This episode is an honest, unscripted conversation about gentle parenting and where it may have gone too far. Drawing from my experience as a parent and occupational therapist, we explore how cultural overcorrection has shifted parenting toward over-validation and emotional mediation. We discuss when gentle parenting can be supportive and when it may undermine independence, resilience, and long-term outcomes. Real clinical examples highlight downstream effects like anxiety, dependency, and difficulty functioning outside the home. We also talk through practical alternatives that balance empathy with firm boundaries. Ultimately, this episode centers on raising capable, independent kids who can grow into healthy adults.

Timestamps [00:00] Gentle parenting as overcorrection [00:41] Episode format and conversation setup [01:00] Parenting perspective and lived experience [01:27] Defining gentle parenting [02:18] Cultural shifts and discipline backlash [03:19] Entitlement and overvalidation concerns [04:02] When gentle parenting works vs fails [05:16] Preparing kids for environments beyond home [06:33] Dependency, control, and separation challenges [07:26] Clinical case example: sleep dependency [08:22] Role of parent coaching in OT [09:18] Risks of total emotional mediation [10:12] Neurodivergence and regulation challenges [11:29] Concrete examples: bedtime and routines [12:30] Tracking behavior and gathering data [13:07] Ferber chair method and prompt fading [15:20] Progress, sleep gains, and family relief [16:40] Sustainability and long-term independence [17:06] Parenting culture and power dynamics [18:34] Ceding power and “child ruling the roost” [19:02] Hierarchy, boundaries, and learning to cope [20:14] Seeing kids as younger than they are [21:41] Raising expectations and capability [22:47] Ease vs growth for parents [24:32] Why this podcast exists [25:06] Needs vs wants and developmental growth [26:12] Finding the middle ground [27:05] Non-negotiables and parental bandwidth [27:57] Accountability and parent coaching [28:43] Predictable, consistent consequences [29:27] Holding boundaries and agreements [30:28] Long-term outcomes into adulthood [31:49] Independence as the goal [32:11] OT’s role across the lifespan

When a child is struggling with daily life skills, self-regulation, sensory challenges, or independence, Occupational therapy is often one of the best places to start. In this episode of Growing Strong Roots, Lee-Anne Bloom explains what OT truly is at its core: helping people participate more fully in the occupations that matter most in everyday life. She breaks down how occupational therapy supports development, why mismatched expectations can create barriers for children, and how parents can better understand what is age-appropriate. You’ll hear real-life examples of how OT empowers children toward independence while guiding families with practical strategies. Leanne also clarifies the three main practice settings in pediatric OT: medical, school-based, and private practice. This episode will help you understand when OT may be the right support for your child and what steps to take next.

[00:00:00] Areas of occupation and OT’s role in child development [00:00:30] What occupational therapy really means at its core [00:00:52] Removing barriers to participation in daily life [00:01:19] Individualized therapy through real-life activities [00:01:42] Developmental timelines and pediatric OT focus [00:02:02] Supporting children who struggle with milestones [00:02:24] Holistic care in private practice OT [00:02:44] Mismatch between expectations and a child’s abilities [00:03:12] How helping too much can limit independence [00:03:41] Underestimating ability versus expecting too much [00:04:08] Example: shoe routines and building self-help skills [00:04:35] Parent-child dynamics and effort differences [00:04:56] Empowering independence through daily tasks [00:05:24] Letting kids do hard things and avoiding dependence [00:05:50] Observation as a key tool for understanding struggles [00:06:16] Example: wiping independence and motivation [00:06:57] Coaching parents to step back during routines [00:07:25] High expectations and ADHD-related challenges [00:07:48] Identifying where a child gets stuck in tasks [00:08:09] Practical adaptations: breaking tasks down, timers, rewards [00:08:39] OT guidance for problem-solving and regulation [00:09:02] Practice area 1: medically based occupational therapy [00:09:22] Practice area 2: school-based OT and curriculum access [00:09:45] Understanding IEP eligibility and OT services [00:10:27] School OT focus: handwriting, regulation, classroom skills [00:10:47] Limits of school OT versus home-based needs [00:11:12] When challenges fall outside the school setting [00:11:33] Combining supports across medical and private contexts [00:11:58] Practice area 3: private practice OT and family routines [00:12:23] Support without diagnosis and “gray area kids” [00:12:45] ADHD, autism, and kids who don’t qualify but still struggle [00:13:11] Sensory processing and self-regulation challenges [00:13:35] OT’s mission: helping children thrive in meaningful life roles [00:13:57] Choosing the right support path: school, medical, or private OT [00:14:23] Next steps: referrals, IEPs, and combined approaches [00:14:52] Closing thoughts and invitation to subscribe

In this episode of Growing Strong Roots, occupational therapist Lee-Anne Bloom discusses the common parent question: should I pursue a diagnosis for my child? She explains how occupational therapy looks at a child’s daily occupations, including routines, emotional regulation, and participation at home and school. Lee-Anne explores how challenges with tasks, relationships, or self-management may signal a need for additional support. She also walks through factors that influence whether a diagnosis is helpful, such as access to school services or insurance coverage. Ultimately, diagnosis is only one path, and families can seek skill-building and support even without one. The goal is helping children and caregivers thrive with the tools they need.

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Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction to podcast 00:00:27 Purpose and mission 00:00:50 Growing stronger together 00:00:59 Asking if a diagnosis is needed 01:01:02 Defining occupation in OT 01:01:17 Why parents seek OT 01:01:35 Challenges as signs of underlying needs 01:02:01 When diagnosis may be considered 01:02:28 Factors influencing the decision 01:02:44 Matching support to a child’s needs 01:03:02 Considering school feedback 01:03:23 Challenges at home and routines 01:03:45 Insurance and financial considerations 01:04:09 OT support without a diagnosis 01:04:30 OT also supports parents 01:04:48 Reframing the diagnosis question 01:04:55 Encouragement for next steps

Questions? Comments? Suggestions for future episodes? Want to book me for a parenting or development consultation? Contact us at https://www.oakbloomot.com/contact. Please leave a comment here as well! Thanks for listening.