Therapod Podcast

Banu Rekha Balaji

The Therapod podcast is a valuable resource created by a team of experienced clinicians- Hosted by Banu Balaji, an experienced occupational therapist. Joining us as Co-host this season we have Georgie Cooney, dedicated teacher, author, and dyslexia specialist with years of experience supporting learners with Specific Learning Difficulties.  This podcast aims to provide accessible and practical information for parents, caregivers, and professionals working with children, especially those with additional needs. Banu and her seasoned colleagues share their  insights on various topics such as sensory strategies, communication, neurodevelopmental assessments, and promoting both physical and mental health in children and adolescents. They bring their years of training and experience to the table in a way that makes it accessible and meaningful. The emphasis is on  the importance of parents providing timely support and help  when needed and aim to reduce overwhelm and bring joy to parenting. The podcast delves into the evolving challenges of modern parenting, the impact of changing environments on children, the significance of play in learning and development, and the value of balancing structured activities with free play. Through their discussions, therapod highlights the importance of understanding individual needs, fostering positive relationships, and supporting children's growth and well-being in today's complex world.

  1. 14h ago

    The Power of Child-Led Play

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Therapod Podcast’s inclusive education series, co-host Karolina speaks with Aby, founder of Play Connects, a social enterprise in Singapore, and a play advocate with more than 25 years at Playright Hong Kong. Abby shares how becoming a parent shaped her mission to help adults see the world through children’s eyes. They discuss: Why child-led play supports confidence, problem-solving and social-emotional developmentWhy every child, regardless of ability, has a right to playThe shift from directing play to being a supportive parentThree practical reminders: step back and observe, offer open-ended materials, be a guest in their playStarting with 20 minutes a week of child-chosen play, with no phones or computersWhy everyday items are enough, with no expensive toys neededHow consistency builds emotional safety and trustWhether you’re a parent, teacher, therapist or school leader, this episode offers simple, practical ideas to apply at home and in everyday practice. Therapod Podcast is sponsored by Therapeutics, a digital platform offering easy-to-understand, video-based therapeutic strategies for children with additional needs. Learn more at therapeutics.io. If something in this episode stays with you, contact your GP as your first port of call, and reach out to family and friends. Follow us on your favourite podcast platform, and on Instagram for book reviews. Topic ideas or queries? Email theropodpodcast@gmail.com. Short version

    The Power of Child-Led Play

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The Therapod podcast is a valuable resource created by a team of experienced clinicians- Hosted by Banu Balaji, an experienced occupational therapist. Joining us as Co-host this season we have Georgie Cooney, dedicated teacher, author, and dyslexia specialist with years of experience supporting learners with Specific Learning Difficulties.  This podcast aims to provide accessible and practical information for parents, caregivers, and professionals working with children, especially those with additional needs. Banu and her seasoned colleagues share their  insights on various topics such as sensory strategies, communication, neurodevelopmental assessments, and promoting both physical and mental health in children and adolescents. They bring their years of training and experience to the table in a way that makes it accessible and meaningful. The emphasis is on  the importance of parents providing timely support and help  when needed and aim to reduce overwhelm and bring joy to parenting. The podcast delves into the evolving challenges of modern parenting, the impact of changing environments on children, the significance of play in learning and development, and the value of balancing structured activities with free play. Through their discussions, therapod highlights the importance of understanding individual needs, fostering positive relationships, and supporting children's growth and well-being in today's complex world.

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