregivers, and educators seeking to better understand what drives challenging behavior—and how to support kids through it with connection, regulation, and empathy. In this episode, you’ll discover:The “Flipped Lid” TheoryWhat Dysregulation Looks Like in Real LifeThe Window of Tolerance as a “Staircase”What Adults Can Do: Co-Regulation StrategiesHow Kids Can Learn to Self-RegulatePractical Tools to Use at Home Emotional regulation is a developmental process—one shaped by brain maturation, sensory systems, relational support, and repeated co-regulation. Neuroplasticity allows these pathways to grow stronger over time, but it requires consistency, patience, and grace for both kids and caregivers. Teaching kids to understand and support their emotions is not just a gift for today—it shapes their future relationships, resilience, and well-being.Join our community!@TheSensoryEmotional_OT on ⁠Instagram⁠@GreatKidsPlace on ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠Facebook⁠Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/AboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, PNAPOccupational 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 pediatrics. 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, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E. Her background also includes a degree in Psychology, supporting her focus on social-emotional development, parent stress, and family dynamics. Laura Baldwin, MA, LPC, ACS, RPT™, NCC, ADHD-CCSPLicensed Professional Counselor, Great Kids PlaceLaura is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and Approved Clinical Supervisor with over 20 years of experience supporting children with sensory, emotional, and developmental needs. She specializes in pediatric mental health, play therapy, and relationship-based interventions that improve the physical, psychological, social, and emotional well-being of children and their families.  A Tribute to Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E®Founder, Great Kids Place and the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of ReferenceMichele Parkins 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.

We’re kicking off our new Neuroscience Foundations series—a deep dive into how the brain develops, processes sensory information, manages emotions, and shapes behavior. This foundational conversation explores why children don’t simply “know better,” how sensory systems guide development, and why understanding the nervous system transforms the way we support, teach, and connect with kids. Drawing from the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent (SEEM) Frame of Reference and the pioneering work of Dr. A. Jean Ayres, we examine how sensory integration builds the groundwork for regulation, learning, postural control, motor planning, and emotional resilience. We also unpack neuroplasticity—how the brain changes through repeated, meaningful, emotionally safe experiences—and how play accelerates learning. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or therapist, this episode lays the groundwork for understanding behavior through a brain-based, compassionate lens. In this episode, you’ll discover how:Children’s behavior is the language of their nervous system.Sensory processing forms the foundation for attention, regulation, learning, motor skills, and social connection.The brain changes through relationship, repetition, meaning, and multisensory play.Stress creates maladaptive wiring; safety creates adaptive wiring.Progress isn’t linear—because development isn’t linear.Both children and adults can rewire their brains. Join Us Next Week! We’ll be joined by a special guest who will unpack the neuroscience of behavior—including what’s actually happening in the brain during big emotions, stress responses, and challenging moments, and how adults can respond in ways that build regulation, resilience, and connection.Join our community!@TheSensoryEmotional_OT on ⁠Instagram⁠@GreatKidsPlace on ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠Facebook⁠Visit our Learning Center We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference, into your home or work.https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.comWant more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/AboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, PNAPOccupational Therapist, Great Kids PlaceCo-Director, Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent AnnMarie is an Occupational Therapist and Assistant Professor at FDU, where she teaches mental health, neuroscience, and pediatrics. 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, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E. 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 Parkins 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.

Winter sports often feel different for sensory kids—and parents notice it right away. Children who struggle with overheating, overwhelm, or emotional shutdown during other seasons may suddenly seem calmer, more regulated, and able to engage longer in cold-weather activities. In this episode, we explore why winter can be so regulating, how different winter sports impact the nervous system, and how parents can use a Sensory Emotional Lens to support connection, confidence, and joy—without pressure or pushing. In this episode, you’ll discover:Why cold weather, fresh air, and movement can have a powerful organizing effect on the nervous systemHow different Sensory Emotional Personalities experience winter sports—and why the same activity can feel regulating for one child and overwhelming for anotherThe hidden sensory demands of common winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, skating, sledding, and snowshoeingHow sensory sensitivity, sensory seeking, motor planning, and postural challenges shape a child’s response to winter sportsPractical, OT-informed strategies to help you find the just-right challenge for your childHow shifting from “pushing participation” to understanding experience can transform winter into a season of connection and growthThe goal isn’t to push children to “get used to” winter sports—it’s to understand them.When we approach winter activities with curiosity instead of pressure, we gain insight into our children’s nervous systems. That understanding allows us to support regulation, confidence, connection, and joy, not just participation.Join our community!@TheSensoryEmotional_OT on ⁠Instagram⁠@GreatKidsPlace on ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠Facebook⁠Visit our Learning Center We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference, into your home or work.https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.comWant more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/AboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, PNAPOccupational Therapist, Great Kids PlaceCo-Director, Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent AnnMarie is an Occupational Therapist and Assistant Professor at FDU, where she teaches mental health, neuroscience, and pediatrics. 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, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E. 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 Parkins 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.

In this special episode, AnnMarie Murphy, occupational therapist at Great Kids Place, invites our community to join a meaningful mission: Take Time to Play.This episode honors the life, work, and enduring legacy of Michele Parkins—visionary founder of Great Kids Place, devoted mother and wife, mentor, and passionate clinician whose life’s work was rooted in sensory-emotional engagement, relationships, and the transformative power of play.Through reflection and remembrance, AnnMarie shares how Michele’s joy, connection, and belief in play shaped thousands of children, families, and therapists over the last decade. From laughter echoing through the gym to the deep relationships formed within the walls of GKP, this episode celebrates the heart and soul of what Michele built—and how her legacy continues to guide us forward.Listeners are invited to participate in Take Time to Play Day, officially proclaimed by the mayor of Michele’s hometown and celebrated annually on December 22nd, Michele’s birthday. This day is a reminder to pause, connect, and intentionally engage in play—whether through something familiar you love or by bravely trying something new. Take Time to Play Day – December 22 Take Time to Play Day honors Michele’s extraordinary life, her profound impact on our community, and her enduring legacy of using play and human connection as powerful, healing forces. We invite you to carry Michele’s legacy forward by intentionally making time to play—alone or with others—and by seeing the world through the sensory-emotional lens she so beautifully shared with us all.Join our community!@TheSensoryEmotional_OT on ⁠Instagram⁠@GreatKidsPlace on ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠Facebook⁠Visit our Learning Center We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference, into your home or work.https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.comWant more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/AboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, PNAPOccupational 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, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E. 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 Parkins 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.

November is a month of gratitude at Great Kids Place, and in this episode, AnnMarie honors the memory of Michele—our founder and mentor—who taught us to slow down, hold space, and see the world through a Sensory Emotional Lens. As we gather this month for her annual Thankful for You dinner, we reflect not only on the families we serve but also on the unique sensory emotional personalities (SEPs) that shape how our children sense, feel, move through, and experience the world. This episode explores gratitude for the “yets” in each child’s journey and for the roles we get to play as their supporters, protectors, and encouragers. We break down each of the five Sensory Emotional Personalities, highlighting their challenges, their gifts, and the special role caregivers play in helping children navigate the world with confidence and wonder. In this episode, we’ll explore the five Sensory Emotional Personalities (SEPs) and the strengths and “yets” within each. We also share one of Michele’s most treasured reminders:We don’t have to—we get to.We get to support our children.We get to slow down.We get to notice the glimmers.We get to watch them become them.By shifting our lens, we deepen our relationships, honor each child’s unique way of sensing and feeling, and step forward with gratitude.Join our community!@TheSensoryEmotional_OT on ⁠Instagram⁠@GreatKidsPlace on ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠Facebook⁠Visit our Learning Center We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference, into your home or work.https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.comWant more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/AboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, PNAPOccupational Therapist, Great Kids PlaceCo-Director, Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent AnnMarie 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, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E. 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 Parkins 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.

As we head into the holiday season, many families look forward to connection, tradition, and togetherness — but for sensory-emotional kids (and the adults who love them), this time can also bring overwhelm, unpredictability, and big feelings. In today’s episode, we’re sharing practical tools to help your family enjoy Thanksgiving rather than simply get through it. We’ll explore perspective shifts, whole-family strategies, and support tailored to each Sensory Emotional Personality (SEP) within the Sensory Emotional Engagement Frame of Reference developed by Michele Parkins. Whether you’re hosting, traveling, navigating big feelings, or supporting a child who experiences the world differently, this episode offers grounding, compassionate guidance for a more regulated and connected holiday. In this episode, you’ll discover: How a simple daily practice of sharing hopes, worries, and anticipated events builds safety, alignment, and emotional connection — especially during unpredictable holiday routines.Why modeling apologies, practicing accountability, and using AnnMarie’s family “reset button” can reduce shame and support co-regulation when miscommunications or big feelings happen.The importance of bringing safe foods, protecting sleep routines when possible, and preserving what supports your child’s (and your!) regulation.Practical tips for supporting each Sensory Emotional Personality (SEP) throughout the Thanksgiving experience. Holidays don’t have to feel chaotic — connection grows from regulation, predictability, and teamwork. Preparing together as a family strengthens emotional resilience and builds lasting positive memories.Join our community!@TheSensoryEmotional_OT on ⁠Instagram⁠@GreatKidsPlace on ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠Facebook⁠Visit our Learning Center We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference, into your home or work.https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.comWant more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/AboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, PNAPOccupational Therapist, Great Kids PlaceCo-Director, Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent AnnMarie 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, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E. 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 Parkins 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.

