Aug 30, 2018
Today Dr. Cindy Blackwell and I talked about:
- What an occupational therapist does
- The fact that play is the primary occupation of the child. It's our kid's job to play. Children learn about how the world works through play.
- Limiting screen time is important. Especially for kids with disabilities or delays, and can cause sensory overload.
- It's a good idea to go on a "sensory diet," feeding our sensory systems in a healthy way. Screen time can be like a sugar rush for the brain that can cause a crash or a meltdown later.
- A visual schedule can be very helpful.
- You can't pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first, even though as a mom that might seem counterintuitive.
- Prioritize your activities carefully to conserve your energy.
- If your child has an occupational therapist, let the therapist know about your health needs so they can work with your child to problem solve and figure out ways to target your child's goals while keeping your needs in mind.
- Set things up when you're feeling good, so you're prepared when you don't feel so well.
- There are good blogs and resources by occupational therapists to help you with information.
- Occupational therapists can help with many different aspects of daily living. If you just can't get out to one, Telehealth is a new way to speak with a therapist from your computer.
Who is Dr. Cindy Blackwell?
Dr. Cindy Blackwell is a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in pediatric mental health, sensory processing issues, and self regulation and behavior management. Cindy has experience working with children and their families in both public and therapeutic schools, in home-based and outpatient services, as well as in academia. Cindy's doctoral research focused on supporting parent advocacy in special education.
In 2014, Cindy was chosen as an Emerging Leader with the American Occupational Therapy Association; through this program, she published research on preparing OT students to address mental health in school practice and across settings. Cindy is a Nashvillian by way of Chicago and has worked at Pediatric Therapies in Franklin, TN for the past 2 years. Her favorite thing about her job is that she can play games and talk about feelings all day while helping children learn and develop to their highest potential.
Things to do with your children to continue their therapy at home:
- PLAY!
- Show them you're interested in their ideas for playing, and they might be more motivated.
- Play a board game together (there are many that also have therapeutic value, Dr. Blackwell's list is below)
- If you're tired - look for ways to direct their play such as "Minute to Win It." Play a memory game using multi-step directions. Have them put on a show for you.
- The key is to show them that you care. They just want to know that and that you're into what they're into.
You can have more energy for your kids by using conservation techniques such as:
- Breaking tasks into chunks,
- Taking breaks in the middle of things,
- Do the most demanding tasks when you're feeling your best,
- Have your kids help you ease the burden (make a game or reward system to motivate them,
- Use technology like ClickList for grocery shopping and online ordering.
- Avoiding overcommitment
- Use your network. Reach out to family and friends when you need help around the house or with babysitting.
Ways we can help our kids not worry about us and our health:
- They can handle things when we teach them how to cope.
- They want to know they "Why" behind things. You don't have to go over all the small details, but
- Let them know what's going on.
- It's going to seem worse in their head if you don't explain things.
- healthychidren.org explains what kids can process at what age.
- Kids with disabilities process at different ages than other kids their age.
- Develop healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety and teach our kids to do the same.
- Help our kids self-regulate by teaching them to name and understand their feelings. This starts by modeling.
- Reassure and validate their feelings.
- Do your best to keep things consistent.
- Live in the present. Don't dwell on the "what ifs" or the past. Don't compare yourself to your old self or to others.
Alternatives to screen time
(TV, tablets, phones, etc)
- Teach them leisure skills
- Create a choice board or "menu" of activities.
- Let them choose what they do so they can be in charge of what they do.
- Create a visual schedule so they know when they can make these choices.
Cindy's advice: Take care of yourself first. If you can take care of your mental health and well being, it's going to better equip you to do that for your kids.
Cindy's superpower: Empathy.
You can contact Dr. Blackwell on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-blackwell-ot/
Want to connect? You can find me (Jen) at HardyMom.com
Do you have more ideas for parenting special needs children? I'd love to hear from you!
Thank you for joining me,
Jen
Our music is "A New Day," by Scott Holmes