Episode 19:

Does your child ignore you when you talk? The real reason this happens and what to do about it!

In this episode of Sensory Solutions for Parents, we're exploring one of the most common concerns parents have: "Why won't my child listen?" You might be surprised to learn that what looks like ignoring or defiance is often related to how a child's developing brain and nervous system process information—not simply a choice to misbehave.

As a pediatric occupational therapist, I'll explain how sensory processing, attention, emotional regulation, and your child's environment all affect their ability to hear, process, and follow directions. You'll walk away with practical, evidence-based strategies you can start using today to reduce power struggles, improve communication, and help your child respond with greater success.

• Why listening is much more than simply hearing your voice.
• How sensory processing and nervous system regulation affect your child's ability to follow directions.
• Why children often seem to "ignore" parents when they're overwhelmed, tired, or deeply focused on play.
• The difference between defiance and a brain that needs more time to process.
• Five simple, sensory-friendly strategies to help your child listen without repeating yourself over and over.

The next time your child doesn't respond right away, pause before repeating yourself. Ask yourself:

"What might be making it hard for them to listen right now?"

That small shift in perspective can help you respond with more patience, connection, and confidence—and often leads to better cooperation.

Remember: When we understand what's happening beneath the behavior, we can respond with connection, confidence, and strategies that truly help.

Step 1: Join our free Facebook community and connect with other parents who are learning to understand behavior through a sensory and nervous system lens.

Step 2: This week, spend a few moments looking for one small sign of growth in your child…and YOU! Growth is often happening even when progress feels slow.

💛 Related Episodes:

Episode 10: Struggling with Your Child's Intense Meltdowns? What's Really Happening and What to Do in the Moment

Episode 13: Why Your Toddler Falls Apart After Daycare (And What to Do About It!)

Episode 14: Does Everything Turn into a Battle with Your Child? Why Power Struggles Happen (and What to Do Instead)

Connect on FB -> Join our Free Facebook Community

Podcast -> Sensory Solutions for Parents

Instagram -> @SensorySolutionsforParents

DISCLAIMER

This podcast, Sensory Solutions for Parents, is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, occupational therapy, or other professional advice.

The host is a licensed occupational therapist; however, the information shared in this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific child or situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and Alison Foura, PhD, OTR/L. Any strategies, ideas, or suggestions shared are offered as general support for parents and caregivers and should be used at your own discretion, with consideration for your child’s individual needs and your family’s values.

Always seek the guidance of your child’s pediatrician, occupational therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your child’s development, behavior, or health.

This podcast may also include personal experiences and, at times, faith-based perspectives. These are shared as part of Alison’s personal and professional lens and are not intended to replace individualized care or professional guidance.

Episode 18:

Does your child cry every morning at daycare drop-off? Do they cling to you, refuse to let go, or seem completely overwhelmed as soon as you walk through the door?

If you've ever driven away feeling guilty or wondering if you're doing something wrong, this episode is for you.

The truth is, difficult daycare drop-offs aren't always just about separation anxiety. For many toddlers and preschoolers, transitions challenge both their sensory system and their nervous system. A busy classroom, new sounds, unfamiliar expectations, and saying goodbye to a trusted caregiver can all feel overwhelming, even when they love their daycare and settle in shortly after you leave.

In this episode, we'll explore:

• Why some children struggle more with daycare drop-offs than others
• How sensory processing and secure attachment work together during separation
• Why crying at drop-off doesn't mean your child isn't okay at daycare
• Three simple, practical strategies you can start using tomorrow morning to help your child feel more regulated and confident during transitions

Remember, your child's behavior is communication. When we understand what their nervous system is telling us, we can respond with connection instead of frustration.