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.

Transitions are a part of every moment — from waking up to heading out the door, from one activity to the next, and from one emotion to another. But while some transitions happen smoothly and almost unnoticed, others can feel like navigating a minefield. In this episode we invite listeners to explore playing through transitions through a sensory-emotional lens. We’ll shed light on what makes transitions so challenging for some children (and adults!) and how sensory processing and emotional regulation come together to shape these experiences. Learn how play can become a powerful bridge — helping children move through change with more connection, confidence, and calm. You’ll discover:What “transitions” really mean in daily life, and why they can feel so hardHow sensory and emotional systems interact during moments of changePlay-based ideas and strategies to support smoother transitions How to reframe daily routines as opportunities for growth and regulationTune in if you’ve ever felt like you’re walking on eggshells during daily routines — this episode will help you breathe a little easier and find playfulness in the in-between moments.Join our community!@TheSensoryEmotional_OT on ⁠Instagram⁠@GreatKidsPlace on ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠Facebook⁠Visit our Learning Center We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference, into your home or work.https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.comWant more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/AboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, CIMI-2Occupational Therapist, Great Kids PlaceCo-Director, Sensory Emotional Engagement ModelAnnMarie 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, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E.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 Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E®, 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.

In this final episode of our Screens with Purpose series, AnnMarie is joined once again by OT doctoral student Alexis Faria, and Geena Gaver, an OT at Great Kids Place, to explore one of the toughest challenges families face around screen time — helping kids transition off of screens. Over the past three episodes, we’ve talked about why screen time matters, what it looks like in our homes, and how to find balance between digital engagement and meaningful off-screen play. Today, we’re diving into what happens in those big emotional moments when the tablet turns off — and how to support kids through them with empathy, structure, and connection. We’ll also explore how transitions off screen time can look different depending on each child’s SEP. In this episode, you'll learn real-world strategies to help you:Build predictable routines that guide your child’s expectationsUse sensory experiences to ease the shift from screen time to playtimeFoster connection and emotional safety in those tricky transition momentsResources & More:Alexis has been developing additional resources to help families and therapists put these ideas into practice. Follow @GreatKidsPlace on⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ &⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠⁠ for updates, visuals, and downloadable tools.AboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, CIMI-2Occupational Therapist, Great Kids PlaceAnnMarie Murphy has advanced training and certification from the STAR Institute, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder. She holds an MS in Occupational Therapy from American International College and a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Temple University.Her background also includes a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, supporting her focus on the neurobiology of sensory processing and the impacts SPD can have on social-emotional development, parent stress, and family dynamics.Alexis Faria, OTD CandidateAlexis Faria is a doctoral student in Occupational Therapy at Kean University. She first joined the GKP community during her fieldwork in the spring, where she had the privilege of working closely with Michele and the team while learning the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model. Alexis is now thrilled to return for her doctoral residency project, Screens with Purpose: Fostering Intentional Tech Use to Support Child Development, where she is leading a series on guiding families toward balanced and purposeful screen time.Geena Gaver, OTD, OTR/LOccupational Therapist, Great Kids PlaceGeena Gaver is a specialist in Sensory Processing and Integration Disorder with advanced training from the Sensory Therapies and Research Institute on the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder. She holds a doctorate in occupational therapy from Kean University. Her background includes supporting children with sensory motor differences, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and anxiety. Geena is also a 200-hour certified yoga instructor and uses her knowledge and experience with movement, mindfulness, & breathwork in her practice.AboutA Tribute to Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E®Founder, Great Kids Place and the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of ReferenceMichele Parkins 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.

In this week’s episode of A Sensory Emotional Lens, AnnMarie Murphy and OT doctoral student Alexis continue the “Screen with Purpose” series — turning the focus from screens themselves to the children behind them. Every child experiences screens differently. Some turn to them for comfort, some for excitement, and others for connection or escape. Through a sensory emotional lens, we can uncover why screens hold such appeal and learn how to guide our kids toward balance — with playful, meaningful off-screen alternatives that meet their individual sensory and emotional needs. Alexis and AnnMarie walk through five Sensory Emotional Personality (SEP) profiles — from the anxious yet deeply feeling to the scattered yet intentional and passionate — and share practical, connection-based ideas to help parents and caregivers nurture regulation, independence, and creativity in everyday life. Whether it’s creating safe forts, superhero rescue missions, or cooking as activation, these strategies help you connect before you disconnect — strengthening relationships while supporting growth, regulation, and confidence.  In this episode, you’ll discover:How to view screen time through a Sensory Emotional LensThe five Sensory Emotional Personalities (SEPs) — and how screens show up differently for eachSimple, low-prep activities that balance screen and off-screen engagementHow to replace “easy” screen time with intentional, regulating alternativesWhy connection, curiosity, and co-regulation are key to balanced routinesThe importance of the “connect before you disconnect” mindset for both parents and kidsJoin our community!@TheSensoryEmotional_OT on ⁠Instagram⁠@GreatKidsPlace on ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠Facebook⁠AboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, CIMI-2Occupational Therapist, Great Kids PlaceAnnMarie Murphy is an Occupational Therapist with advanced training and certification from the Sensory Treatment and Research (STAR) Institute, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder. She holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from American International College and a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Temple University.Her background also includes a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, supporting her focus on the neurobiology of sensory processing and the impacts SPD can have on social-emotional development, parent stress, and family dynamics.Alexis Faria, OTD CandidateAlexis Faria is a doctoral student in Occupational Therapy at Kean University. She first joined the Great Kids Place community during her fieldwork in the spring, where she had the privilege of working closely with Michele and the team while learning the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model. Alexis is now thrilled to return for her doctoral residency project, Screens with Purpose: Fostering Intentional Tech Use to Support Child Development, where she is leading a series on guiding families toward balanced and purposeful screen time.A Tribute to Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E®Founder, Great Kids Place and the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of ReferenceMichele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E®, 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.

In this week’s episode of A Sensory Emotional Lens, AnnMarie welcomes back OT doctoral student Alexis to continue the conversation on screen time — but this time, through the lens of what kinds of screens kids are using and where they’re using them. Building on last week’s discussion about why kids are drawn to screens, this episode explores how the type and context of screen use can deeply influence a child’s sensory, emotional, and social development. Together, AnnMarie and Alexis unpack how screens can both support and challenge regulation, connection, and play — depending on how intentionally they’re used. You’ll learn:Why what kids watch and where they watch it matters just as much as the amountHow children use screens to explore themes of safety, control, bravery, curiosity, and connection — just like in traditional playSensory-emotional profiles and screen habitsHow shifting screens from bedrooms to shared spaces can transform isolation into connectionPractical swaps and ideasBy noticing what kids are watching, where it’s happening, and why they’re drawn to it, we can guide screen use in ways that nurture regulation, connection, and real-world growth through a Sensory Emotional Lens.Turning your child’s screen to grayscale can help reduce visual stimulation and make screens feel calmer and less “rewarding.”Here’s how to do it: On an iPhone or iPadOpen SettingsTap AccessibilityTap Display & Text SizeScroll down and tap Color FiltersToggle Color Filters ONSelect Grayscale from the options That’s it! Your child’s screen will now appear in black and white.Join our community!@TheSensoryEmotional_OT on ⁠Instagram⁠@GreatKidsPlace on ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠Facebook⁠AboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, CIMI-2Occupational Therapist, Great Kids PlaceAnnMarie Murphy is an Occupational Therapist with advanced training and certification from the Sensory Treatment and Research (STAR) Institute, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder. She holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from American International College and a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Temple University.Her background also includes a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, supporting her focus on the neurobiology of sensory processing and the impacts SPD can have on social-emotional development, parent stress, and family dynamics.Alexis Faria, OTD CandidateAlexis Faria is a doctoral student in Occupational Therapy at Kean University. She first joined the Great Kids Place community during her fieldwork in the spring, where she had the privilege of working closely with Michele and the team while learning the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model. Alexis is now thrilled to return for her doctoral residency project, Screens with Purpose: Fostering Intentional Tech Use to Support Child Development, where she is leading a series on guiding families toward balanced and purposeful screen time.A Tribute to Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E®Founder, Great Kids Place and the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of ReferenceMichele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E®, 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.

