Help! I Have Kids!
Help! I Have Kids! is the podcast for moms who are doing their best, asking all the right questions, and still wondering if something’s being missed. Hosted by Pam—a mom of five and pediatric occupational therapist with 35 years of experience—this show helps you trust your gut, advocate for your child, and partner with professionals without the overwhelm.Each week, you’ll get practical tips, real-life stories, and heartfelt encouragement from experts and fellow moms who’ve been in your shoes. Because, as moms, we are the head of our child's medical team!
The Therapy I Wish My Child With ADHD Had | Solo Episode
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Have you hit an invisible wall with your child’s therapy? If you are a mom navigating the beautiful, exhausting, and sometimes overwhelming world of raising a child with ADHD, autism, a traumatic brain injury (TBI), or stroke recovery, you know what it feels like to plateau. You’ve done the speech therapy, the occupational therapy, the physical therapy—yet you’re left asking, "What now?"
In this deeply personal, solo episode, Pam Marshall speaks directly from her heart to yours. Sharing the hard-won truths she wishes someone had told her years ag...
What Is AutPlay Therapy? A Mom's Guide to Autism-Affirming Play Therapy
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Play therapy gets thrown around a lot — but most moms have no idea what it actually looks like, or whether it's even an option for their neurodivergent child. In this episode, Pam sits down with Allison, a marriage and family therapist working toward her Registered Play Therapist credential, who's also certified in AutPlay Therapy — a neurodiversity-affirming approach designed specifically for autistic and neurodivergent kids.
Allison breaks down what a real play therapy session looks like, how it's different from talk therapy, how she reads a playroom, and why "meeting the child wher...
Will a Therapy Break Cause Regression? Caregiver Burnout & Therapeutic Breaks
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Don't skip this episode because you hear "break in therapy" and think… "not for us." Stay with us for a minute.
We see you. You're the nurse, the therapist, the caregiver, and the mom — all before lunchtime, most days. You've been white-knuckling it through every session for months, maybe years, and quietly wondering if you have anything left to give. But the second the word "break" comes up, something in you panics. What if my kid loses everything we've worked for? What if we lose our spot? What if I'm the reas...
Is It Sensory or Behavior? A Pediatric OT Explains Sensory Seeking, Picky Eating & Summer Meltdowns
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Is your child's behavior actually sensory? Pam sits down with Kelly, OTD from Marshall Pediatric Therapy to break down sensory seeking vs. sensory avoiding, the real link between picky eating and sensory processing, why "shy" kids may actually be overwhelmed, and why summer makes it all worse.
You'll get simple, no-equipment sensory strategies that help your child actually work through their sensory challenges — not just avoid them — plus a clear answer to one of the most common parenting questions: is this sensory or just behavior?
If you have a sens...
Does My Baby Need a Helmet? Tight Neck & Flat Head
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New Mamas! Before you spend thousands on beautiful nurseries and plastic baby gear, listen to this episode! Pediatric Occupational Therapists Pam and Kelly discuss how modern "baby containers" might be contributing to tight neck muscles and flat heads in newborns. Learn how to trust your mom gut, get easy home exercise tips (HEPs), and find out why a simple laundry basket might be your new secret weapon for healthy infant development. 🍼💪
If any of this sounded a little too familiar today, don't panic—just reach out! Connect with us at Marshall Pediatri...
Can My Child with Autism Do Virtual Therapy?
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If you’ve ever wondered, "Can my child with autism actually do virtual therapy?" you are not alone. It’s one of the biggest questions parents ask when considering telehealth.
In this episode of Help! I Have Kids, guest host and speech-language pathologist Beth Blankenship teams up with special guest Liz, a mom to two sons with autism, to look at virtual therapy from both sides of the screen. Liz shares her honest journey from being a total telehealth skeptic to watching virtual sessions become a major contributing factor to her son...