• Episode 6: Got a toddler who bites others? Why kids bite and what to do about it.
• Episode 10: Struggling with Your Child's Intense Meltdowns? What's Really Happening and What to Do in the Moment
• Episode 13: Why Your Toddler Falls Apart After Daycare (And What to Do About It!)
• Episode 11: Curious About Why Your Child Plays the Way They Do? Understanding Their Sensory Needs Through Play

Step 1: Join our free Facebook community and connect with other parents who are learning to understand behavior through a sensory and nervous system lens.

Step 2: This week, spend a few moments looking for one small sign of growth in your child. Growth is often happening even when progress feels slow.

Step 3: The next time parenting feels overwhelming, pause and invite God into the moment before trying to solve the problem. Sometimes the most powerful prayer is simply: "Lord, help me."

Connect on FB -> Join our Free Facebook Community

Podcast -> Sensory Solutions for Parents

Instagram -> @SensorySolutionsforParents

DISCLAIMER

This podcast, Sensory Solutions for Parents, is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, occupational therapy, or other professional advice.

The host is a licensed occupational therapist; however, the information shared in this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific child or situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and Alison Foura, PhD, OTR/L. Any strategies, ideas, or suggestions shared are offered as general support for parents and caregivers and should be used at your own discretion, with consideration for your child’s individual needs and your family’s values.

Always seek the guidance of your child’s pediatrician, occupational therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your child’s development, behavior, or health.

This podcast may also include personal experiences and, at times, faith-based perspectives. These are shared as part of Alison’s personal and professional lens and are not intended to replace individualized care or professional guidance.

Do you ever feel completely worn down by your child's meltdowns?

Have you found yourself praying, "God, I don't know what else to do"?

Do you feel like you've tried every strategy, read every book, and still find yourself facing the same challenges day after day?

Sometimes we all need a reminder that we’re not walking this journey alone, and if so, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we're taking a step away from parenting strategies and having a conversation about faith.

Parenting young children can be beautiful, joyful, and deeply meaningful. But it can also feel incredibly heavy—especially when your child struggles with intense emotions, sensory challenges, developmental differences, anxiety, feeding concerns, sleep difficulties, or challenging behaviors.

We'll talk about what it means to lean into faith during difficult parenting seasons, how God sees the things that no one else sees, and why your child's struggles do not define their worth.

You'll also learn four practical ways to lean into your faith when parenting feels overwhelming, including how prayer, perspective, community, and recognizing small signs of growth can help you navigate the hardest days.

Most importantly, I hope you'll leave this episode feeling encouraged and reminded that God is present in the middle of the struggle, not just in the good times!

God sees your child.

He sees every strength, every challenge, every victory, and every struggle.

And He sees you too.

Nothing about this season is wasted.

Even when progress feels slow.

Even when the road feels long.

God is present in the middle of it all.

And while He may not remove every challenge, He promises that you do not walk through them alone.

Step 1: Join our free Facebook community and connect with other parents who are learning to understand behavior through a sensory and nervous system lens.

Step 2: This week, spend a few moments looking for one small sign of growth in your child. Growth is often happening even when progress feels slow.

Step 3: The next time parenting feels overwhelming, pause and invite God into the moment before trying to solve the problem. Sometimes the most powerful prayer is simply:

"Lord, help me."

💛 Related Episodes:

Episode 10: Struggling with Your Child's Intense Meltdowns? What's Really Happening and What to Do in the Moment

Episode 13: Why Your Toddler Falls Apart After Daycare (And What to Do About It!)

Episode 14: Does Everything Turn into a Battle with Your Child? Why Power Struggles Happen (and What to Do Instead)

Connect on FB -> Join our Free Facebook Community

Podcast -> Sensory Solutions for Parents

Instagram -> @SensorySolutionsforParents

DISCLAIMER

This podcast, Sensory Solutions for Parents, is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, occupational therapy, or other professional advice.

The host is a licensed occupational therapist; however, the information shared in this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific child or situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and Alison Foura, PhD, OTR/L. Any strategies, ideas, or suggestions shared are offered as general support for parents and caregivers and should be used at your own discretion, with consideration for your child’s individual needs and your family’s values.