Screens are everywhere—classrooms, living rooms, even in our pockets. But what makes them so appealing to our kids? And how can we, as caregivers, better understand the way children experience screen time through their unique sensory and emotional lenses? In this episode, host AnnMarie Murphy is joined by Alexis Faria, doctoral OT student at Kean University, who has spent months researching screen time and its impact on kids. Together, they kick off our 4-part “Screens with Purpose” series by exploring why children are drawn to screens in the first place. You’ll learn:How different Sensory Emotional Personality (SEP) styles influence the way kids experience screensWhy anxious yet deeply feeling kids may seek predictability and comfort in screen timeHow unaware yet deep thinkers might find screens captivating but still need real-world movement to stay regulatedWhy confused yet full of wonder kids are drawn to the clarity and predictability screens provideHow needy yet compassionate kids may find screens less physically demanding—and what caregivers can do to balance thatWhy scattered yet intentional kids may gravitate toward the built-in structure of screen-based activitiesMost importantly, you’ll discover practical strategies for helping your child balance their screen time in ways that support growth, regulation, and connection—while still honoring what they enjoy most This episode will shift your perspective on screens from “good vs. bad” to intentional and purposeful. By understanding what draws your child to screens, you can become their playful protector, connector, encourager, or organizer—helping them use technology in ways that support their whole self.Join our community!@TheSensoryEmotional_OT on ⁠Instagram⁠@GreatKidsPlace on ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠Facebook⁠ AboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, CIMI-2Occupational Therapist, Great Kids PlaceAnnMarie Murphy is an Occupational Therapist with advanced training and certification from the Sensory Treatment and Research (STAR) Institute, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder. She holds a MS in Occupational Therapy from American International College and a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Temple University. Her background also includes a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, supporting her focus on the neurobiology of sensory processing and the impacts SPD can have on social-emotional development, parent stress, and family dynamics.Alexis Faria, OTD CandidateAlexis Faria is a doctoral student in Occupational Therapy at Kean University. She first joined the Great Kids Place community during her fieldwork in the spring, where she had the privilege of working closely with Michele and the team while learning the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model. Alexis is now thrilled to return for her doctoral residency project, Screens with Purpose: Fostering Intentional Tech Use to Support Child Development, where she is leading a series on guiding families toward balanced and purposeful screen time.A Tribute to Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E®Founder, Great Kids Place and the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of ReferenceMichele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E®, 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.

With the start of a new school year comes new routines, transitions, and a whole lot of change—for kids and adults. In this episode, we explore the incredible power you hold—whether you’re a parent, therapist, teacher, or grandparent—in supporting children’s developing brains and bodies through a sensory emotional lens. We’ll unpack how the brain develops, why kids can’t always do what we expect, and how understanding their sensory emotional personality (SEP) can transform daily routines from chaos to connection. In this episode, you’ll discover:Why children’s brains aren’t wired for full planning, decision-making, and impulse control until around age 25How to spot different sensory emotional personalities (SEPs) and the role you can play in supporting each oneSimple strategies to reduce morning meltdowns, strengthen independence, and foster persistenceHow your presence, tone, and creativity—not fancy equipment—are your greatest tools for connection The 5 Sensory Emotional Personalities (and Your Role):Anxious yet Deeply Feeling → Playful ProtectorCreate predictability, calm, and safety through a gentle tone and playful structureUnaware yet Deep Thinker → ConnectorUse exaggerated expressions, movement, and humor to motivate and engageConfused yet Full of Wonder → Wondering ExperimenterEncourage trial and error, use “Plan A / Plan B,” and guide with “I wonder…” languageNeedy yet Compassionate → Helpful SupporterProvide physical and emotional support, filling in the gaps to prevent overwhelmScattered yet Intentional and Passionate → OrganizerOffer structure, sequencing, and playful problem-solving to turn chaos into clarity No matter your role in a child’s life, you have the power to shape their experience with compassion, connection, and creativity. By stepping into these supportive roles, you help bridge gaps in their development while nurturing independence and resilience. Try one of the strategies shared today in your morning routine and send us your experiences—we’d love to share them with our community!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/AboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, CIMI-2, Occupational Therapist, Great Kids PlaceAnnMarie Murphy is an Occupational Therapist with advanced training and certification from the Sensory Treatment and Research (STAR) Institute, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder. She holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from American International College and a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Temple University. Her background also includes a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, supporting her focus on the neurobiology of sensory processing and the impacts SPD can have 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 Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E®, 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.

This episode is tender and deeply personal for all of us at Great Kids Place. Just over a month has passed since the loss of our beloved founder, host, mentor, and friend, Michele Parkins. Michele was the heart of this podcast and the soul behind so much of what we do. Her vision for play, connection, and sensory-emotional work continues to guide us, and today we honor her by exploring grief through the very lens she taught us to use: the sensory-emotional lens.Grief doesn’t only live in our minds or hearts—it lives in our bodies. It shapes how we breathe, move, feel, and connect. In this conversation, AnnMarie Murphy, Occupational Therapist at Great Kids Place, is joined by members of our therapy team as they share their lived experiences of grief through their own Sensory Emotional Personality (SEP) styles.Together, we reflect on:How grief shows up differently for each Sensory Emotional Personality styleThe ways grief impacts our sensory systems, body responses, and daily rhythmsPersonal stories from our therapists that show how grief can look and feel in real lifePractical strategies for supporting ourselves and our children through loss using sensory-emotional awarenessThis episode is an invitation to pause, to feel, and to recognize that while grief is universal, the way we experience it is deeply individual. By honoring those differences, we can better support ourselves and those we love.In this episode, you’ll hear about:Anxious yet Deeply Feeling: why grief can feel overwhelming and lead to control-seeking behaviorsUnaware yet Deep Thinkers: how deep thought and disconnection can coexist in griefConfused yet Full of Wonder: the challenge of navigating grief in a black-and-white, all-or-nothing worldNeedy yet Compassionate: why grief can drain energy and heighten the need for supportScattered yet Intentional and Passionate: how grief disrupts organization and planning, and how leaning into play and connection can ground usAs we continue this podcast in Michele’s memory, we hold tight to her belief that connection and play are powerful healing forces. We hope this conversation helps you feel seen, understood, and less alone.For more resources on how to talk with children about the death of a loved one, visit: UNICEF: How to Talk to Your Children About the Death of a Loved OneAboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, CIMI-2Occupational Therapist, Great Kids PlaceAnnMarie Murphy is an Occupational Therapist with advanced training and certification from the Sensory Treatment and Research (STAR) Institute, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder. She holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from American International College and a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Temple University.Her background also includes a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, supporting her focus on the neurobiology of sensory processing and the impacts SPD can have on social-emotional development, parent stress, and family dynamics.A Tribute to Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E® Founder of Great Kids Place and the Sensory-Motor Emotional Engagement ModelMichele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E®, 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.

It is with the deepest sadness and heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of our beloved founder, host, and guiding light, Michele Parkins. Michele was the heart of A Sensory Emotional Lens, Great Kids Place, and a guiding light to so many families, therapists, and professionals. Her legacy of compassion, connection, and play will continue through the voices she inspired and the mission she passionately led. Jenna Hammond, Program Manager, and Laura Baldwin, Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist™ at Great Kids Place, host today’s heartfelt and reflective episode. Laura walks us through the complex and deeply personal journey of grief—how it shows up, how it affects children and adults, and how we can support one another through it, all through the Sensory Emotional Lens that Michele helped us see the world through. In this episode, you’ll hear:How grief impacts children, families, and professionalsWhy the stages of grief aren't linear or universalHow grief is expressed through behavior, play, and sensory-emotional rhythmsPractical tools and language for supporting both kids and adults through lossHow different developmental stages influence a child’s experience of griefThe connection between grief and love—and how honoring grief is part of healing A Legacy of Play: Honoring Michele ParkinsIn Michele’s memory, we invite you to take a moment today to pause and play. Whether it’s 15 minutes of laughter, a sensory activity, or imaginative play, let’s honor her belief in the healing power of connection, creativity, and joy. For more resources on how to talk to your children about the death of a loved one, visit: https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care/how-talk-your-children-about-death-loved-oneAboutLaura Baldwin, MA, LPC, RPT™, NCC, ADHD-CCSPLicensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist™ , Great Kids PlaceLaura is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist™, and a Social-Emotional Development Coach at Great Kids Place. She is a steadfast advocate for developmentally appropriate interventions that improve the physical, psychological, social, and emotional well-being of another person. Laura holds a master’s degree in Clinical and School Counseling. With Great Kids Place’s Sensory-Emotional Engagement Model™ as her foundation, she demonstrates advanced knowledge in the areas of pediatric mental health, child development, neurodivergent populations (ADHD, Autism, gifted, highly sensitive, etc.), sensory processing differences, visual-spatial capacities, parent coaching, family support, attachment theories, developmental and behavioral assessments, social skills, DIR® Floortime™, and Crisis Prevention and Safety Care Interventions.Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E®Founder & Director, Great Kids Place Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

