Advocacy and Emotional Regulation: Ensuring that our children's needs are heard, respected, and met

Research and Information by Dr. Diana Honorat, OTD, with Jo Partin, Pacific OTDS student, Kristy Bailey, OTAS, Pierce Bertschy, COTA,

Blog written by Lyndsay Morris

Advocating for your kid

Advocacy is a powerful tool for ensuring that our children's needs are heard, respected, and met. It involves collaborating with family members, teachers, and peers to create an environment that fosters success. Here are some strategies:

Be Collaborative, Specific, and Respectful

When discussing your child’s needs, adopt a collaborative tone. Ask questions like, “How can we work together?” This approach fosters a positive dialogue and encourages teamwork.

Document Everything in Writing

Keep a detailed record of your child's progress and any important conversations. Follow up important conversations in a written summary for understanding

 Prepare for Meetings

Review current plans and progress reports in advance

Bring Support (if allowed)

If you are sending your child to school with a sensory bin, special toy, chewelry, etc., be upfront in discussing it with their other caregivers. Collaborate on a plan for how your child can access these resources when needed. 

Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation is crucial for our children to express their needs, manage emotions effectively, and cope with overwhelming moments. Here’s how we can assist them in developing this crucial skill:

• Understanding different sensory processing patterns can guide your interventions.

• Your child might be sensory-seeking, low-registering, avoiding, or sensitive.

• Tailor your approach based on their specific sensory preferences.

Tools for sensory support. Equip your child with tools that can help them regulate their emotions. 

Examples include:

• Sensory boxes

• Zones of regulation

• Calm jars

 Communication 

Establish a comfortable and relaxed way for your child to communicate their feelings. Whether through speaking, writing, or visual aids, ensure they feel at ease expressing themselves. Be clear and methodical when discussing steps and expectations, and model active listening by validating their emotions.

Calming Strategy Steps 

1st.  active & alert activities 

• Suggest activities such as swings, wall push-ups, or animal walks to help release pent-up energy.

2nd. Incorporate organizational skills

• Engage your child in counting and sorting activities, which promote focus and executive functioning.

3rd. Calming time!

• Introduce practices like box breathing or mindfulness exercises. Encourage them to notice their surroundings and engage with different sensory stimuli.

By implementing these advocacy techniques and emotional regulation strategies, we empower our children to navigate their worlds more effectively. As parents, our role is not just to support but also to equip our kids with the skills they need for lifelong success. Let’s champion our children's needs while providing them with the tools to manage their emotions healthily and effectively!

Reflecting on a Successful Summer Occupational Therapy Nature Camp!

A Week of Growth, Learning, and Fun

We are thrilled to share the highlights and successes of our Summer Occupational Therapy Nature Camp! Held at the beautiful Arnold Park in Aloha, OR, our camp focused on yoga, mindfulness, and emotional regulation through the Zones of Regulation framework. From July 10th to July 14th, our campers experienced a supportive and enriching environment where they learned valuable tools for emotional regulation and mindfulness, made new friends, and had an unforgettable summer experience.

Day 1: Introduction to Yoga, Mindfulness, and Zones of Regulation

On the first day, we kicked off with fun icebreaker activities to help the children get to know each other. Our yoga session introduced basic poses and breathing techniques, setting the stage for a week of mindfulness. The children also learned about the Zones of Regulation, a framework to help them understand and manage their emotions. They personalized their yoga mats and explored different emotional regulation tools, laying the foundation for their emotional growth.

Day 2: Deepening Yoga Practice and Exploring Senses

The second day was all about balance and coordination through yoga. Our mindfulness activities included sensory exploration and a senses meditation. The children created sensory bottles during craft time and engaged in role-playing activities to better understand different emotional zones and coping strategies. A special guest joined us to explore music and its role in emotional regulation, adding a delightful and educational twist to the day.

Day 3: Creative Yoga and Mindful Movement

Day three brought creativity and movement together. We used yoga storytelling to make the practice fun and engaging, followed by mindful movement activities such as Tai Chi and a nature walk. Craft time involved creating nature collages, and we introduced a "Calm Down" toolkit to help the children manage their emotions effectively.

