Category Archives: Calming

Brainwaves, Issue 35, Self-Regulation from the Inside Out

Brainwaves is a newsletter/blog designed to create some “brainwaves” within my community of colleagues, friends and clients. My last newsletter focused on self-regulation vs self-control and discussed the importance of co-regulation in the development of self-regulation.  This newsletter will delve further into the power of the vagus nerve to self-regulate. Fun Facts about the vagus… Read More: Brainwaves, Issue 35, Self-Regulation from the Inside Out »

Brainwaves, Issue 34, Self-regulation…is not Self-Control!

Brainwaves is a newsletter designed to create some “brainwaves” within my community of colleagues, friends and clients. Self-reg…all the rage right now! Self-regulation seems to be the “rage” right now! Everyone is talking about it in the world of child development … but is it just a fad? Exciting brain research over the past few… Read More: Brainwaves, Issue 34, Self-regulation…is not Self-Control! »

Brainwaves, Issue 33, Inhale, Exhaaaale…Repeat!

In the last issue, I wrote about how to think about classroom movement breaks by assessing how it is working, adjusting the movements to support all children’s needs, and always ending with deep breathing. This issue will be focus on the why and how to use breathing as a self-regulation tool. Brainwaves is a monthly… Read More: Brainwaves, Issue 33, Inhale, Exhaaaale…Repeat! »

Brainwaves, Issue 32, How to think about Classroom Movement Breaks: AAB…Assess, Adjust, and Breathe!

In the last issue, I wrote about how to prepare for kindergarten!  This issue will be directed toward anyone who teaches children and wants to learn more about using movement breaks. Brainwaves is a monthly newsletter designed to create some “brainwaves” within my community of colleagues, friends and clients. Why do children (and adults) need… Read More: Brainwaves, Issue 32, How to think about Classroom Movement Breaks:… »

Brainwaves, Issue 28, Tools for Sitting on the Carpet

In the last issue, I wrote about how, for some people, more movement actually makes them more dysregulated. Structured movement is what they need! Since school is back in full swing, this issue will focus on strategies/tools to help children sit on the carpet or floor. Brainwaves is a monthly newsletter designed to create some… Read More: Brainwaves, Issue 28, Tools for Sitting on the Carpet »

Brainwaves Issue 26, Deep Pressure Touch

Brainwaves Issue 26, Another “go to” OT strategy…deep pressure touch! Which one is NOT deep pressure touch? (see page 2) 1) Lying on your stomach on a carpet 2) Wearing a weighted vest 3) Crawling through a tight space ie) behind a couch 4) Being wrapped up in a blanket 5) A big bear hug… Read More: Brainwaves Issue 26, Deep Pressure Touch »

Brainwaves, Issue 25, What exactly is heavy muscle work?

In the last issue, I wrote about transitions and ways to make it easier for families and children. This issue is about a common OT phrase… “heavy muscle work”. Brainwaves is a monthly newsletter designed to create some “brainwaves” within my community of colleagues, friends and clients. What is “heavy muscle work”? It is interesting… Read More: Brainwaves, Issue 25, What exactly is heavy muscle work? »

Issue 24, The Trouble with Transitions

In the last issue, I wrote about kids who chew, suck or bite, what it means and what you can do about it. This issue will be about transitions…somedays it seems like we can’t live with them and we can’t live without them! Brainwaves is a monthly newsletter designed to create some “brainwaves” within my… Read More: Issue 24, The Trouble with Transitions »

Brainwaves, Issue 23, Kids who NEED to chew, suck and bite

Issue 23, Kids who NEED to chew, suck and bite In the last issue, I wrote about 3 sensory based summer activities for touch. I hope you had fun with them! Summer is over, school is back, and this issue is all about kids who NEED to chew, suck, and bite! Brainwaves is a monthly… Read More: Brainwaves, Issue 23, Kids who NEED to chew, suck and… »

Brainwaves, Issue 21, Dreampad (TM)… way more than just for sleep!

Brainwaves, Issue 21, Dreampad™ …way more than just for sleeping! In the last issue, I wrote about the important connection between visual referencing and memory. This issue will talk about an exciting new “tool”, the Dreampad™ which uses psychoacoustics (sound and vibration) to create powerful positive changes to the nervous system! Brainwaves is a monthly… Read More: Brainwaves, Issue 21, Dreampad (TM)… way more than just for… »