With summer often comes vacations, and it’s important to remember that Sensory Emotional Kids tend to express their SEPs more vividly during vacations. Why? Because vacations often involve a break from routine and a flood of novel sensory-motor, social and emotional experiences. These changes can bring out new or more intense social-emotional responses—some that may not usually show up in day-to-day life. When we use a Sensory Emotional Lens, we recognize that the way we take in sensation and move our bodies affects how we feel, act, and interact with the world. At the same time, how we feel, act, and interact influences how we experience sensation and movement. Tune in as we dive into each Sensory Emotional Personality (SEP) and explore strategies tailored to each one, as well as some general strategies worth keeping in mind when going on your next vacation.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why taking a Sensory Emotional Lens matters so much on vacation How the novelty in sensory, motor, emotional, and social demands of vacations can amplify SEPsGeneral strategies to consider when planning trips with Sensory Emotional kidsSpecific strategies when planning for and while on vacation for each SEP:Anxious yet Deeply Feeling: How to offer control, protection, and predictabilityNeedy yet Compassionate: Building in rest, emotional support, and bravery boostsScattered yet Intentional and Passionate: Planning, preparing, and empowering leadershipUnaware yet Deep Thinking: Using input, movement, and connection to encourage engagementConfused yet Full of Wonder: Fostering curiosity, offering space to experiment, and navigating social nuanceJoin our community!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/Visit our Learning Center We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™, into your home or work.https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.comWant more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/ AboutMichele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E®Founder & Director, Great Kids Place Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

Summer can bring freedom and fun — but with its new sensory and emotional experiences, summer can also be sensory overload, emotional fatigue, and unexpected challenges for kids with unique sensory-emotional profiles (SEPs). In this episode, we dive deep into how to support your child’s SEP through summer’s shifting routines, hotter days, unstructured time and newly structured time.  With summer bringing new experiences, your child may also be presenting in new ways.  It’s a great time to review all of the SEPs as your child may have some shifts within and between them this summer. Whether your child is Anxious yet Deeply Feeling, Unaware yet Deep Thinking, Confused yet Full of Wonder, Needy yet Compassionate, or Scattered yet Intentional and Passionate, we cover specific strategies for home life, navigating camp, and managing parent-child SEP clashes.In this episode, you’ll discover:The unique summertime experiences of children with the Sensory Emotional Personalities of Confused yet Full of Wonder, Needy yet Compassionate and Scattered yet Intentional & Passionate The reasons your child may be more embarrassed, curiously moving and touching more, having difficulty following directions and participating in activities, needing more support, whiny and demanding of you, bossy, and all over the place in the summer Ways to support your child to bring calm, organization, independence, engagement and joy into the summer daysWays your own Sensory Emotional Personality and the way you process the new and different sensations and experiences of summer can impact your response to your child and your relationships in the summertimeTo learn more about Sensory Emotional Personalities, tune in to episode 09. Sensory Motor Systems and Personalities through A Sensory Emotional LensJoin our community!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/Visit our Learning Center We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™, into your home or work.https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.comWant more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/ AboutMichele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E®Founder & Director, Great Kids Place Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

Summer can bring freedom and fun — but with its new sensory and emotional experiences, summer can also be sensory overload, emotional fatigue, and unexpected challenges for kids with unique sensory-emotional profiles (SEPs). In this episode, we dive deep into how to support your child’s SEP through summer’s shifting routines, hotter days, unstructured time and newly structured time.  With summer bringing new experiences, your child may also be presenting in new ways.  It’s a great time to review all of the SEPs, as your child may have some shifts within and between them this summer. Whether your child is Anxious yet Deeply Feeling, Unaware yet Deep Thinking, Confused yet Full of Wonder, Needy yet Compassionate, or Scattered yet Intentional and Passionate, we cover specific strategies for home life, navigating camp, and managing parent-child SEP clashes.In this episode, you’ll discover:The unique summertime experiences of children with the Sensory Emotional Personalities of Anxious yet Deeply Feeling and Unaware yet Deep ThinkingThe reasons your child may be more anxious, hesitant, avoidant, controlling, unaware, a few steps behind, lost in space, inattentive and/or daydream-y in the summer Ways to support your child to bring comfort, awareness, exploration, engagement and joy into the summer daysWays your own Sensory Emotional Personality and the way you process the new and different sensations and experiences of summer can impact your response to your child and your relationships in the summertimeTo learn more about Sensory Emotional Personalities, tune in to episode 09. Sensory Motor Systems and Personalities through A Sensory Emotional LensJoin our community!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/Visit our Learning Center We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™, into your home or work.https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.comWant more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/ AboutMichele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E®Founder & Director, Great Kids Place Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them.

Picky eating isn’t just about preferences — it’s about how a child is experiencing their world. Today’s episode is one that many of you have been requesting — we’re diving deep into picky eating, not from a behavioral or surface-level view, but through the powerful lens of sensory and emotional processing. This topic often resurfaces during times of change and stress — like the transition from the school year to summer — and it's important to look beneath the surface to understand why mealtime can become such a battleground. We’ll explore how a child’s sensory-emotional way of being impacts their experience with food, what their behaviors might be trying to communicate, and how you can support them in feeling safer and more confident with eating.In this episode, you’ll discover:The sensory motor foundations involved in eating: proprioception, tactile processing, vestibular processing, core strength and stability, and motor planningHow different Sensory Emotional Personality (SEP) styles shape a child’s food preferences and responsesPractical, compassionate strategies to support your child — tailored to their unique SEP styleJoin our community!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/Visit our Learning Center We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™, into your home or work.https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.comWant more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/ AboutMichele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E®Founder & Director, Great Kids Place Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality style and ways to find strength and joy within them.

As we approach the end of the school year, many of us are preparing for big transitions—siblings coming home from college, summer camps kicking off, family vacations in the works, and those familiar routines starting to shift.So today, we're looking back at one of our most timely episodes—because it’s more relevant than ever. In that episode, we explored how changes in routine, while exciting for some, can be overwhelming for kids with sensory and sensory-motor differences. While most of us appreciate routine, our sensory kids depend on it.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why routine is so important for regulation and participationWhat’s happening in the body when routines changeThe social-emotional behaviors that tend to show up during transitionsAnd most importantly, how you can support your child through these shifts with confidence and compassionSo, whether you're packing for camp or just adjusting to having more people in the house again, this episode will help you see these seasonal shifts through a sensory-emotional lens and give you tools to make them smoother for everyone.Join our community!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/Visit our Learning Center We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™, into your home or work.https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.comWant more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/ AboutMichele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E®Founder & Director, Great Kids Place Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

Today, we’re tackling a phrase many parents and professionals hear — “This child is not sensory.” As awareness of sensory processing grows, more families and caregivers are trying sensory strategies to help children with regulation and participation. But when these strategies don't work as expected, it's often too quickly concluded that the child doesn’t have sensory needs.The truth? Sensory processing is complex, highly individualized, and often misunderstood. We’ll explore why general sensory strategies might not always work — not because the child isn’t “sensory” — but because the strategy wasn’t the right fit for their unique sensory profile.In this episode, you'll discover:Why and when generalized sensory strategies can fall shortThe hidden sensory profiles that don’t benefit from standard sensory breaksWhy sensory support isn’t just about adding or removing inputA new set of strategies to address dysregulation when sensory breaks and sensory input does not work Why similar behaviors can have different sensory-based meanings and how understanding the meaning can support effective strategies for the behaviorJoin our community!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/ AboutMichele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E®Founder & Director, Great Kids Place Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR. Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them.

