STEPS Together

Debra Johnson
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The STEPS for Development podcast offers practical support for adults who are nurturing children's growth and development. Hosted by Debra Johnson, MS, OTR/L, pediatric occupational therapist, parent coach, educator and parent. STEPS Together dives into topics including typical development, neurodevelopmental differences, understanding what lies beneath challenging child behaviors, and exploring strategies that work to improve skills, strengthen relationships and empower parents and caregivers who are invested in helping children thrive and succeed. 

  1. 1D AGO

    Finding Joy in the Chaos: 10 Simple Ways to Find Joy in Everyday Moments

    Question? Comment? Send a text to let me know what's on your mind! Parenting can feel constant, demanding, and overwhelming—especially when you’re supporting a neurodiverse child. In the midst of routines, meltdowns, therapies, and daily demands, joy can start to feel distant or even unrealistic. In this episode of STEPS Together, we shift the focus from “doing more” to noticing, building, and protecting moments of joy that already fit real life. You’ll hear 10 practical, relationship-based ways to experience more joy with your child—without forcing positivity or ignoring challenges. We talk about: Why joy doesn’t have to be big, loud, or Pinterest-worthyCelebrating micro-wins and small moments of progressEmbedding play, movement, and humor into everyday routinesUsing shared interests and predictable rituals to deepen connectionThe importance of your own joy for framing your mindsetThis episode is an invitation to slow down, soften expectations, and reconnect—with yourself and with your child. Because thriving doesn’t come from perfect days; it grows from small, intentional moments of joy, repeated over time. ✨ Pick one strategy. Try it this week. Notice what shifts.

    21 min

  2. DEC 18

    When Regulation Falls Apart: A STEPS Guide to Managing Meltdowns

    Question? Comment? Send a text to let me know what's on your mind! Meltdowns are often misunderstood and when we treat them like misbehavior, everyone ends up more dysregulated. In this episode of STEPS Together, we break down the critical difference between tantrums and meltdowns, why that distinction matters, and what your child’s nervous system is communicating when regulation falls apart. We'll talk about what causes  meltdowns and reframe what it really means to manage a meltdown—not by controlling behavior, but by supporting regulation when your child cannot do it alone. This episode walks you through a clear, repeatable STEPS approach to managing meltdowns, including: How to regulate yourself first when emotions run highWhy reducing demands helps the nervous system resetWhat co-regulation without control looks like in real lifePractical ways to support your child’s nervous system—and your own—in the momentThe importance of Reflect and Repair after the meltdown is over to rebuild safety, connection, and learningThis conversation isn’t about eliminating meltdowns. It’s about understanding them and responding with intention, so you can get through the worst of times and build skills for change.  If you’ve ever felt stuck between wanting to help and feeling powerless in the moment, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a path forward—one step at a time. Download the PDF Guide with all the STEPS for managing meltdowns!

    44 min

  3. DEC 11

    When You Are Doing All The Things...And Nothing Is Changing

    Question? Comment? Send a text to let me know what's on your mind! If you’ve ever thought, “I’m doing everything people tell me to do so why is my child still melting down, acting out, or struggling?” this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, we unpack one of the most frustrating experiences for parents: working incredibly hard, trying every strategy you can find, and still feeling stuck. You’re not failing and your child isn’t either.  We’ll explore the six hidden reasons you feel stuck, including strategy overload, losing sight of your child’s unique needs, expectations that don’t match developmental readiness, the gap between knowing and doing, the impact of your own regulation and confidence, and losing sight of progress in the face of stress.  By the end, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of what’s been getting in the way and a sense of relief that there is a path forward. Less overwhelm, more clarity, and the reassurance that you can move forward.  Tune in to shift from “trying everything” to trying what actually works and start seeing your successes, no matter how small.  As a reminder to help stay on track, download the PDF guide to this episode!

    29 min

  4. DEC 4

    Brain Health 101: The Foundations Every Parent Needs to Know

    Question? Comment? Send a text to let me know what's on your mind! In this episode, I identify the five core pillars of wellness that support a child’s brain health and why they matter far more than most parents realize. Neurodiverse brains often struggle with one or more (sometimes all five!) of these areas; sleep, nutrition, physical activity, social relationships, and stress reduction. Research shows us how each of these areas are vital to brain development and daily function. I’ll break down why each one of these core pillars matters and what you can do as a parent to support your child’s participation in each area. You’ll gain a new perspective, better understanding and walk away with knowledge that you can shift the needle in each of these areas no matter how your child might struggle.