Always seek the guidance of your child’s pediatrician, occupational therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your child’s development, behavior, or health.

This podcast may also include personal experiences and, at times, faith-based perspectives. These are shared as part of Alison’s personal and professional lens and are not intended to replace individualized care or professional guidance.

Episode 16:

Do Constant Power Struggles Leave Your Child (and You!) in a Meltdown? Why This Happens and 4 Things to Do Instead!

💛 Does it feel like everything turns into a battle with your child?

Do simple daily routines like getting dressed, brushing teeth, getting into the car, or leaving the playground end in tears or meltdowns?

Do you find yourself asking, "Why won't my child just listen?"

Are you exhausted from feeling like you're constantly negotiating, reminding, and repeating yourself throughout the day?

In this episode, we're taking a closer look at what's really happening underneath daily power struggles. You'll learn why many of these challenging moments have less to do with defiance and more to do with your child's developing brain, nervous system, sensory processing, and growing need for autonomy.

We'll discuss how an immature prefrontal cortex impacts your child's ability to regulate emotions and cooperate, why traditional approaches sometimes increase resistance, and how sensory overload, hunger, fatigue, and stress can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming.

Most importantly, you'll walk away with 4 practical, evidence-based strategies you can start using today to reduce daily battles, support regulation, and strengthen your connection with your child!

Step 1: Join our free Facebook community and connect with other parents who are learning to understand behavior through a sensory and nervous system lens.

Step 2: This week, try one of the four strategies from today's episode:

• Connect before you correct
• Give your child a roadmap of what's coming next
• Offer controlled choices
• Focus on regulation before compliance

Step 3: The next time a power struggle begins, pause and ask yourself:

"What is my child's behavior telling me about what he/she needs right now?"

That simple question can help shift your focus from stopping the behavior to understanding what's driving it.

Remember: Behavior is communication. When we understand what's happening beneath the behavior, we can respond with greater confidence, compassion, and connection.

💛 Related Episodes:

Episode 10: Struggling with Your Child's Intense Meltdowns? What's Really Happening and What to Do in the Moment

Episode 11: Curious About Why Your Child Plays the Way They Do? Understanding Their Sensory Needs Through Play

Episode 13: Why Your Toddler Falls Apart After Daycare (And What to Do About It!)

Connect on FB -> Join our Free Facebook Community

Podcast -> Sensory Solutions for Parents

Instagram -> @SensorySolutionsforParents

DISCLAIMER

This podcast, Sensory Solutions for Parents, is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, occupational therapy, or other professional advice.

The host is a licensed occupational therapist; however, the information shared in this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific child or situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and Alison Foura, PhD, OTR/L. Any strategies, ideas, or suggestions shared are offered as general support for parents and caregivers and should be used at your own discretion, with consideration for your child’s individual needs and your family’s values.

Always seek the guidance of your child’s pediatrician, occupational therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your child’s development, behavior, or health.

This podcast may also include personal experiences and, at times, faith-based perspectives. These are shared as part of Alison’s personal and professional lens and are not intended to replace individualized care or professional guidance.

Episode 15:

Does Your Child Stop Using Their Words When You’re Not at Home? Understanding the Connection Between Environment, Behavior & Communication

💛 Parents often wonder: “Why can my child use their words at home sometimes… but completely fall apart in busy places?” Or: “Why do they listen in calm environments but lose it when things get chaotic?”

In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the sensory and nervous system reasons behind why children can access skills in some environments — but struggle in others.

You’ll learn why sensory overload, stress, busy environments, transitions, and emotional overwhelm can make it harder for young children to:

• Use their words
• Listen to directions
• Stay regulated
• Handle transitions
• Manage emotions
• And cope with everyday demands

We’ll also talk about:

• Why behavior changes across environments
• How stress impacts the brain and communication
• Why kids often “lose skills” during overwhelm
• The connection between sensory processing and behavior
• Why children may melt down after “holding it together”
• And practical ways parents can support regulation before behaviors escalate

If your child struggles more in loud, chaotic, stimulating, or socially demanding environments, this episode will help behavior make so much more sense.