In this episode, we explore the concept of Sensory Emotional Engagement and its role in personality development. Our research team is examining how Sensory Emotional Engagement bridges gaps between sensory integration, mental health, and early relational health. The central idea is that personality forms through repeated patterns of behavior in response to sensory and social stimuli. The way we take in sensations and move our body impacts the way we feel. The way we sense, move, and feel impacts the way we act and interact within environments and with others. The way we act and interact becomes our personality style.In this episode, you'll discover:An understanding of how sensations and movement patterns relate to how our children are feeling and acting helps us understand the body-based contribution to their personality style—or their Sensory–Emotional PersonalityHow this understanding helps us respond to them in ways that help us develop better relational patterns with them, and better support their participation and engagement socially and physicallyThe impact of caregiver responses on the meaning that our children place on sensations and movements and how this further impacts their social and emotional responses How sensory systems themselves are related to specific emotional responses How different postures and movement are related to specific emotional and social responsesHow we sense, move, and feel, and how it impacts the way we act and interact - our personality - within environments and with othersJoin our community!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/ AboutMichele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E®Founder & Director, Great Kids Place Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR. Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a common theme many families bring up: kids who need to be in control and have things “just so.” Parents often describe their child getting upset when daily routines aren’t followed exactly—like needing to get dressed in a specific order, wanting food served on certain plates, or insisting the bedtime routine goes the same way every single night.We also hear stories about children needing things in a specific order or setup—whether it’s where they place their shoes, how their toys are arranged, or even how they play independently. This might look like building with blocks in a very particular pattern, repeating the same storyline in pretend play word-for-word, or only using the exact same props every time.Parents often describe these behaviors as “perfectionism,” and it’s understandable why so many start to wonder about OCD, since these patterns can overlap with that diagnosis.Tune in as we unpack the underlying sensory motor components to each of these behaviors and the tasks during which they occur — and how to support kids who feel the need for this level of control and consistency using the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model.In this episode, you'll discover:Ways to expand your understanding of OCD behavior patterns by considering the sensory motor underpinnings to our thoughts and behaviors Highlighting stress as a driver of OCD behavior patterns and ways our sensory emotional kids experience stress due to the different ways they process sensation that lead to controlling, checking, ordering, washing/cleaning behaviors. Understanding that OCD-like behaviors are at times secondary to a need to control the amount and type of sensation that is experienced for our Anxious yet Deeply Feeling kids and what to do about itExploring how deep thinking can lead to getting “stuck in thought” and getting “stuck in repetitive actions” and lead to OCD-like behaviors for our Unaware yet Deep Thinkers and what do to about it Recognizing the impact of pressure to get things right the first time has on OCD- tendencies for our Confused yet Full of Wonder and Scattered yet Intentional and Passionate kids. Understanding why helping our Needy yet Compassionate kids feel strong and brave in their body can minimize OCD-like behaviors. How to respond in a sensory emotional way to these behaviors that could be more effective than the responses you may have tried when considering the thought-based side of these behaviors Join our community!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/Visit our Learning Center https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.comWant more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/ AboutMichele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E®Founder & Director, Great Kids Place Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

In today’s episode, we’re focusing on the Anxious Yet Deeply Feeling Sensory Emotional Personality map. We'll explore the specific sensory and emotional behaviors—essentially the landmarks—that you can expect to encounter on this SEP map. By recognizing these key traits, you’ll be better equipped to understand and navigate your child's world with connection, empathy, and insight. Just as a map offers guidance through unfamiliar landscapes, understanding your child's Sensory Emotional Personality (SEP) can provide clear guidance through your child’s behaviors and interactions. Each SEP serves as a guide, revealing how children process sensations and navigate their emotional world, and unveiling their unique characteristics and behavioral tendencies, shedding light on why they act the way they do. As caregivers, this understanding empowers us to anticipate and respond to their needs more effectively.The expected social behaviors of the Anxious Yet Deeply Feeling PersonalityThe expected emotional expressions of the Anxious Yet Deeply Feeling PersonalityWays to understand avoidance of tasks and social situations in your Anxious Yet Deeply Feeling child based on their way of processing sensationsUnderstanding your child’s experience of being scared and worried about things as a result of the sensations and current motor demands being overwhelming to themUnderstanding tricky behaviors - such as demanding things to happen a specific way or refusal to do things, and even hitting or yelling - as safety mechanisms and how to respond as such to support participation and regulation Ways to respond to your Anxious Yet Deeply Feeling child to both address and prevent dysregulation through validation of their experience and provision of Sensory Emotional supportsJoin our community!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/Visit our Learning Center We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™, into your home or work.https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.comWant more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/ AboutMichele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E®Founder & Director, Great Kids Place Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them.

In today’s episode, we’re focusing on the Needy Yet Compassionate Sensory Emotional Personality map. We'll explore the specific sensory and emotional behaviors—essentially the landmarks—that you can expect to encounter on this SEP map. By recognizing these key traits, you’ll be better equipped to understand and navigate your child's world with connection, empathy, and insight. Just as a map offers guidance through unfamiliar landscapes, understanding your child's Sensory Emotional Personality (SEP) can provide clear guidance through your child’s behaviors and interactions. Each SEP serves as a guide, revealing how children process sensations and navigate their emotional world, and unveiling their unique characteristics and behavioral tendencies, shedding light on why they act the way they do. As caregivers, this understanding empowers us to anticipate and respond to their needs more effectively.The expected social behaviors of the Needy Yet Compassionate PersonalityThe expected emotional expressions of the Needy Yet Compassionate PersonalityHow fatigue from weakness in the body shows up as fast mood swings; frustration and whininess when asked to do things; and difficulty ‘doing hard things’.Ways to understand difficulty with attention and remaining focused on tasks  in your Needy Yet Compassionate childUnderstanding your child’s experience of being scared and worried about things that their peers or siblings are not longer afraid of as an outcome of weakness in the bodyHow sensory seeking shows up for Needy yet Compassionate kids and why giving them more opportunities for input often leads to further dysregulation.  Why your child can be seemingly lazy and how using a helper role can eliminate this experienceWays to respond to your Needy Yet Compassionate child to both address and prevent dysregulation through validation of their experience and provision of Sensory Emotional supportsJoin our community!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/Visit our Learning Center We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™, into your home or work. https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.comWant more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/ AboutMichele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E®Founder & Director, Great Kids Place Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

In today’s episode, we’re focusing on the Confused Yet Full of Wonder Sensory Emotional Personality map. We'll explore the specific sensory and emotional behaviors—essentially the landmarks—that you can expect to encounter on this SEP map. By recognizing these key traits, you’ll be better equipped to understand and navigate your child's world with connection, empathy and insight. Just as a map offers guidance through unfamiliar landscapes, understanding your child's Sensory Emotional Personality (SEP) can provide clear guidance through your child’s behaviors and interactions. Each SEP serves as a guide, revealing how children process sensations and navigate their emotional world, and unveiling their unique characteristics and behavioral tendencies, shedding light on why they act the way they do. As caregivers, this understanding empowers us to anticipate and respond to their needs more effectively.In this episode, you'll discover:The expected social behaviors of the Confused Yet Full of Wonder PersonalityThe expected emotional expressions of the Confused Yet Full of Wonder PersonalityHow to know if your child doesn’t have the just right sensory information or sensory data to use in order to match their actions/behaviors to what is expected of themThe connection between perceiving sensations in the just right way and emotion regulation How difficulty with perception of sensation in the just right way shows up in social interactions, such as over talking, over touching, difficulty with personal spaceWhy you may need to constantly redirect your child and repeat yourself when asking them to do things in daily life  How provision of time and space and having the expectation that it will take your child more time, move moving and more experimenting to do things can support regulation and participation Ways to respond to your Confused Yet Full of Wonder child to both address and prevent dysregulation through validation of their experience and provision of Sensory Emotional supportsJoin our community!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/Visit our Learning Center We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™, into your home or work. https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.comWant more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/ AboutMichele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E®Founder & Director, Great Kids Place Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them.

