Growing Strong Roots:  an Occupational Therapist’s Perspective on Parenting, Self-Regulation, and Resilience

Lee-Anne Bloom, MS, OTR/L; Oak Bloom OT
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Parenting
  • Weekly

As a mom, owner and Occupational Therapist at Oak Bloom OT working with families for many years, I've seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be to raise sturdy children. My goal is to share science-based strategies, real-life stories and resources that can help you nourish those roots so that you and the children in your life can grow stronger, sturdier, and more resilient. 

  1. 4d ago

    Kids & Screens: Use a Third-Party App

    Kids & Screens: Use a Third-Party App Are your kids struggling with behavior, and you're wondering if screens might be part of the problem? In this episode, we dig into what's really feeding kids' difficult behavior — from screen exposure and online gaming pressures to the unique needs of sensitive, susceptible children. We explore why developmental timelines don't always match our expectations, how to reframe the way we think about our kids' progress, and why the things we can control — like screen time limits — matter more than ever in today's algorithm-driven world. Plus, one simple, set-it-and-forget-it solution every parent can put in place today. 1. Screen Time & Children's Behavior/Development JAMA Pediatrics (2024) — Meta-analysis of 100 studies (176,742 participants) found that program viewing was negatively linked to cognitive outcomes, and age-inappropriate content was linked to worse psychosocial outcomes. Notably, co-viewing with caregiverswas positively associated with cognitive outcomes — suggesting content quality and context matter more than raw duration. JAMA Pediatrics — Early Childhood Screen Use Contexts and Cognitive/Psychosocial Outcomes Psychological Bulletin — Meta-analysis of 132 longitudinal studies (292,739 children) found bidirectional small effects: screen use leads to socioemotional problems and vice versa. Gaming showed much stronger bidirectional effects than general screen use. doi.org/10.1037/bul0000468 Developmental Psychology (2025) — Growing Up in New Zealand study (6,281 children) found that more than 1.5 hours/day of screen time at age 2 was linked to below-average language/educational ability and above-average peer problems at age 4.5. More than 2.5 hours/day linked to higher peer relationship problems at age 8. doi.org/10.1037/dev0001907 JAMA Network Open (2025) — Study of 3,322 grade 3 children found each additional hour of total screen time associated with 9–10% lower odds of higher academic achievement in reading and math. Video gaming specifically linked to lower reading achievement. JAMA Network Open — Screen Time and Standardized Academic Achievement 2. Gaming Addiction & Parental Control Apps Rapid Evidence Review (2023) — Reviewed 40 studies on parental control tools. Results were mixed: 17 found beneficial outcomes, 12 found no change, 8 found adverse outcomes. Null-effect studies documented how easily children bypass parental controls. Conclusion: "research does not support the use of parental controls as a stand-alone or 'silver bullet' solution," but they can help "when embedded in the everyday mix of parental mediation practices." doi.org/10.1080/17482798.2023.2265512 JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting (2025) — Meta-analysis of 11 studies found digital safety interventions (including parental control apps) produced a significant reduction in children's screen time (Hedges g = –0.47 in RCTs), though heterogeneity was high. pediatrics.jmir.org/2025/1/e70745 Tech Diet Parent Program Trial (2024) — An online parent management video program (not a blocking app) tested on 689 parents: after the program, 60% of high-IGD (Internet Gaming Disorder) children dropped below the clinical threshold. This supports your video's emphasis on parent involvement beyond just installing an app. doi.org/10.1080/00049530.2024.2396961 Systematic Review of Parental Mediation (PMC) — Covered 18 problematic-internet-use studies (81,002 adolescents). Found "no type of parental mediation was consistently associated with lower problematic screen use rates." Active mediation (talking with teens) helped more for general internet use. Family cohesion correlated with lower problem rates; family conflict with higher rates. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7044585 3. Highly Sensitive Children & Sensory Overstimulation Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) Research — Approximately 30% of children score high on the SPS trait, making them more responsive to both negative and positive environmental input. Overstimulation is described as "one of the biggest challenges associated with SPS." Highly Sensitive Child Scale (Pluess et al., 2018) — Study of 3,581 children aged 8–19 identified three sensitivity groups: low (~25–35%), medium (~41–47%), and high (~20–35%). The high-sensitivity group is more affected by both negative and positive environments. doi.org/10.1037/dev0000406 Daily-Life Overstimulation Study (2025) — Experience sampling study (N=139) found highly sensitive people reported higher overstimulation when stimuli were unpleasant, when fatigued, or in negative mood — but lower overstimulation than non-sensitive people when stimuli were pleasant and mood was positive. Conclusion: interventions preventing fatigue and promoting positive environments may reduce overstimulation for sensitive individuals. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12808265 Original SPS Framework (Aron & Aron, 1997) — The foundational study establishing sensory-processing sensitivity as a temperament trait distinct from introversion. hsperson.com/pdf/JPSP_Aron_and_Aron_97_Sensitivity_vs_I_and_N.pdf