Remember: behavior is communication — and understanding the nervous system changes everything.

✨ LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED

Dr. Ross Greene: https://drrossgreene.com/

Kelly Mahler (OT and Interception Expert): https://www.kelly-mahler.com/

💛 Related Episodes:

Episode 3: Birthday Party Meltdowns: What’s Behind Them and How to Support Your Child Through Them!

Episode 9: Is Church a Struggle for Your Child Every Week? Why This Happens & What You Can Try This Week!

Episode 12: Planning a Family Vacation with Young Kids? How to Prevent Meltdowns Before They Start

Connect on FB -> Join our Free Facebook Community

Podcast -> Sensory Solutions for Parents

Instagram -> @SensorySolutionsforParents

DISCLAIMER

This podcast, Sensory Solutions for Parents, is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, occupational therapy, or other professional advice.

The host is a licensed occupational therapist; however, the information shared in this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific child or situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and Alison Foura, PhD, OTR/L. Any strategies, ideas, or suggestions shared are offered as general support for parents and caregivers and should be used at your own discretion, with consideration for your child’s individual needs and your family’s values.

Always seek the guidance of your child’s pediatrician, occupational therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your child’s development, behavior, or health.

This podcast may also include personal experiences and, at times, faith-based perspectives. These are shared as part of Alison’s personal and professional lens and are not intended to replace individualized care or professional guidance.

💛 Does your child seem miserable after school every single day - even when teachers say they had a “good day”? Maybe they cry on the way home, melt down over tiny things, cling to you, lash out at siblings, or completely fall apart the second they walk through the door.

In this episode, we’re talking all about after-school restraint collapse in young children, and why kids often struggle so much during the transition home after holding it together all day long.

You’ll learn:

• What restraint collapse is and why it matters for our kids
• How sensory overload and nervous system fatigue build throughout the day
• Why children often save their biggest emotions for home
• How busy school environments impact regulation
• Why your child may seem “fine” at school but unravel at home
• And 5 practical strategies to make the transition home smoother and less overwhelming for everyone

We’ll also talk about the connection between sensory processing, emotional regulation, masking, transitions, and after-school meltdowns, all through a compassionate, sensory-informed lens.

If your child struggles after school, this episode will help all of this to make so much more sense.

#restraintcollapse #afterschoolmeltdowns #sensoryprocessing #childbehavior #emotionalregulation #occupationaltherapy #sensorykids #parentingpodcast #nervoussystemregulation

Related Resources:

https://drrossgreene.com/

NEXT STEPS:

💛 Follow the podcast for more parent-friendly conversations about sensory processing, emotional regulation, behavior, nervous systems, and development in young children.

✨ Join our free Facebook community for more sensory-informed parenting support, practical strategies, and real-life conversations around meltdowns, regulation, sensory processing, and behavior in young children.

⭐ Share + leave a review to help more families!

https://www.instagram.com/sensorysolutionsforparents/#

DISCLAIMER

This podcast, Sensory Solutions for Parents, is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, occupational therapy, or other professional advice.

The host is a licensed occupational therapist; however, the information shared in this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific child or situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and Alison Foura, PhD, OTR/L. Any strategies, ideas, or suggestions shared are offered as general support for parents and caregivers and should be used at your own discretion, with consideration for your child’s individual needs and your family’s values.

Always seek the guidance of your child’s pediatrician, occupational therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your child’s development, behavior, or health.

This podcast may also include personal experiences and, at times, faith-based perspectives. These are shared as part of Alison’s personal and professional lens and are not intended to replace individualized care or professional guidance.

Episode 13:

Why Your Toddler Falls Apart After Daycare (And What to Do About It!)