In today’s bonus episode, we invite you to join our Take Time to PLAY campaign and experience the transformative power of play!At Great Kids Place (and beyond), we’re encouraging families to engage in Sensory Emotional PLAY for just 15 minutes a day. Whether through creative games, hands-on activities, or sensory motor experiences, play has the power to strengthen emotional connections and boost overall well-being.Why play?When we observe the play of children, we are invited into their world of experiences. Play provides a place for exploration—with the body and the mind. Play offers a place of safety and connection. Play allows for opportunities to practice regulation of emotion and regulation of action and behavior.Here’s how you can get involved:Log Your Playtime: Track your daily 15-minute sessions of play on a fun chart.Print Fun Reminders: Print the Take Time to Play logo and display it to help you remember to play every day!Access Play Ideas: Follow our social media for tips, inspiration, and ideas on how to incorporate Sensory Emotional Engagement into your playtime. Plus, explore our Sensory Emotional Center of Learning for more creative activities and resources.​Promote Play: Snap a picture of your sticker, magnet, no phone play zone sign, or your play activity and share it on social media using #TakeTimeToPlay, and tag @GreatKidsPlace and @TheSensoryEmotional_OT!Discover more about PLAY, tune into episodes: 07. A Sensory Emotional Lens on PLAY08. Sensory Emotional PLAY10. What’s Happening in PLAY (Part 1)11. What’s Happening in PLAY (Part 2)Download visual reminders:Take Time to Play Play is Everywhere!No Phone Play Zone SignJoin our community!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/Visit our Learning Center We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™, into your home or work. Throughout, you'll discover practical strategies and resources designed to enhance your understanding of sensory and emotional regulation in your children (and yourself). By understanding ⁠Sensory Emotional Personality Styles™⁠, you'll better understand a child's strengths and weaknesses in sensory-motor and social-emotional development and, most importantly, ways to interact with them in both tricky and great times.https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.comWant more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/andhttps://sensoryemotional.org/AboutMichele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E®Founder & Director, Great Kids Place Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

In today’s episode, we’re focusing on theScattered Yet Intentional and PassionateSensory Emotional Personality map. We'll explore the specific sensory and emotional behaviors—essentially thelandmarks—that you can expect to encounter on this SEP map. By recognizing these key traits, you’ll be better equipped to understand and navigate your child's world with connection, empathy, and insight. Just as a map offers guidance through unfamiliar landscapes, understanding your child's Sensory Emotional Personality (SEP) can provide clear guidance through your child’s behaviors and interactions. Each SEP serves as a guide, revealing how children process sensations and navigate their emotional world, and unveiling their unique characteristics and behavioral tendencies, shedding light on why they act the way they do. As caregivers, this understanding empowers us to anticipate and respond to their needs more effectively.In this episode, you'll discover:The expected social behaviors of the Scattered Yet Intentional and Passionate PersonalityThe expected emotional expressions of the Scattered Yet Intentional and Passionate PersonalityWhy having difficulty making and executing plans leads to difficulty with changes in routines/plans, following directions, transitions, and peer interactions. Ways to understand rigidity, excessive question asking, bossiness, and emotion dysregulation, including aggression and sensory seeking  in your Scattered Yet Intentional and Passionate childHow having difficulty making and executing plans, being Scattered Yet Intentional and Passionate, leads to low confidence and persistence, or refusal to participate in activities, particularly “non-preferred activities”.  Ways to respond to your Scattered Yet Intentional and Passionate child to both address and prevent dysregulation through validation of their experience and provision of Sensory Emotional supportsJoin our community!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/Visit our Learning Center Using playful interactions,The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™, into your home or work. Throughout, you'll discover practical strategies and resources designed to enhance your understanding of sensory and emotional regulation in your children (and yourself). By understanding ⁠Sensory Emotional Personality Styles™⁠, you'll better understand a child's strengths and weaknesses in sensory-motor and social-emotional development and, most importantly, ways to interact with them in both tricky and great times.https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.comWant more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/ AboutMichele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E®Founder & Director, Great Kids Place Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

Sometimes navigating parenthood seems like exploring uncharted territory. Just as a map offers guidance through unfamiliar landscapes, understanding your child's Sensory Emotional Personality (SEP) can provide clear guidance through your child’s behaviors and interactions. Each SEP serves as a guide, revealing how children process sensations and navigate their emotional world, and unveiling their unique characteristics and behavioral tendencies, shedding light on why they act the way they do. As caregivers, this understanding empowers us to anticipate and respond to their needs more effectively. In today’s episode, we’re focusing on the Unaware yet Deep Thinking Sensory Emotional Personality. We'll explore the specific sensory and emotional behaviors—essentially the landmarks—that you can expect to encounter on this SEP map. By recognizing these key traits, you’ll be better equipped to understand and navigate your child's world with connection, empathy, and insight. In this episode, you'll discover: The expected social behaviors of the Unaware yet Deep Thinking personality The expected emotional expressions of the Unaware yet Deep Thinking personality Why being less sensitive to or under responsive to sensation leads to difficulty following directions and routines Ways to understand inattention, impulsivity and emotion dysregulation in your Unaware yet Deep Thinking child How responding less to sensation, being Unaware yet Deep Thinking, leads to uncertainty, hesitance, or refusal to participate in activities  Ways to respond to your Unaware yet Deep Thinking child to both address and prevent dysregulation through validation of their experience and provision of Sensory Emotional supports Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/ Visit our Learning Center  We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™, into your home or work. Throughout, you'll discover practical strategies and resources designed to enhance your understanding of sensory and emotional regulation in your children (and yourself). By understanding ⁠Sensory Emotional Personality Styles™⁠, you'll better understand a child's strengths and weaknesses in sensory-motor and social-emotional development and, most importantly, ways to interact with them in both tricky and great times. https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.com Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/ and https://sensoryemotional.org/   About Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E® Founder & Director, Great Kids Place  Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™ Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

In today’s episode, I share a personal story about the importance of play in our busy lives. Between running Great Kids Place and A Sensory Emotional Lens, and managing the hectic schedules of my kids—who are now almost 13 and 14—it's easy to forget the joy of play. We spend plenty of time together, like sharing meals, chatting during car rides, and reflecting at bedtime, but these moments aren’t the same as unstructured play. A few weeks ago, I decided to intentionally carve out time to play with my son, and it was magical–for him and me. This episode is a reminder to slow down, embrace the magic of play, and reconnect with the joy of curiosity—whether it’s with your kids, family, or on your own. Tune in to hear more about how this simple moment turned into something special and how we can all benefit from finding time to play. You will also hear about our Sensory Emotional Play Challenge for the New Year!  We hope you’ll join us!  Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/ Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/ and https://sensoryemotional.org/   About Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E® Founder & Director, Great Kids Place  Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™ Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR.   Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them.

Recently, I have been reflecting on gratitude, influenced by my own experiences with my Sensory Emotional kids during some challenging parenting moments. I’m trying to “practice what I preach” by applying a Sensory Emotional perspective to better understand situations where there may be a lack of gratitude. This approach helps me respond to such behaviors with greater understanding. As we find ourselves in the holiday season, I believe it’s a great opportunity for many of us to pause and use a sensory emotional lens to consider why our children may not express gratitude, whether through saying thank you or by showing appreciation, particularly when we expect them to do so. In this episode, you'll discover: The underlying sensory-motor capacities needed in order to feel gratitude  The ways that differences in underlying sensory motor capacities impact the experience of and the emotional expression of gratitude How to interact with your kids to get them “into their yets” and help them experience, feel, and express gratitude  Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/ Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/ and https://sensoryemotional.org/   About Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E® Founder & Director, Great Kids Place  Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™ Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR.   Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

The holidays can be stressful for our sensory-emotional children and their caregivers. That’s why we want to revisit an earlier episode and share resources that may be helpful as we navigate the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. You may have noticed some behaviors resurfacing in recent weeks. The period leading up to the holidays and major events can be challenging for our sensory-emotional kids and their families. At Great Kids, several of our families have reported that their children are experiencing increased neediness and are asking for help with tasks they were previously able to handle on their own. We are also seeing more intense emotions, increased meltdowns, yelling, hitting, and avoidance. This behavior is to be expected. In this episode, "Revisiting Tricky Behaviors & The Holidays Through A Sensory-Emotional Lens," Michele and special guest Kristin Ray delve into these issues and provide expert insights. In this episode you’ll discover: Why these behaviors are resurfacing (hint: it’s not regression) Different reactions that you can expect using a sensory emotional lens How to monitor your expectations, emotions, and responses to the situation Overall tips on how to handle these tricky moments  Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/ Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/ About Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E® Founder & Director, Great Kids Place Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™ Michele is an Occupational Therapist specializing in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR, and Sensory Treatment and Research Institute faculty. Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a book to help support parents and families to understand better the impact of SPD on family dynamics and relationships and the day to day demands of life with sensory processing differences. Kristin Ray, MOT, OTR Occupational Therapist, Great Kids Place Kristin is a specialist in Sensory Processing and Integration Disorder with advanced training from the Sensory Therapies and Research Institute on the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder.  Kristin has also completed the infant toddler pyramid model training, which focuses on evidence-based practices for promoting social and emotional development.  Along with this specialized training, Kristin is a mom of 2 young children, one of whom has sensory processing differences, and draws on her personal experience to inform her practice.  She is particularly passionate about the impact of SPD on family relationships, daily routines, and social-emotional engagement. 

