Nature is for Everyone!
Explore our therapist-created parent workshops, classes, and digital downloads, created by us with the hopes that more families can Thrive Outside.
The field of nature-based occupational therapy can feel exclusive, and location and affordability are often barriers for families who want these supports. We hope we can pass along as much benefit to you as possible through low-cost education, parent consultation and use-anywhere resources.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
January 12: The Why: Biology of Meltdown Behavior
Location: Online
Teacher: Diana Fitts, OTR/L
Time: 6:00-7:00
40 minutes of class + 20 minutes Q&A
Does your child go from 0 to 100 in seconds? In Week 1 of our series, we are shifting the lens from "My child is giving me a hard time" to "My child is having a hard time." We are going beneath the surface to understand the science of a meltdown. We will move past the frustration to answer the most important question: Is this a tantrum, or is this sensory overwhelm?
What we will cover:
Tantrum vs. Meltdown: Learn the crucial difference between goal-oriented behavior and a biological "fight or flight" response.
The Brain in Overdrive: Why you can’t reason with a screaming child and why their "logic brain" has gone offline.
The "Glass of Water" Analogy: How hidden sensory triggers fill your child’s cup until it overflows at home.
Plus: A candid Q&A session to help you cope with meltdowns in your home.
January 19: The During: Crisis Management & Co-Regulation
Location: Online
Teacher: Diana Fitts, OTR/L
Time: 6:00-7:00
40 minutes of class + 20 minutes Q&A
Staying calm when your child is falling apart is a tricky task. In Week 2, we move from theory to action. We will discuss exactly what to do (and what not to do) when the storm hits.
What we will cover:
The Power of Low & Slow: Why lowering your volume and slowing your movement is the quickest way to de-escalate a brain in "fight or flight."
The "Less is More" Rule: Why talking, negotiating, or teaching during a meltdown often adds fuel to the fire.
Safety First: How to create a "Crash Corner" or safe space where your child can release intense energy without hurting themselves or others.
Plus: A candid Q&A session to help you cope with meltdowns in your home.
January 26: The After: Recovery & Prevention
Location: Online
Teacher: Diana Fitts, OTR/L
Time: 6:00-7:00
40 minutes of class + 20 minutes Q&A
You survived the meltdown... but are you walking on eggshells waiting for the next one? Week 3 is about breaking the cycle. We will focus on the fragile time after the explosion, and how to reconnect. We will also open the "OT Toolbox" to look at prevention strategies that can help stop the glass from overflowing in the first place.
What we will cover:
The Regulation Reset: Understanding the biological exhaustion that follows a meltdown and why immediate "discipline" often backfires.
Sensory Circuit Breakers: Quick, 30-second sensory hacks (like heavy work or crunchy snacks) to use before the explosion when you see the warning signs.
Repairing the Rupture: How to talk about what happened later, when everyone is calm, to build resilience and trust.
Plus: A candid Q&A session to help you cope with meltdowns in your home.
Handmade by us! Nature-Based Resources for Parents, Caregivers, and Kids
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Backyard Brain Builders Activity Pack
Nine simple, OT-inspired outdoor activities to support your child’s regulation, sensory integration, and joyful movement.
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Daily Summer Rhythm Builder 1-Pager
This 1-page visual will help you decide how to structure long summer days with the right amount of routine for your specific family.
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Water My Apple Tree: An Interpersonal Neurobiology Book on Attachment for Children and Parents
A children’s book by our very own, Dr. Diana Honorat!
*Thrive Outside is part of amazon affilates program. Thank you for supporting us and Dr. Diana with your purchase!