💛 Does your child completely fall apart after daycare or preschool… even though their teachers say they had a great day?

You are not alone.

In this episode, we’re talking about something called “restraint collapse” and the emotional meltdowns, clinginess, irritability, sensory seeking, and overwhelm many toddlers and preschoolers experience after holding it together all day long.

We’ll break down:

• What restraint collapse actually is and what it looks like
• Why this is incredibly common and developmentally appropriate in many cases
• What’s happening in your child’s nervous system
• Why children often save their biggest emotions for the people they feel safest with
• How sensory processing and nervous system overload impact behavior
• Practical strategies to help your child decompress after daycare or preschool

You’ll also learn simple, realistic ways to support your child after pickup through:

• Lowering demands
• Supporting sensory needs
• Co-regulation and
• Nervous system recovery

If your child seems emotionally exhausted after school, this episode will help you understand what may really be happening underneath the behavior - with compassion, practical tools, and a nervous system lens.

Because often, kids are not giving us a hard time… They are HAVING a hard time.

Related Resources:

https://drrossgreene.com/

NEXT STEPS:

💛 Follow the podcast for more parent-friendly conversations about sensory processing, emotional regulation, behavior, nervous systems, and development in young children.

🤍 Join our supportive community of Moms looking for solutions and support at the free Facebook group Sensory Solutions for Parents.

⭐ Share + leave a review to help more families!

https://www.instagram.com/sensorysolutionsforparents/#

DISCLAIMER

This podcast, Sensory Solutions for Parents, is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, occupational therapy, or other professional advice.

The host is a licensed occupational therapist; however, the information shared in this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific child or situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and Alison Foura, PhD, OTR/L. Any strategies, ideas, or suggestions shared are offered as general support for parents and caregivers and should be used at your own discretion, with consideration for your child’s individual needs and your family’s values.

Always seek the guidance of your child’s pediatrician, occupational therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your child’s development, behavior, or health.

This podcast may also include personal experiences and, at times, faith-based perspectives. These are shared as part of Alison’s personal and professional lens and are not intended to replace individualized care or professional guidance.

In this episode, we’re breaking down why vacations can quickly overload a young child’s nervous system — even in places that are supposed to feel magical and fun. From theme park trips to beach vacations, family reunions, and busy summer outings, many young children struggle with regulation when there’s too much sensory input, too many transitions, and not enough downtime.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why vacations can trigger meltdowns in toddlers and young children
• How sensory overload builds throughout the day
• Why “too much fun” can still overwhelm the nervous system
• Early signs your child may be reaching their limit
• Practical sensory-informed strategies to help PREVENT vacation meltdowns
• Why slowing down often leads to better family memories

If your child struggles with clinginess, emotional outbursts, overstimulation, or exhaustion during summer trips, this episode will help you better understand what’s happening underneath the behavior, and how to support your child with more connection and less pressure.

Because sometimes the best vacation memories happen in the unplanned moments, when we stop trying to do it all!

NEXT STEPS:

🤍 Join our supportive community of Moms looking for solutions and support at the free Facebook group Sensory Solutions for Parents

✨ If this episode helped you, share it with another parent preparing for summer travel!

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sensorysolutionsforparents/#

DISCLAIMER

This podcast, Sensory Solutions for Parents, is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, occupational therapy, or other professional advice.

The host is a licensed occupational therapist; however, the information shared in this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific child or situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and Alison Foura, PhD, OTR/L. Any strategies, ideas, or suggestions shared are offered as general support for parents and caregivers and should be used at your own discretion, with consideration for your child’s individual needs and your family’s values.

Always seek the guidance of your child’s pediatrician, occupational therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your child’s development, behavior, or health.

This podcast may also include personal experiences and, at times, faith-based perspectives. These are shared as part of Alison’s personal and professional lens and are not intended to replace individualized care or professional guidance.