Personality is a set of qualities that make up a person's character - their way of being. When we talk about someone's personality, we often describe the way they act and interact. For example, "he is the outgoing one who likes to talk a lot and try new things."   Sensory Emotional Personalities describe the characteristics - the way an individual acts and interacts - based on the way they are processing and moving in their world. Therefore, Sensory Emotional Personalities provide us with a way to understand our child's actions and interactions (their behaviors) by understanding how they are processing sensations and moving their body.  With this in mind, we can use Sensory Emotional Personalities as a map to understanding our child's behavior and how to navigate it (respond to it) through our interactions with them.  In this episode, you'll discover: How to understand your child's social-emotional behaviors as a map and ways that this will help you navigate interactions with them  The concept of co-regulation - how your role in interactions supports regulation and participation for your child The concept of serve and return and how to use it to enhance regulation and participation through interactions with your child Consideration of the map that you are currently using to navigate interactions with your child and when to make a switch to a Sensory Emotional map  Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/ Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/ and https://sensoryemotional.org/   About Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E® Founder & Director, Great Kids Place  Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™ Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR.   Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

We know that the way we take in sensation impacts how we feel and, in turn, how we act and interact. We've discussed the global emotional expressions of body-based experiences - emotions like anxiety, embarrassment, surprise, confusion, needy, etc. Today, we are going to dive into social situations and a topic that's been coming up lately - kids saying things to others that are unkind or saying seemingly purposefully hurtful or mean things to others.   Well, at least, the things being said were interpreted as purposefully mean or hurtful. It turns out the child who said what they said was NOT trying to be mean at all. They did not set out to intentionally hurt the other person with their words, and we know there are many sensory-motor reasons for that. So today, we're using a Sensory Emotional Lens, particularly through the lens of being Unaware yet Deep Thinking, to examine meanness.  In this episode, you'll discover: That what you expect is correct - your child is NOT actually trying to be mean and that they actually do care about what they are saying Why your child says mean things  Why reminding them with statements like “We are not mean to our friends” and “Being mean is not kind” is not working Ways to understand and explain why this is happening, based on the way they are processing sensation  Ways to help your child in times when they find themselves ‘being mean’ Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/ Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/ and https://sensoryemotional.org/   About Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E® Founder & Director, Great Kids Place  Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™ Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR.   Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

Potty training can be a rollercoaster of emotions for both caregivers and kids. The pressure and stress surrounding this milestone can feel overwhelming at times. Whether it's the comments from other caregivers or grandparents about it being "time" or the need to meet deadlines for preschool transitions, the pressure to help our kids achieve this goal can be intense. As we chatted about in a recent episode, our stress levels can affect our kids, and stress can make it really hard for them to go to the bathroom. We also know that there are many sensory motor reasons that can make potty training tough and stressful for our kids. So today, we're taking a Sensory Emotional Lens on potty training in hopes of making this journey a little less stressful for everyone! In this episode, you'll discover: The underlying sensory processing and motor capacities needed for successful potty training Common emotional experiences during potty training  How to invite positive emotional experiences during potty training  Ways to act and interact with your child, based on their Sensory Emotional Personalities, to support emotion regulation and sensory motor capacities while potty training  Ways to use play, including exploration, power roles, and helper roles, to bring success in potty training  For more strategies for potty training and other daily living skills, please visit our learning portal in the upcoming weeks: https://sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.teachable.com Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/ Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/ and https://sensoryemotional.org/   About Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E® Founder & Director, Great Kids Place  Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™ Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR.   Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

Believe it or not, Halloween can sometimes seem more of a trick than a treat for our sensory emotional kids.  On the surface we can see or sense the different sensory experiences that Halloween brings - lights and sounds of decorations, smells of candy and even decorations sometimes, and costumes of unfamiliar fabrics and textures.   When we consider movement experiences, we can anticipate navigation through crowds and navigating places in the dark with lots of people and lots of different uneven surfaces, not to mention needing to navigate around and over decorations.   Halloween – and particularly the culminating event of trick or treating – challenges every single sensory system to process novel experiences and, therefore, can bring every single emotional experience  - and today, we’re going to talk about it.  In this episode, you'll discover: Ways to anticipate and understand  the emotional and social experiences your child may have on Halloween Halloween costume choices that will support emotion regulation during Halloween Ways to act and interact with your child, based on their Sensory Emotion Personalities during novel situations, to support emotion regulation and sensory-motor capacities during Halloween.  For more information on Halloween, please check out our Halloween blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/preparing-our-sensory-kids-for-halloween/ Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/ Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/ and https://sensoryemotional.org/   About Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E® Founder & Director, Great Kids Place  Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™ Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR.   Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

During any big transition or change in routine for our children, we spend a lot of time talking about how to support our kids, and we, as parents and caregivers, put all our effort into this. We focus on understanding the tricky behaviors of our children and preventing and responding to them. What we don't spend time on is what supports us as caregivers during busy, tricky, crazy seasons in life. In fact, we often completely put our needs aside at times like these. Then what happens? You guessed it - WE are the ones with the tricky behaviors! In this episode, we examine parent and caregiver stress through a sensory-emotional lens and discuss ways to infuse emotionally informed sensory-motor experiences into our lives to support ourselves in tough moments.   In this episode, you'll discover: Your own tricky behaviors as a stress response in yourself Ways to embrace your tricky behaviors in a way that allows you to make changes to them, versus just moving through them as something to be expected or “it’s just what I do”  Sensory emotional strategies to address overwhelm, exhaustion, stress, and disorganization in yourself  Quick and easy ways to move your body in your day that will promote feelings of strength, resilience, control, connection, and organization in your life  For more information on Great Kids at Heart, our adult programs at Great Kids Place, please visit: https://greatkidsplace.com/great-kids-at-heart/ Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/ Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/ and https://sensoryemotional.org/   About Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E® Founder & Director, Great Kids Place  Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™ Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR.   Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

In this episode, we're looking at sensory diets and sensory breaks through a sensory emotional lens. Sensory diets provide opportunities throughout the day for a child to engage in sensory input to support regulation. In the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model, we know that the way we move our bodies and take in sensation impacts the way that we feel. We also know that children with sensory processing differences tend to experience specific emotional expressions - specific ways of feeling. When using a sensory diet, we must consider these emotional experiences alongside the body-based sensory-motor experiences in order to fully support regulation and engagement.  This episode discusses ways to infuse emotionally informed sensory-motor experiences into sensory diets through Sensory Emotional roles.  In this episode, you'll discover: The purpose of a sensory diet  Pitfalls to avoid when using or creating a sensory diet Tips to make sensory diets the most effective Sensory motor activities that help children to feel a certain way in both their body and their emotions Sensory diet strategies to address anxiety, inattention, confusion and embarrassment, neediness, and scattered frustration Ways to create Sensory Emotional Roles as a component of a sensory diet (better known here as a sensory lifestyle) based on a child's Sensory Emotional Personality Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/ Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/ and https://sensoryemotional.org/   About Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E® Founder & Director, Great Kids Place  Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™ Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR.   Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

Michele and Amanda are back to continue their conversation about supporting our sensory emotional kids in the classroom as we head back to school this year. Getting to know a new school, a new teacher, new routines, and expectations that are different from last year can be really overwhelming. We recognize that we all process sensory information differently and choose different ways of being according to our capacities to process information from the world and our bodies. In school, these ways of being can significantly impact performance and participation in school-based activities. Michele and Amanda share valuable insights and strategies to help ease these transitions.  In this episode, they dive deeper to discuss how to support children who present as confused, embarrassed, full of wonder, needy, compassionate, scattered and disorganized, intentional, and passionate (sometimes disguised as bossy). Strategies are presented to support sensory discrimination, motor planning, and posture. In this episode you’ll discover: How to know if the way a child is acting and interacting in the classroom is related to sensory motor differences  Common challenges in the classroom for children who are confused, embarrassed, or full of wonder and constantly experimenting with sensation or/and have difficulty discriminating/perceiving and integrating sensory input  Common challenges in the classroom for children who are needy or/and have weakness in strength and endurance Common challenges in the classroom for children who are scattered, disorganized, intentional about how they will do things or what they will do or bossy or/and have difficulty with motor planning and coordination  Ways to set your child up for success by communicating to our child’s teacher using the language and idea that “My child is successful when…”  Sensory emotional strategies for the classroom for children who are confused, embarrassed, full of wonder, needy, scattered, disorganized, intentional or bossy  Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/ Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/ and https://sensoryemotional.org/   About Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E® Founder & Director, Great Kids Place  Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™ Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR. Amanda Newchok, MS, OTR/L Occupational Therapist, Great Kids Place Amanda is a passionate occupational therapist with about twenty years of experience working with the pediatric population. She is a specialist in Sensory Processing and Integration Disorder, certified in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder by the Sensory Therapies and Research Institute. Amanda also serves as faculty for the Sensory Therapies and Research Institute, where she educates therapists from around the country on the relationship between regulation, relationship, and sensation in the treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder, particularly in the school setting.

