The summer holidays are almost here. Six weeks of longer days, looser routines and, if we're lucky, plenty of time spent outdoors. As an Occupational Therapist, I believe one of the most powerful sensory tools available to children is something wonderfully simple: the outdoors. Nature provides an extraordinary sensory environment. It's varied, unpredictable and rich in experiences that support children's development and wellbeing. The uneven ground beneath our feet challenges balance and body...

As parents, it's easy to notice when a child forgets their homework, struggles to get started on a task or becomes overwhelmed when plans suddenly change. What can be harder to see are the underlying skills that make these everyday activities possible. These skills are known as executive functioning. Executive functioning refers to a group of mental processes that help us plan, organise, manage our time, regulate our emotions and adapt when things don't go to plan. Think of executive...

How Can the Zones of Regulation Help? You may notice your child finding emotions difficult to manage—big feelings that seem to appear suddenly, frustration that escalates quickly, anxiety that feels overwhelming, or excitement that tips into restlessness. Many parents know their child is struggling but aren’t always sure what will actually help. Many children struggle with big emotions—feelings that seem to appear quickly and become overwhelming. This might look like anxiety, frustration,...