  2. May 19

    Permissive Parenting

    Permissive parenting often comes from a place of love, but what happens when warmth comes without enough structure or follow-through? In this episode of Growing Strong Roots, occupational therapist Lee-Anne Bloom and parenting partner Tom Guiney unpack the research behind parenting styles and explore why permissive parenting can unintentionally fuel anxiety, dysregulation, and dependence, especially for neurodivergent kids. Through real-life examples and occupational therapy strategies, they discuss the difference between control and structure, why consistency matters, and how parents can hold boundaries without losing compassion. You’ll hear practical tools for managing meltdowns, scaffolding independence, and avoiding reinforcement of unwanted behaviors. This conversation is a grounded look at how loving limits and predictable routines help children build resilience, self-regulation, and confidence over time.   Linked research studies: Baumrind, D. (1966). *Effects of Authoritative Parental Control on Child Behavior* Child Development, 37(4), 887–907. Baumrind, D. (1967). *Child Care Practices Anteceding Three Patterns of Preschool Behavior* Genetic Psychology Monographs, 75, 43–88. Darling, N., & Steinberg, L. (1993). *Parenting Style as Context: An Integrative Model* Psychological Bulletin, 113(3), 487–496. Steinberg, L. (2001). *We Know Some Things: Parent–Adolescent Relationships in Retrospect and Prospect* Journal of Research on Adolescence, 11(1), 1–19. Kuppens, S., & Ceulemans, E. (2018). *Parenting Styles: A Closer Look at a Well-Known Concept* Journal of Child and Family Studies, 28, 168–181. Garcia, F., Serra, E., Garcia, O., Martinez, I., & Cruise, E. (2019). *A Third Emerging Stage for the Current Digital Society? Optimal Parenting Styles in Spain, the United States, Germany, and Brazil* International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Kim, S., Wang, Y., Orozco-Lapray, D., Shen, Y., & Murtuza, M. (2013). *Does “Tiger Parenting” Exist? Parenting Profiles of Chinese Americans and Adolescent Developmental Outcomes*