Navigating Your Child’s Health Insurance: Tips for All Parents
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Does opening a medical bill give you an immediate pit in your stomach? 💸
It shouldn’t have to. For many parents, navigating health insurance feels like a second full-time job—one that's confusing, stressful, and full of hidden rules. But here is the secret: Knowledge is your best defense. When you understand how your plan works, you can stop worrying about "surprise bills" and start focusing on your child’s progress.
In this episode, host Pam Marshall sits down with Kathleen, a Patient Account Specialist at Marshall Pediatric Therapy, to demyst...
Bumblebees in My Head: Navigating ADHD/Autism as a Neurodivergent Mom
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“Mommy, it feels like I have bumblebees in my head.” 🐝
In this powerful and moving episode, host Pam Marshall (Pediatric OT) sits down with Sarah and Carolyn, two moms who are navigating the beautiful, "spicy," and often complex world of parenting neurodivergent children while being neurodivergent themselves. We’re diving deep into the advocacy it takes to trust your "mom gut" when professionals say "she’ll grow out of it," the relief of finally finding a name for why your child feels different, and how to find grace for yourself when the househo...
Teen Mental Health Part 3: Depression & Suicidal Thoughts | with Heather Whitis, LMFT
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In this important episode, licensed therapist Heather Whitis returns to help us navigate one of the most difficult topics a parent can face—teen depression and suicidal thoughts. If your teen seems withdrawn, hopeless, unusually quiet, or like they've just lost interest in things they used to love, this episode will help you recognize and respond appropriately.
Heather brings her expertise as both a therapist and a mom to offer honest, grounded guidance on how depression differs from typical teenage moodiness, how to recognize warning signs of suicidal thinking, and how to...
Teen Mental Health Part 2: Understanding Anxiety in Teens | with Heather Whitis, LMFT
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In this encouraging episode, licensed therapist Heather Whitis joins us to talk about teen anxiety and what it can really look like in everyday life. If your teen seems overwhelmed, easily frustrated, avoidant, or constantly worried, this episode will help you better understand what may be going on beneath the surface.
Heather shares her perspective as both a therapist and a mom, offering practical insight into how anxiety shows up in teens, how to support your child through it, and how to respond in a way that builds trust instead of...
Teen Mental Health Part 1: Identifying & Addressing When Your Teen is Struggling | with Heather Whitis, LMFT
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In this heartfelt episode, licensed therapist Heather Whitis joins us to talk about teen mental health and how parents can recognize early warning signs that something might be off. If you’ve ever felt caught off guard by your teen’s mood swings, withdrawal, or changes in sleep, appetite, or school performance, this episode is for you.
Heather shares her experience as both a therapist and a mom, giving practical advice on trusting your gut, starting supportive conversations, and knowing when to seek help. She reassures moms that noticing changes and aski...
Raising a Toddler with Cerebral Palsy: Emily’s Experience as a Medical Mom
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In this inspiring episode, Emily Hinkle shares her personal journey as a medical mom raising her daughter, Caroline, a toddler with Cerebral Palsy. She opens up about the challenges of NICU life, G-tubes, therapies, and managing appointments, while also celebrating the small victories that make motherhood so special.
Emily gives her heartfelt advice on advocating for your child, trusting your mom instincts, and finding your voice with doctors and care teams. She also shares the story behind Caroline’s Corner, a project dedicated to helping other families access helpful toys and to...
6 Ways Moms Can Take Back Their Health
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In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Sarah Schuetz and Dr. Katherine Dotson—both moms and lifestyle medicine physicians—for an honest and empowering conversation about what it really means to take care of your health.
We’re breaking down the 6 pillars of health and how small, realistic changes can make a big impact—not just for you, but for your entire family. Because the truth is, when moms are running on empty, it affects everything.
If you’ve ever felt like your own health gets pushed to th...
Pediatric Pelvic Floor Therapy: The Hidden Cause of Constipation & Bedwetting
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In this episode, we’re talking about something every parent deals with at some point but no one really wants to talk about… poop and pee.