Day 4: Strengthening Mind and Body Connection

Our focus on day four was on strengthening the mind-body connection. The yoga session emphasized strength and stability, including sun salutations. Mindfulness activities featured a body scan meditation and mindful journaling. The children created gratitude jars and worked on identifying emotional triggers and coping strategies, culminating in their own personal zone charts.

Day 5: Integration and Celebration

The final day was a celebration of all that the children had learned. They reviewed and practiced their favorite yoga poses, engaged in yoga games, and created personal mindfulness plans. Craft time was dedicated to making a camp memory book. We concluded with a mini award ceremony and a group reflection circle, where the children shared their experiences and achievements.

Looking Ahead: Join Us for Fall Social Groups!

Our Summer Occupational Therapy Nature Camp was a resounding success, and we are excited to continue offering enriching experiences for children and families. If you missed out on our summer camp, don’t worry! We have exciting plans for the fall with our social groups. These groups will continue to focus on emotional regulation, mindfulness, and social skills, providing a supportive environment for children to thrive.

We invite you to join our fall social groups and be part of a community dedicated to fostering growth and learning. Sign up today and give your child the tools they need for emotional and social success.

For more information or to register for our fall social groups, please visit our website or contact us directly. We look forward to welcoming your family!

Creating a “Summer Rhythm” can help neurodivergent families during time off school.

How Summer Rhythms Can Help Your Child Thrive: OT-Inspired Support for Sensory and Emotional Regulation

If you’re a parent looking for occupational therapy support for your child this summer, you’re not alone. The transition from school to summer break can be tough, especially for kids with sensory needs, attention challenges, or neurodivergent brains.

At Thrive Outside, we specialize in nature-based occupational therapy that supports kids' development through movement, play, and connection. And one of our favorite tools for easing this seasonal shift? A simple summer rhythm.

What Is a Summer Rhythm and Why Does It Help?

A rhythm is like a routine, but more flexible and forgiving. Instead of trying to recreate a school schedule at home (which rarely works), a summer rhythm offers a gentle flow to the day that creates both freedom and predictability.

For kids who benefit from occupational therapy, a rhythm provides the structure their nervous systems need without being rigid or overwhelming.

Here’s how a summer rhythm helps:

🧠 Supports sensory regulation
Predictable patterns reduce overstimulation and help children feel safe. Anchoring the day with movement, rest, and nature time can prevent dysregulation before it starts.

👣 Encourages independence and skill-building
When kids know what to expect, they can take more initiative. Rhythms make space for things like independent play, outdoor exploration, and even simple chores—all common OT goals!

🌳 Reduces meltdowns and transitions more smoothly
Kids often resist change because they don’t know what’s coming. A rhythm lowers that anxiety, helping children move more smoothly between activities and environments.

How Occupational Therapy Principles Inform Our Approach

At Thrive Outside, our therapy groups and parent resources are grounded in the principles of sensory integration, regulation through nature play, and developmentally appropriate expectations. Many of the children we work with:

• Have trouble with transitions

• Crave movement but also get overstimulated

• Need more support with emotional regulation, attention, and executive function

For all of these children—and their caregivers—a rhythm brings relief. It reduces the need for constant redirection and creates space for connection, not just correction.

Download Our Free Summer Rhythm Builder

To help families like yours get started, we created a free, downloadable Summer Rhythm Builder. It’s an editable tool designed by pediatric OTs who understand that summer should be calm, connected, and sensory-smart.

Inside, you’ll find:

✅ A customizable rhythm template
✅ OT-informed suggestions for balancing movement, rest, and play
✅ Tips for reducing stress and increasing connection in your home

Nature-Based Art Therapy for Kids: A Guest Post from our therapist, Liz Ash LPC-A

Hey there! I'm Liz Ash, and I'm thrilled to join the Thrive Outside Practice. Today, I want to dive into the world of Nature-Based Art Therapy (NBAT) and shed some light on what it's all about.

