Harvey County Parents as Teachers

06/12/2026

Kick off your summer with a day of stories, imagination, and adventure. 🌈

Stream an all-day Reading Rainbow marathon this Saturday, June 13! 💙📚

Watch PBS Retro on:
Roku: bit.ly/PBS_Retro_Roku
Vizio: bit.ly/PBSRetro_Vizio
Plex: bit.ly/PBSRetro_Plex

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

Sensory processing, executive function, and emotional regulation are deeply connected, especially in the children we see as occupational therapy providers.

When a child’s sensory system is either overwhelmed or under-stimulated, it can interfere with their ability to plan, focus, and control impulses, core components of executive functioning.

This sensory “traffic jam” can lead to frustration, shutdowns, or meltdowns, not because the child is being defiant, but because their brain is working overtime to manage input, organize thoughts, and regulate big feelings.

As OT practitioners, we support the foundation, helping kids process sensory input so they can better access higher-level thinking skills and emotional control throughout their day.
Here are resources:
🟢https://www.theottoolbox.com/emotional-regulation-and-executive-function/
🟢https://www.theottoolbox.com/sensory-processing-disorder-checklist/
🟢https://www.theottoolbox.com/lion-and-lamb-self-regulation-activity/
🟢https://research.aota.org/ajot/article/76/Supplement_1/7610505101p1/23472/Relationships-Among-Sensory-Processing-Behaviors

06/11/2026

We have 3 more PAT graduates!

It’s time to say, “Goodbye”.
Our time together has come to an end.
We've made so many cherished memories,
and a very special friend.
We've watched you learn and grow,
and change from day to day.
We hope that all the things we’ve done,
have helped in some small way.
So it’s with happy memories
that you walk out the door.
With great hope and expectations,
for what your life holds in store!

Congratulations on graduating!

06/10/2026

Power struggles usually aren’t about “bad behavior.”
They’re often a child saying:
“I need connection.”
“I need choices.”
“I need help.”
“I need my body to feel understood.” 💛

Small language shifts can completely change the tone of your home.
Not by removing boundaries… but by holding them with calm, connection, and choices kids can actually process. ✨

You can be kind and firm at the same time. 🫶

06/10/2026

Give some of these prompts a try to work out any wiggles!

06/09/2026

Don't forget that babies and young kids have thinner skin than adults, which can make them more prone to serious burns. When you're gearing up for some time out in the sun, remember these tips from :

🧴Apply generously and liberally to all exposed areas, especially the face, nose, ears, feet and hands, and even the backs of the knees

😎 Wear sunglasses with UV protection. Look for child-sized sunglasses with UV protection too.

☀️ Limit sun exposure between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm when UV rays are strongest.

👶 Keep babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight. Find shade under a tree, an umbrella, or stroller canopy.

⛅ Remember that you can get sunburn even on cloudy days because up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can get through the clouds and UV rays can bounce back from water, sand, snow, and concrete.

06/09/2026

Brain breaks are a great writing warm-up for getting the hands ready for a handwriting task. WHY? HOW? We cover all things brain breaks here: https://www.theottoolbox.com/brain-breaks

06/05/2026