Getting to know a new school, a new teacher, new routines, and expectations that are different from last year can be really overwhelming for some. We recognize that we all process sensory information differently and choose different ways of being according to our capacities to process information from the world and our bodies. In school, these ways of being can significantly impact performance and participation in school-based activities. Join Michele and special guest Amanda Newchok for this special episode of A Sensory Emotional Lens where they share valuable insights and strategies to help ease these transitions.  In this episode, Michele and Amanda discuss how to support children who present as anxious, deeply feeling, unaware, inattentive, and deep thinking.  Strategies are presented to support sensory over-responsivity (hypersensitivity) and sensory under-responsivity (hyposensitivity).  In this episode you’ll discover: How to know if the way a child is acting and interacting in the classroom is related to sensory motor differences  Common challenges in the classroom for children who are anxious, deeply feeling or/and hypersensitive or over responsive to sensations  Common challenges in the classroom for children who are unaware, inattentive or/and hyposensitive or under responsive to sensations  Ways to set your child up for success by communicating to our child’s teacher using the language and idea that “My child is successful when…”  Sensory emotional strategies for the classroom for children who are anxious, deeply feeling, unaware, inattentive and deep thinking presenting in their own world.  Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/ Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/ and https://sensoryemotional.org/   About Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E® Founder & Director, Great Kids Place  Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™ Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR.   Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them.  Amanda Newchok, MS, OTR/L Occupational Therapist, Great Kids Place Amanda is a passionate occupational therapist with about twenty years of experience working with the pediatric population. She is a specialist in Sensory Processing and Integration Disorder, certified in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder by the Sensory Therapies and Research Institute. Amanda also serves as faculty for the Sensory Therapies and Research Institute, where she educates therapists from around the country on the relationship between regulation, relationship, and sensation in the treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder, particularly in the school setting.  

Like many common “go to” strategies,  tangible rewards do not always work for all kids - particularly for individuals who process sensation differently than yourself and others.  In fact, an offering of a reward for an expected behavior often has the opposite effect for some kids – again, particularly our sensory kids – and results in further dysregulation and lack of participation.  In this episode, we’ll take a sensory emotional lens on reward, focusing on the feeling of reward and the sense of reward, to provide new strategies for using rewards for expected behaviors.  In this episode you’ll discover: Why rewards don’t always work  What is needed to help your child feel a sense of reward in order to perform expected behaviors and tasks How to shift your focus and provide rewards in a way that will bring success for you and your child Strategies to set up the provision of rewards from a sensory emotional lens Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/ Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/ and https://sensoryemotional.org/   About Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E® Founder & Director, Great Kids Place  Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™ Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR.   Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

Social interactions with peers and/or siblings is a common area of challenge for children (and all individuals) with sensory emotional differences. There is often a mismatch in how we think the social experience will go and how it actually goes.  This mismatch leads to decreased success in social interactions and accompanying tricky behaviors when our kids are in social scenarios. This mismatch is caused by underlying sensory motor differences and the emotional expression of them.    To better understand this, we’re using a Sensory Emotional Lens to dig deeper into peer and sibling social interactions. In this episode you’ll discover: The underlying sensory processing and motor capacities of social interactions. What is needed for success in social interactions from a sensory emotional lens?  The observable behaviors that indicate there may be a sensory motor difference leading to challenges in social interactions.  What we can do to help our sensory emotional kids find success with peers and siblings How to interpret the situation from THEIR sensory emotional experiences How to reduce felt stress of the situation How to read their emotional expression and join them there! How to set up specific roles for our kids in social situations to facilitate success Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/ Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/ and https://sensoryemotional.org/   About Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E® Founder & Director, Great Kids Place  Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™ Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR.   Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

This week’s episode of a Sensory Emotional Lens builds off of last week’s show on the explorations of new experiences, but this time, we’re putting an emphasis on the benefits of taking risks. Taking risks when done in play is a rich sensory-emotional opportunity and brings several benefits. In addition to sensory-emotional exploration, taking risks brings novelty, ignites problem-solving abilities, builds regulation strategies, tests and learns boundaries, and allows the reformation of a sense of self.  In this episode you’ll discover: The body-based and emotion-based experiences in taking risks The ways in which risk taking behavior facilitates brain development  How taking risks develops regulation capacities  Why taking risks helps children learn and understand boundaries  The roles you can play and strategies you can use in daily life to support children to take risks in confident, healthy, and safe ways to enhance self-esteem  Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/ Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/ and https://sensoryemotional.org/   About Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E® Founder & Director, Great Kids Place  Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™ Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR.   Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them.

While most of us thrive on and enjoy routines, individuals with sensory processing and sensory-motor difficulties tend to rely on them more so than most of us. Learn why routines are beneficial and why changes in routines can lead to significant challenges in emotion regulation and social participation. When we understand the body-based differences that occur as routines change, we can better understand the social-emotional reactions that are popping up and what to do about them through a sensory-emotional lens.   Don’t worry—we’ll also provide you with ways to make routine changes easier and more enjoyable for everyone!  In this episode you’ll discover: Why our sensory kids thrive in routine The body-based experiences of changes in routine Social-emotional behaviors that we can expect with a change in routine  The roles you can play and strategies you can use in daily life  to make changes in routine easier and more enjoyable Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/ Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/ and https://sensoryemotional.org/   About Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E® Founder & Director, Great Kids Place  Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™ Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR.   Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

We all process sensory information and move our bodies differently. Sometimes, this happens in functional ways. Sometimes, this happens in dysfunctional ways. How we process sensation and move our bodies can lead to weaknesses AND strengths. These continuums of function to dysfunction and strengths to weaknesses fluctuate throughout development and the lifespan based on our relationships, environments, habits, and routines. Learn how this continuum applies to you and your family.  In this episode you’ll discover: How to determine if sensory processing in your child and in you is functional or dysfunctional The impact of expectations on the continuum of sensory-motor function or dysfunction The strengths that can be found in individuals among sensory processing differences What to expect in sensory-motor capacities along development and the lifespan What treatment looks like at different ages within the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/ Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/ and https://sensoryemotional.org/   About Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E® Founder & Director, Great Kids Place  Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™ Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR.   Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

In the last episode, we met Amelia and heard about her perspective on her sensory-emotional journey and lifestyle. As she spoke, I found myself reflecting on her journey through the therapist’s lens—thinking through the clinical reasoning that we used as therapists to support each piece of her sensory-emotional personalities through her early childhood and now pre-teen experiences. Welcome to Behind the Scenes of Amelia’s Journey! In this episode you’ll discover: The whole body experiences that caused anxiety for Amelia  The need for clinical reasoning for intervention to go well beyond sensory sensitivity strategies to address presenting challenges with clothes, sounds, and separation anxiety How increasing body awareness, spatial awareness, and strength (all through sensory-rich play!) deceased Amelia’s separation anxiety The progression of treatment beyond initial strategies as new anxieties surfaced Ways in which the new anxieties correlated with the progression of sensory-motor development Supporting overall sensory-motor and social-emotional development from early childhood through teenage years with the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/ Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/ and https://sensoryemotional.org/   About Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E® Founder & Director, Great Kids Place  Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™ Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR.   Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them. 

On today’s very special episode of a Sensory Emotional Lens, we are joined by two of our therapists, AnnMarie and Laura, and one of our great kids and her mom. Hear first-hand from Amelia and her mom, Rachel, as they share a bit about their sensory-emotional journey and anxiety.  In this episode you’ll discover: The body-based experiences that cause anxiety for Amelia now, how to recognize them, and what strategies help her in the moment The thought-based experiences that cause anxiety for Amelia now and how to recognize them How body-based and thought-based anxiety show up differently and how to identify How strategies used when she was younger to help her tolerate uncomfortable sensations and build strength in her body are still used today in different forms  How working with Amelia on body-based and thought-based anxiety helped Mom learn about her own Sensory Emotional Personality and how that helped Amelia (and Mom!)  Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/ Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/ and https://sensoryemotional.org/   About Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E® Founder & Director, Great Kids Place  Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™ Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR.   Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books.  She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them.  AnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, CIMI-2 Occupational Therapist, Great Kids Place AnnMarie Murphy is an Occupational Therapist with advanced training and certification from the STAR Institute, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder. AnnMarie holds a MS and Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. She is also a Certified Infant Massage Instructor through the World Institute for Nurturing Communications where she is trained in the Triad Family Model. With a BA in Psychology and extensive mental health work in her Master's program, AnnMarie loves integrating mental health into her practice. She enjoys working with children and their families to understand their lived experiences by examining how they integrate and process sensory information.  Laura Baldwin, MA, LPC, NCC, ADHD-CCSP Licensed Professional Counselor, Social-Emotional Development Coach, Great Kids Place Laura is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Social-Emotional Development Coach at Great Kids Place. She is a steadfast advocate for developmentally appropriate interventions that improve the physical, psychological, social, and emotional well-being of another person. Laura holds a master’s degree in Clinical and School Counseling and demonstrates advanced knowledge in pediatric mental health, child development, sensory processing differences, parent coaching, family support, attachment theories, developmental and behavioral assessments, social skills, DIR® Floortime™, and Crisis Prevention and Safety Care Interventions.