  3. Apr 3

    Expert Perspectives on Autism Prevalence and Twice Exceptional Ability

    Dr. Lisa Hancock on Autism Spectrum Disorder, Twice Exceptionality, and Advocacy in Schools   Dr. Lisa Hancock, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in neuropsychological assessment and therapy, with expertise in ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), dyslexia, anxiety, mood disorders, independent educational evaluations, and IEP/academic accommodations, especially for twice-exceptional and gifted individuals. Hancock explains her path from securities trading to psychology through advocacy for her four children’s varied needs, mentorship from Dr. Linda Silverman, and joining Summit Center with Dr. Dan Peters. She describes DSM-5’s 2013 shift combining autism and Asperger’s into ASD, and how traditional (male-based) criteria can miss females who may camouflage and have less “unusual” special interests. The discussion covers genetics, COVID-era changes affecting masking, workplace/school inclusivity and accommodations, barriers to school recognition of “functional impact” beyond grades, and how ASD often co-occurs with learning differences, processing issues, anxiety, and depression, supporting earlier identification and resources. 00:00 Meet Dr. Lisa Hancock 02:05 Career Pivot Story 04:14 Summit Center Connection 06:14 Why Autism Seems Rising 07:51 DSM Five Changes 10:28 Girls Women Presentation of ASD 12:58 Genetics And Family Patterns 14:06 Masking  18:13 Inclusive Accommodations 21:33 Advocating In Schools 27:46 Early Diagnosis And Comorbidities 32:01 Neurodiversity Future View 35:15 Closing And Next Steps

  4. Mar 25

    Guided Exploration of Embodied Sensations: A Meditation Experience

    Growing Strong Roots:  an Occupational Therapist’s Perspective on Parenting, Self-Regulation, and Resilience

  5. Mar 2

    Parenting with Guardrails and Attunement: Raising Kids in the Digital Age

    In this episode, occupational therapist Lee-Anne Bloom speaks with educator and digital readiness consultant Betty Ray about raising children in today’s complex digital world. Together they explore how technology shapes emotional regulation, identity development, and family relationships, especially for neurodivergent children. The conversation introduces the concept of parenting with both guardrails and attunement, balancing connection, safety, and growing independence. Parents will learn practical strategies for navigating screen use, supporting healthy digital habits, recognizing warning signs, and scaffolding responsibility as children mature in an increasingly online environment. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and guest welcome 00:10 Betty Ray’s background and digital readiness work 00:40 Why digital parenting is a timely topic 01:31 Competing with screens in modern parenting 01:53 Big picture question: what feels different today 02:19 Technology designed to capture attention 03:17 Devices moving from shared spaces to private pockets 03:54 Screens and emotional regulation challenges 04:50 Limits, conflict, and identity development online 05:49 Belonging, agency, and purpose in digital spaces 06:13 Benefits and risks of online identity formation 07:06 Positive communities versus harmful influences 08:11 Example of harmful online solidarity and self-harm 09:06 Helping kids reflect on friendships and choices 10:02 Parenting through relationship first 10:18 Guardrails and attunement framework 10:56 Parent self-regulation as the foundation 11:18 Power struggles and secrecy around screens 12:17 Parenting differently from previous generations 13:07 Privacy, monitoring, and parental discomfort 13:17 Building trust through relational connection 13:25 Using reflective questions as guardrails 14:27 Encouraging self-reflection and critical thinking 15:52 Escalating boundaries when safety concerns grow 17:02 Gradual developmental scaffolding 17:41 Recognizing warning signs in kids 18:18 Maintaining communication during adolescence 19:33 The reality of daily screen exposure 20:32 Parenting reactions to harmful online content 21:37 Emotional responses and regulating yourself first 22:19 Advocacy and responsibility of tech companies 23:10 Responding with attunement instead of shame 24:08 Talking openly about difficult online content 25:18 Partnering with kids instead of opposing them 26:03 Teaching body awareness and internal signals 27:03 Limits of parental controls and collaboration 28:03 Developmental stages of digital independence 28:52 Safety first for younger children 29:07 Building trust and gradual freedom 29:38 Agency, responsibility, and real-world skills 30:55 Service and values as the final developmental stage 31:17 Building resilience and independence offline 31:37 Occupational therapy perspective on independence 32:21 Opportunity cost of excessive screen time

