OT For Two

Understanding your child's neurotype isn't about fitting them into a label — it's about seeing how they experience and process the world. In this episode, we explore why taking the time to understand your child's strengths, challenges, and unique ways of learning is so important. Knowing this helps you advocate for them, access the right support, and find strategies that actually work. We talk about how early support can make a huge difference, why no one is meant to do it alone, and how asking for help is a strength — not a failure. This episode is for anyone who wants to understand their child better and help them thrive.

In this episode of OT for Two, we explore what it feels like to be a square peg in a round hole. Many of the systems around us — school, routines, expectations, even the way we define "success" — were designed with neurotypical brains in mind. For neurodivergent kids (and adults), that can mean constantly feeling like they're the wrong shape for the spaces they're expected to fit into. In this conversation, Trish and Jayne share insights from their professional and personal lives about what happens when we stop trying to force children to fit the mould, and instead start creating environments that work for the way their brains naturally think, learn and move through the world.

Not all brains learn the same way — so why do we expect them to? In this episode, Trish and Jayne unpack the quiet pressure many children feel to learn in one "acceptable" way: sitting still, making eye contact, hands in lap, whole body listening. But what if that model simply doesn't fit the brain in front of us? This episode is a gentle (but honest) nudge to move away from prescriptive learning expectations and toward something far more powerful: meeting each child in the way their brain works best.

No two brains are wired the same — so why do we expect children to develop at the same speed? If you've ever found yourself worrying because another child "got there first," this episode is for you. We unpack why development isn't linear, why comparison steals perspective, and how to support your child, whether they need more time — or more challenge. With the right support, your child can keep moving forward in a way that works for their brain.

Comparison has a way of sneaking into parenting and stealing the joy — especially in mothers' groups, school yards, and scroll-heavy moments. In this episode of OT for Two, we unpack why "my way, my time" matters. Because children aren't spreadsheets, siblings aren't carbon copies, and development doesn't run on a group timeline. We talk confidence in your parenting choices, the spiral that comes from constant questioning, and why seeing your child as an individual (not a comparison point) changes everything. No race. No rankings. Just your child, in their own time and space.

From sleep to sensory meltdowns, teenage eye-rolls to parenting "aha!" moments – we've crammed all our favourite golden nuggets from Season One into one fun, bite-sized episode. Think of it as the highlight reel you can listen to in the car, on a walk, or hiding in the pantry with chocolate. Whether you're here for the laughs, the learning, or just the solidarity of knowing you're not alone in the chaos, this mash-up has you covered. Let's celebrate the wins, share the laughs, and wrap this season up with a pretty little bow.

Why is sleep such a big deal for kids (and adults!)? In this episode, we dive into what actually happens in our bodies while we snooze, why sleep is essential for growing brains and bodies, and the sneaky ways poor sleep can show up in behaviour. We also share our favourite OT-approved tips and tricks to build a better bedtime routine—because sleep success doesn't start at bedtime, it starts before it. Whether your child fights sleep like it's their job or just struggles to stay settled, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help the whole household catch more ZZZs.

From boppy beats to calming tunes, Trish and Jayne dive into the magical ways music can help kids (and adults!) shift gears, settle down, or get moving. Whether it's hype-up songs before school or a soothing instrumental wind-down, this episode is packed with fun, real-life tips on using music to support regulation at home and in the classroom. Press play and feel the rhythm!   HELPFUL LINKS: OT For Two Spotify (Pink Noise Playlist) -https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2e3XrrSgM94VAHcQ1KpZMH OT For Two Spotify (Instrumental Covers Playlist) - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4cs8IcpK5OFGR6DiYSqqCQ?si=o2HdSStoTqGKGZbiWt1E_w&pi=9Af-DUzKThueE Endel App for Pink Noise - https://apps.apple.com/au/app/endel-focus-sleep-relax/id1346247457 Anita Collins: Music Educator Website - https://www.anitacollinsmusic.com.au/ Anita Collins IG: https://www.instagram.com/thelullabyeffect?igsh=MTFqN2kzNHU0MWJpOA==  

Getting your kid to stop one thing and start another? Easier said than done. In this episode, your two favourite OT For Two hosts chat about the daily drama of task transitions - why they're so tough, and how to make them (slightly) less painful. Trish and Jayne share practical tips that they use in their own homes, like countdown timers, pack-up songs, body doubling and more. No magic wand required, just a few tools and a bit of patience.   HELPFUL LINKS: Squiddy Hoodie - https://squiddy.store/ Use code TRISH10 for 10% off  Trish's Rainbow Countdown timer - https://amzn.asia/d/6gDNI7M Skylight Calendar - https://au.skylightframe.com/ Pack up songs Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/60blHdoFksF3dU2NfwXyTc YouTube pack up song for the visual peeps - https://youtu.be/Xfy34fFqD5Y?si=db1oLwsU6NU62BbW

Being a teenager is hard. Hormones, identity, friendships, school, social media… it's a lot. And as parents or caregivers, it's tempting to jump in, take control, and steer the ship for them. But in this final episode of our teen series, paediatric OT Trish Lerk invites you to take a different approach — one of coaching, not captaining. It's about stepping back (even when it's hard), showing up with kindness and compassion, and becoming the steady, encouraging presence on the sidelines while your teen takes the lead on their own life. Because the goal isn't to make their life perfect. It's to cheer them on while they figure it out. ✨ A great wrap-up to a series full of real talk, gentle guidance, and the occasional eye roll.

Think boundaries are boring? Think again! In Part 2 of our Connecting with Your Teenager series, we're flipping the script on consequences and boundaries. This episode dives into how clear, kind frameworks and consistent boundaries aren't just about keeping teens in line—they're about setting them up for life. We'll chat about the power of connection, the importance of letting kids bump into limits (with support), and how to turn everyday moments into lifelong skill-building. Less control, more collaboration. Fewer battles, more laughs. Tune in for practical tools, a few giggles, and a whole lot of heart. This is old material repurposed for the sake of great podcast content. If I am referring to a He or a She or a They, it's not personal. Please just gender neutralise it or apply the pronouns that work for you and your family. Happy Listening!

Teens and their phones — an unbreakable bond stronger than most Wi-Fi signals. In this episode, Paediatric OT Trish Lerk dives into how we can stop battling screen time and start building real connection — by jumping into their world instead of dragging them out of it. Whether it's learning their favourite game, vibing to their most-played song, or learning what the heck 'Brawl Stars' is, Trish shares playful, practical ways to meet teens where they're at (and maybe even have fun doing it). Less eye rolls. More connection. Possibly even some street cred.

You can't change the wind, but you can direct the sail. Get in your child's boat and let's ride those emotional storms together! Trish spills the key formula (that's not even hard; coz she has ADHD and things slip her mind before she's even finished the thought). These steps to support coregulation (in any human being) will 1 million per cent change your world. Tune in and also get pumped for the worship conference that will be based on this podcast in 2026!

In this episode of OT for Two, Trish dives headfirst into the incredible ways music connects with the brain to support emotional and self-regulation. Ever wondered why that one song helps your kid calm down, or how rhythm can help with transitions and tricky moments? Join us as we unpack the science, sprinkle in some stories, and sing the praises of music (sometimes literally).

Let's get down to it, and get to know the voices behind OT for Two: Tricia Lerk and Jayne Neilson! Friends for over two decades, passionate about the impact music has within the space of regulation...we will bring you wholesome practice-based evidence around all your questions to do with children, teens, and even young adults. Grab your cuppa, start that basket of laundry folding, or settle into some chats as you drive.