    42 min

  5. NOV 26

    Realistic, Regulated & Rested: The Holiday Alignment Every Family Needs

    Question? Comment? Send a text to let me know what's on your mind! Free PDF Guide to Aligning Expectations for Happier Holidays If the holidays tend to leave your family overwhelmed, overtired, and overstimulated, this episode is your reset button. We’re breaking down how to align expectations, routines, and rhythms so your child—and your whole family—can stay grounded in a season that often pulls everyone off balance. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to set realistic expectations for kids’ behavior and capacity, how to help everyone stay regulated amid celebrations and disruptions, and why prioritizing rest is essential—not optional—for a joyful holiday season. You’ll learn where to focus your planning and how to implement practical strategies that help prevent meltdowns, reduce conflict, and create more peaceful moments together. Think of this as your holiday alignment plan: simple mindset shifts and doable routines that help you enjoy the moments that matter most. Let’s build a season that feels calmer, more connected, and a whole lot more “just right” for your family. This is Part 3 of our "Navigating the Holidays" series! If you haven't already listened be sure to go back to Episodes 19 and 20 for more tips and support for what can be an overwhelming time for both your child AND you!  Episode 19: Creating Calm Out of Chaos: How Being Proactive Will Save the Season Episode 20: Holding Your Ground With Heart: Navigating Opinions and Advice

    30 min

  6. NOV 20

    Holding Your Ground with Heart: Navigating Opinions and Advice

    Question? Comment? Send a text to let me know what's on your mind! The holidays often bring excitement, connection… and plenty of unsolicited advice. In this episode, we explore how to stay confident, calm, and compassionate when family and friends don’t fully understand your child’s neurodiverse needs or your parenting approach. You’ll learn how to anchor yourself in what you know works for your child, set boundaries with kindness, and respond to well-meaning advice without losing your footing (or your holiday spirit). I'll walk through practical scripts and mindset strategies to help you advocate for your child—and yourself—with clarity, confidence, and heart.  Download the PDF with all the tips and scripts to help you tackle any tough or awkward conversation this season.

    28 min

  7. NOV 13

    Creating Calm out of Chaos: How Being Proactive Will Save the Season

    Question? Comment? Send a text to let me know what's on your mind! Holidays are stressful for everyone. The rush of holidays at the end of the year can be especially rough. Changes in routines, new people, new places, new foods. All of it can be overwhelming for our children, as well as us! In this episode, I'll share why being prepared and proactively setting things in place for success is crucial AND possible. I'll walk you through the steps to making the season calmer by helping you be confident in facing whatever changes or challenges are coming your way.  Grab a PDF guide to remind you of the WHY and the HOW of proactive solutions!

    35 min

  8. NOV 6

    Help without Controlling: The Skill-Building Power of Scaffolding

    Question? Comment? Send a text to let me know what's on your mind! How the “Just Right” support creates growth and eliminates struggles. When a child fails to follow directions, makes mistakes or struggles physically with a task it is easy for us to slip into control mode. So much easier to just do it for them, especially as we are rushing out the door or trying to get dinner on the table at the end of the day. But children learn by doing and they need support to learn in a way that is developmentally appropriate.  In this episode, we’ll explore the power of scaffolding and how providing the right amount of support at the right time will pay off in the long run, in ways that controlling or doing things for them never will. When you learn the art of scaffolding, you learn how to build your child’s skills, confidence and independence. You'll find that your stress level goes down as you let go of control and feel confident in teaching skills. You’ll see how small adjustments in the support you give will turn daily battles into opportunities for learning, connection and lasting change.

    45 min
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About

The STEPS for Development podcast offers practical support for adults who are nurturing children's growth and development. Hosted by Debra Johnson, MS, OTR/L, pediatric occupational therapist, parent coach, educator and parent. STEPS Together dives into topics including typical development, neurodevelopmental differences, understanding what lies beneath challenging child behaviors, and exploring strategies that work to improve skills, strengthen relationships and empower parents and caregivers who are invested in helping children thrive and succeed. 

Information

  • Creator
    Debra Johnson
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 STEPS Together
  • Show Website
    STEPS Together