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Time for our next season! Where we dive into all things executive functioning! “Go get ready” sounds simple, until you watch a child pause, drift, or bounce between ten half-finished steps. That moment isn’t always defiance or laziness. Sometimes, it’s executive functioning difficulties, the hidden set of thinking skills that helps us plan, start, navigate distractions, adapt when things change, and finish what we began.

In this episode we break down what executive functioning actually is and why it can impact almost every functional activity across the day, from morning routines, time management to homework , and organising belongings. We look at the skills and building blocks for executive functioning are like attention, impulse control, working memory, problem solving, and cognitive flexibility.

Then we zoom in on ideation: the creative spark of “what could I do?” that underpins play, self-directed time and organising our bodies for activities. With some practical actives to try at home that build ideas and confidence without pressure.

If you want clearer language, better routines, and simple occupational therapy strategies that support independence over time, hit play. Subscribe, share with a parent or teacher who needs this, and leave a rating or review so more families can find the show. If you would like to donate and support the podcast - https://studio.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard

DISCLAIMER:
Whilst I will always make evert effort to share correct information as at the date of the podcast, research is constantly happening and as a profession we learn more everyday. One therapist may have a different way of doing things to another, and every child's needs are unique. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your child's paediatrician or therapist for any recommendations for your child.

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Hair washing, toothbrushing, brushing knots out, nail cutting … these “everyday” hygiene tasks can turn into the most stressful part of the day, especially when a child is juggling sensory sensitivities, balance challenges, motor planning, and the mental load of sequencing. We’re finishing our self-care season by getting practical about personal hygiene and grooming, with simple OT strategies that help kids feel safer and more in control while they build real independence.

We talk hair from every angle: figuring out which step is the sticky one, and what strategies we can use to make it that bit easier! We also plan for problems before they happen, so “water in the eyes” becomes “pause, wipe, then continue” instead of frustrations for all. For brushing hair, we cover wet brushing, leave-in conditioner, starting from the ends, using mirrors for body awareness, and setting expectations so the experience stays positive.

Then we move into toothbrushing and nail cutting with a focus on visuals, consistent language scripts, and sensory-friendly options. We share ideas like electric toothbrushes, toothpaste flavour experiments (including mild or flavourless), plaque-disclosing tablets for feedback, trimming nails after a bath, adaptive clippers, and supportive seating. If you want a calmer hygiene routine that still moves the needle on self-care skills, hit play, subscribe, share the episode, and leave a review.

If you found these OT toileting tips helpful, don't forget to leave a review and share the podcast around with anyone that you think could benefit from it and follow me on @bellesotcorner on instagram and Facebook for more insights. If you would like to donate and support the podcast - https://studio.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard

DISCLAIMER:
Whilst I will always make evert effort to share correct information as at the date of the podcast, research is constantly happening and as a profession we learn more everyday. One therapist may have a different way of doing things to another, and every child's needs are unique. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others Consult your child's paediatrician or therapist for any recommendations for your child.

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Send us Fan Mail

Toileting can feel like it should be straightforward, until you’re the one supporting a child thought it. When they are unsteady on the seat, overwhelmed by the bathroom, or unsure what their body is even telling them. In this episode take a clear OT approach to toilet training and building toileting independence.

We talk through the hidden skills behind toileting, including balance and postural control for sitting safely, motor planning for climbing up and managing clothes, interoception for noticing “I need to go”. You’ll hear practical ideas for setting up the bathroom, ways to reduce sensory overload from bright lights, echo, smells, flushing, to noisy hand dryers. We also share language you can use to give kids more choice and control, so the bathroom feels less surprising and more manageable.

We dive into the full toileting sequence and discuss why visuals, social stories, and consistent routines can unlock independence for older kids as well as toddlers. We cover wiping practice games, creative problem solving with toilet paper, and clothing choices that make early toilet training easier, then finish with tips for keeping strategies consistent across home, preschool, school, and community toilets.

If you found these OT toileting tips helpful, don't forget to leave a review and share the podcast around with anyone that you think could benefit from it and follow me on @bellesotcorner on instagram and Facebook for more insights. If you would like to donate and support the podcast - https://studio.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard

DISCLAIMER:
Whilst I will always make evert effort to share correct information as at the date of the podcast, research is constantly happening and as a profession we learn more everyday. One therapist may have a different way of doing things to another, and every child's needs are unique. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others Consult your child's paediatrician or therapist for any recommendations for your child.

Support the show