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

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, especial...

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 an...

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 guardra...

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 f...

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 thi...

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-te...

When a child is struggling with daily life skills, self-regulation, sensory challenges, or independence, Occupational therapy is often one of the best places to start. In this episode of Growing Strong Roots, Lee-Anne Bloom explains what OT truly is at its core: helping people participate more fully in the occupations that matter most in everyday life. She breaks down how occupational therapy supp...

In this episode of Growing Strong Roots, occupational therapist Lee-Anne Bloom discusses the common parent question: should I pursue a diagnosis for my child? She explains how occupational therapy looks at a child’s daily occupations, including routines, emotional regulation, and participation at home and school. Lee-Anne explores how challenges with tasks, relationships, or self-management may si...

In this episode of Growing Strong Roots, occupational therapist Lee-Anne Bloom walks through “What’s in My OT Backpack” and shares the sensory, emotional, and practical tools she carries every day to stay regulated and prepared for dealing with challenging kids. She explains how each tool supports self-regulation, resilience, independence, and sensory needs, and how families can teach children to...

In this episode of Growing Strong Roots, occupational therapist Lee-Anne Bloom explores the importance of consent and communication when using touch with children, especially those who are sensory sensitive or have trauma histories. She explains how different kinds of touch activate the nervous system and why some children may react instinctively with fight, flight, or shutdown responses. Through...

In this episode, host Lee-Anne Bloom, OTR/L, explores realistic, attainable self-care strategies for parents who are supporting sensitive or neurodivergent children. Instead of idealized or time-consuming routines, she shares simple, daily practices that nourish the body, mind, and emotions. Topics include physical regulation through small movement habits, supportive bedtime and meal routines, men...

  Episode: Complaint O'Clock – A Family Ritual for Emotional Expression and conflict management Watch on Youtube Downloadable PDF instructions Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome and Podcast Overview 00:27 – Mission: Helping Families Raise Resilient Children 00:50 – Invitation to Grow and Bloom Together 01:00 – Introducing Complaint O’Clock 01:19 – Emotional Intensity in Neurodivergent Kids 01:40 – Wantin...

In this episode of Growing Strong Roots, occupational therapist Lee-Anne Bloom explains how to understand and manage aggressive behavior in children through a regulation-focused lens. Instead of viewing aggression as defiance, she explores the sensory, emotional, and communication needs underneath the behavior and offers practical OT strategies for prevention, co-regulation, emotional awareness, a...

Episode: How Screens Impact Neurodivergent Kids and What Parents Can Do In this episode, Lee-Anne Bloom, occupational therapist and mom, dives into the challenges of parenting neurodivergent children in the age of screens. She explains how ADHD, autism, and sensory differences make screen use more intense, why dopamine crashes can lead to emotional and behavioral struggles, and how parents can str...

Learn how to set loving, effective boundaries that support your child’s emotional regulation, independence, and resilience. Host Lee-Anne Bloom OTR/L shares practical strategies for scaffolding tasks, reducing overwhelm, and creating calm, connected family routines. She explores one of the most common but most challenging parenting topics: how to set loving, effective boundaries with children, esp...

Host Lee-Anne Bloom, an experienced occupational therapist and owner of Oak Bloom OT,  discusses how her diverse career background and experiences with her son’s neurodiversity have shaped her holistic approach to occupational therapy and helping "hard kids". She explains the importance of resilience, creative problem-solving, and personalized strategies in helping children and parents thrive. Lis...