Episode 115:

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

Episode 109: Is Church a Struggle for Your Child Every Week? Why This Happens & What You Can Try This Week!

Episode 112: Planning a Family Vacation with Young Kids? How to Prevent Meltdowns Before They Start

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Podcast -> Sensory Solutions for Parents

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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 113:

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.

💛 Is your child constantly on the move when they’re playing. Do they climb, crash, spin or, dump toys whenever they are playing? Or maybe they enjoy lining their toys up or playing by themselves, or they just seem to play differently than other children, and you’ve wondered what it means.

In this episode, we’re diving into the powerful connection between play and your child’s sensory system. Play is so much more than entertainment for young children — it’s how they build their brains, regulate their bodies, develop social and emotional skills, and learn about the world around them.

We’re talking about:

• Why movement play is critical for sensory development
• How free play supports regulation and emotional growth
• The importance of natural outdoor play
• Why play deserves understanding instead of correction
• What repetitive or “different” play may actually be communicating
• How children use play to meet sensory needs naturally

💛 You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what your child’s play may actually be telling you about their nervous system, and why honoring play matters so much for development.

Whether your child is constantly on the go, deeply sensory-seeking, or simply plays in ways you don’t fully understand yet, this episode will help you view their play through a more supportive and sensory-informed lens.

NEXT STEPS:

🎁 Grab your free guide, The Power of Play , in our FB community at the link below!

🤍 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.

Episode 110: Struggling with your child’s intense meltdowns? What’s Really Happening and What to Do in the Moment

Have you ever wondered:

• “Why does my child go from 0 to 100 so fast?”
• “Why do they hit, kick, or completely lose control during meltdowns?”
• “And what am I actually supposed to do in that moment?”

What do you do when your child is in the middle of a meltdown—and nothing seems to be working?

In this episode of Sensory Solutions for Parents, we’re breaking down what’s really happening during meltdowns—and even full-on rage—and how to respond in a way that actually helps your child.

You’ll learn why meltdowns are typically not just “misbehavior,” but a nervous system response, and how moments of hitting, kicking, or losing control are often part of the fight response when a child becomes overwhelmed.

Instead of focusing on just stopping the behavior, this episode walks you through connection-first strategies that support your child’s regulation in the moment.

You’ll walk away with simple, practical tools to:

• Stay calm and grounded during intense moments
• Support your child’s body (not just their behavior)
• Keep everyone safe during a full-on rage
• Know what to say—and what not to say
• Build regulation over time

If you’ve ever felt unsure, overwhelmed, or stuck during your child’s meltdowns, this episode will give you a clear path forward.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• Meltdowns are a loss of regulation, not misbehavior
• During a meltdown, your child cannot access reasoning or control
• Intense behaviors are fight, flight, or freeze responses
• Full-on rage is the fight response at its highest level
• Co-regulation is the foundation for long-term emotional skills
• Teaching and problem-solving happen after, not during the meltdown

❤️ REMEMBER

Your child isn’t trying to give you a hard time. They’re having a hard time in their body.

NEXT STEPS:

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

⭐ Share & leave a review on Apple Podcasts 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.

Does your toddler or young child struggle at church—melting down during music, refusing to go in, or clinging to you in crowded spaces?

In this episode of Sensory Solutions for Parents, we break down why church environments can feel overwhelming for some children and how those big reactions are often sensory-based stress responses, not misbehavior.

You’ll learn how your child’s nervous system (fight, flight, freeze or fawn) plays a major role in behaviors like running away, shutting down, or acting out.

This episode will help you:

• Understand what’s really happening in your child’s body
• Recognize sensory overload in real-time
• Respond in a way that supports regulation (not just behavior)
• Feel more confident navigating your church experience with your child

If Sundays have started to feel more stressful than peaceful, this episode will give you a new lens—and simple, practical strategies you can use right away.

• Church environments can be overstimulating for young children
• Loud music, crowds, and transitions can overwhelm the nervous system
• Many behaviors are actually fight, flight, freeze or fawn responses
• These reactions are automatic—not intentional behavior choices
• Supporting your child’s sensory needs first helps behavior improve
• Regulation must come before expectations or discipline

• Why your child may cover their ears, run away, or cling during church
• How to identify:
  • Fight (hitting, yelling)
  • Flight (running, refusing)
  • Freeze (shutting down, clinging)
  • Fawn (complying but disengaged)
• How sensory overload builds before the meltdown
• Simple ways to support your child before and during church

Instead of asking: ❌ “How do I get my child to behave at church?”

Try asking: 👉 “What is my child’s body experiencing right now?” 👉 “What do they need to feel safe?”

Your child isn’t trying to give you a hard time. They’re having a hard time in their body.

If this episode helped you, share it with a friend who struggles with church mornings.

And if you want more support like this, come join my free Facebook community where we talk about real-life strategies for real-life parenting.

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14ftp5s17YP/

⭐ Don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts! It helps more families find this support!

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.

Does your child constantly leave the table… stand while eating… or seem like they just can’t sit through a meal?

Have you tried reminders, rewards, or consequences—and nothing seems to stick?

What if staying at the table isn’t just behavior… but your child’s body asking for more support?

In this episode of Sensory Solutions for Parents, we’re breaking down a commonly missed piece of the puzzle: how seating positioning and proprioception (your child’s sense of body awareness) directly impact their ability to stay seated and regulated during meals.

You’ll walk away with a new way of looking at mealtime struggles—and simple, realistic strategies you can start using today.

• Why leaving the table is often not a behavior problem
• How your child’s body positioning affects their ability to sit and eat
• What proprioception is—and why it matters at mealtime
• Why some kids seem “wiggly,” stand, or constantly get up
• How movement is often your child’s way of seeking regulation
• Easy ways to support your child’s body so they can stay at the table longer

• Check for proper positioning using the 90-90-90 rule
• Make sure your child’s feet are supported (this is key!)
• Use a booster seat or back support if needed
• Adjust table height so your child isn’t reaching or slouching
• Add a few minutes of heavy work before meals

Before your next meal:

👉 Give your child 2 minutes of heavy work 👉 Check: Are their feet supported while sitting?

Then simply observe:

• Are they staying at the table longer?
• Does their body seem calmer?
• Is mealtime a little easier?

“Support the body first—and behavior will follow.”

If this episode helped you, share it with another parent who could use this.

And for more simple, real-life sensory strategies: 👉 Join our free community here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1NgnWDq4io/

You can also find us on IG @SensorySolutionsforParents