So, what exactly is NBAT? Well, it's not as new as you might think. In fact, it's rooted in a deeply ancient practice. Art therapy, in general, is a form of traditional therapy where both the practitioner and the client collaborate through creative expression to tackle issues that brought them to therapy in the first place. Now, here's where the nature-based twist comes in. NBAT draws on the idea that humans aren't just connected to other humans but also to nature itself, echoing beliefs held dear by indigenous cultures throughout history.

Think of it as a fusion of ancient wisdom and modern science. We're talking about holistic healing theories that view humans as inherently intertwined with nature. Picture this: you're out in the wilderness, observing a rabbit frolicking in a meadow. Suddenly, a loud noise startles the rabbit, and it freezes or dashes away. From a nature-based perspective, this reaction ties into the polyvagal theory, where our nervous system picks up on potential threats and triggers a response.

So, how does therapy fit into all of this? Well, it's about recognizing our responses to perceived threats and learning to tap into our personal resources to adapt. And that's where art therapy comes into play. By creating a safe and creative space, we can explore these situations and develop adaptable responses while finding deeper meaning in our experiences.

Now, who can benefit from NBAT? The short answer: everyone! From kids to teens to adults, as long as you can appreciate your surroundings, you're in the game. And when it comes to where and when these sessions happen, it's all about flexibility. Your therapist will choose environments conducive to your growth, and sessions can take place rain or shine, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

So, whether you're a nature enthusiast or someone curious about exploring the connection between art and the great outdoors, NBAT might just be the therapeutic journey you've been searching for.

Kids Really do Thrive Outside: Why You Shouldn’t Overlook the Power of Nature-Based Therapy Groups

In an era dominated by screens and schedules, Nature-Based Therapeutic Groups emerge as a breath of fresh air – quite literally. As parents, we all want the best for our children's development, and it's natural to be curious about innovative approaches like Nature-Based Therapeutic Groups. Let's delve into the research-backed benefits of this unique program and address some common questions you may have.

1. Unlocking Growth Through Outdoor Activities: A Natural Boost for Development

Research consistently highlights the positive impact of outdoor activities on children's overall development. Nature-Based Therapeutic Groups leverage the natural environment to enhance coordination, confidence, regulation, and connection with self and others. Climbing, hiking, and fort building aren't just play; they're pathways to mastering skills that form the foundation of a well-rounded individual.

Numerous studies have linked outdoor experiences to improved cognitive function, increased creativity, and enhanced problem-solving abilities. Nature serves as a dynamic classroom, stimulating all the senses and providing a rich tapestry for children to explore and learn.

2. Skill-Building in the Great Outdoors: A Comprehensive Approach to Development

Nature-Based Therapeutic Groups go beyond the typical outdoor playdate. The carefully selected activities are designed to target a spectrum of skills critical to a child's growth. From emotional control and body awareness to problem-solving, adaptability, and cooperation, the program addresses a holistic range of developmental needs.

In a society where the indoors often dominate, exposing children to diverse outdoor challenges fosters adaptability and resilience. The program recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being, nurturing not just bodies but also minds.

3. Nature-Based Therapy: Bridging the Gap Between Tradition and Innovation

Nature-based therapy represents a departure from conventional indoor therapy settings. The environment itself becomes a therapeutic tool, amplifying the benefits of traditional occupational therapy. Studies show that exposure to natural settings reduces stress and anxiety, enhances mood, and promotes a sense of well-being.

Nature-Based Therapeutic Groups capitalize on these findings, creating a space where therapy seamlessly blends with the wonders of nature. The outdoors becomes a canvas for therapists to guide children toward their developmental milestones, offering a unique and enriching therapeutic experience.

4. Weathering the Elements: Ensuring Safety and Adventure Year-Round

One common concern among parents is the safety of outdoor activities, especially in diverse weather conditions. Rest assured, Nature-Based Therapeutic Groups embrace the elements, rain or shine. While safety is a top priority, exposing children to varying weather conditions also cultivates adaptability and resilience.

Research indicates that exposure to nature in different weather conditions has its own set of benefits, from boosting the immune system to fostering a sense of awe and connection with the natural world. The Nature-Based Therapeutic Groups team ensures a balance between safety protocols and the invigorating experience of embracing the outdoors in all its seasonal glory.