  6. Mar 2

    Failing Well, Growing Stronger Together

    In this episode, I share a heartfelt reflection on failure and why failing well is essential for growth in both children and adults. I talk about how setbacks are not a reflection of our worth, but signals pointing us toward areas that need strengthening. Using my own experience of not getting into graduate school on the first try, I walk through how reflection, feedback, and perseverance turned failure into forward momentum. We explore why it is especially important for parents and caregivers to model failure openly, rather than hiding it. I also discuss how perfectionism and fear of failure show up in bright, high-achieving kids. The episode closes with an invitation to reflect, share, and grow together through setbacks. Timestamps [00:00] Why failure matters for human development [00:27] Reframing setbacks as information, not inadequacy [00:47] Learning from past failures [01:06] Personal story: not getting into grad school [01:43] Sitting with disappointment and making a plan [02:18] Identifying gaps and rebuilding stronger [02:45] Perseverance and failing well [03:22] Modeling failure for children [03:43] Perfectionism, pressure, and fear of failing [04:09] Reflection as a tool for growth [04:16] Invitation to share experiences and connect

  7. Feb 25

    Supporting Sensitive Children: OT Strategies

    Join Lee-Anne Bloom, owner of Oak Bloom OT in Oakland, California, as she shares practical occupational therapy strategies for supporting highly sensitive children. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience as a parent, Lee-Anne addresses the challenges families face when raising children who experience intense emotional reactions to developmentally appropriate tasks. In this episode, Lee-Anne explores: Understanding sensory sensitivities and why children become overwhelmed Breaking down occupational barriers that prevent children from participating in everyday activities Teaching self-advocacy and communication techniques for sensitive kids Creating adaptations for classroom and social situations Using gradual exposure methods to help children engage with challenging stimuli Whether you're a parent, educator, or professional working with sensitive children, this episode offers compassionate, evidence-based guidance for helping kids navigate their sensitivities while building coping skills and resilience.

  8. Feb 16

    Has Gentle parenting gone too far?

    This episode is an honest, unscripted conversation about gentle parenting and where it may have gone too far. Drawing from my experience as a parent and occupational therapist, we explore how cultural overcorrection has shifted parenting toward over-validation and emotional mediation. We discuss when gentle parenting can be supportive and when it may undermine independence, resilience, and long-term outcomes. Real clinical examples highlight downstream effects like anxiety, dependency, and difficulty functioning outside the home. We also talk through practical alternatives that balance empathy with firm boundaries. Ultimately, this episode centers on raising capable, independent kids who can grow into healthy adults. Timestamps [00:00] Gentle parenting as overcorrection [00:41] Episode format and conversation setup [01:00] Parenting perspective and lived experience [01:27] Defining gentle parenting [02:18] Cultural shifts and discipline backlash [03:19] Entitlement and overvalidation concerns [04:02] When gentle parenting works vs fails [05:16] Preparing kids for environments beyond home [06:33] Dependency, control, and separation challenges [07:26] Clinical case example: sleep dependency [08:22] Role of parent coaching in OT [09:18] Risks of total emotional mediation [10:12] Neurodivergence and regulation challenges [11:29] Concrete examples: bedtime and routines [12:30] Tracking behavior and gathering data [13:07] Ferber chair method and prompt fading [15:20] Progress, sleep gains, and family relief [16:40] Sustainability and long-term independence [17:06] Parenting culture and power dynamics [18:34] Ceding power and “child ruling the roost” [19:02] Hierarchy, boundaries, and learning to cope [20:14] Seeing kids as younger than they are [21:41] Raising expectations and capability [22:47] Ease vs growth for parents [24:32] Why this podcast exists [25:06] Needs vs wants and developmental growth [26:12] Finding the middle ground [27:05] Non-negotiables and parental bandwidth [27:57] Accountability and parent coaching [28:43] Predictable, consistent consequences [29:27] Holding boundaries and agreements [30:28] Long-term outcomes into adulthood [31:49] Independence as the goal [32:11] OT’s role across the lifespan

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About

As a mom, owner and Occupational Therapist at Oak Bloom OT working with families for many years, I've seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be to raise sturdy children. My goal is to share science-based strategies, real-life stories and resources that can help you nourish those roots so that you and the children in your life can grow stronger, sturdier, and more resilient. 

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