Ashley Leach M.S., OTR/L, lead clinician and occupational therapist at Marshall Pediatric Therapy’s Richmond location, joins us to break down pediatric pelvic floor therapy and how it helps with things like constipation, bedwetting, and accidents. It’s way more common than you think. Some research shows up to 30 percent of kids deal with constipation.
We get super practical in this one.
<...Obstacles are Opportunities: Maddi Niebanck on Stroke Recovery & NeuroAnimation
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Maddi Niebanck was 22 years old when a scheduled brain surgery turned into an emergency stroke.
What followed was a journey most people couldn't imagine — waking up completely paralyzed on her dominant side, unable to speak, swallow, or see out of the left half of both eyes. Now nearly nine years later, she's living independently, traveling the world, and still making real gains through neuroplasticity therapy at NeuroAnimation of Lexington.
In this episode, Maddi shares her story as a stroke survivor, disability advocate, public speaker, and author — and what it felt like...
ABA Therapy: A Collaborative Approach with BCBA Jill Moore
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ABA therapy has evolved — and so has the conversation around it.
In this episode, we break down:
✔ Where ABA started
✔ How it’s changed over time
✔ Common misconceptions
✔ What collaborative, child-centered ABA looks like today
✔ How our program integrates ABA with OT, Speech & PT
Modern ABA isn’t about compliance or changing a child’s personality. It’s about building communication, independence, and real-life skills in supportive, meaningful ways.
If you’re navigating an autism diagnosis or exploring therapy options, we hope this brings clarity and pea...
Teaching Kids Empathy, Inclusion, & Self-Awareness Through Storytelling | Susan Mills
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We talk about Susan’s path into autism advocacy and the passion behind her award-winning DinoSprout Educational Book Series—stories that use lovable dinosaur characters to teach empathy, inclusion, self-awareness, and acceptance. These books are designed to help kids, parents, and educators start healthy conversations around differences and emotions.
Explore Susan’s books and learn more:
📘 DinoSprout Book Series: https://rainbowsparrowbooks.com/dinosprout-educational-book-series/
🦖 Shop Individual Books: https://rainbowsparrowbooks.com/current-books/
🌈 Rainbow Sparrow Publishing: https://rainbowsparrowbooks.com/current-books/
Follow her journey: @susanmi...
From High Risk Pregnancy, CP Diagnosis, to First Steps: Kelsey Brooks’ Story of Advocacy
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In this inspiring episode, Kelsey Brooks shares her personal journey from a high-risk pregnancy and a CP diagnosis to celebrating her son’s first steps. She gives her testimony on what it truly means to be the head of your child’s medical team and advocate for the best care. Kelsey opens up about navigating therapies, celebrating small victories, and finding the strength to keep going. Her story is a powerful reminder that advocacy and love can create a better quality of life for your child.
✨ Click the link below to follow...
AAC Devices: Creating Connection with Your Child | Taylor Denney, SLP
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AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) can be the next step in helping your child find their voice and deepen connection with your family. Pediatric speech therapist Taylor Denney breaks down how AAC devices work, busts common myths, and shares real stories of children and families whose worlds opened up through communication. You will hear practical tips for getting started, supporting their child at home, and celebrating every win — because progress looks different for every child, and every voice matters.
✨ Click the link below to follow us on all socials and keep up w...
What Your Primary Care Doctor Really Wants Parents to Know with Dr. Erin & Dr. Geoff Cooper
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In this episode of Help! I Have Kids, host Pam Marshall sits down with Dr. Erin Cooper and Dr. Geoff Cooper, primary care physicians and co-owners of Olive Health Direct Primary Care, for an honest, behind-the-exam-room conversation about what parents really need to know.
As both doctors and parents, Dr. Erin and Dr. Geoff share what they see every day in primary care—and what often goes unsaid. From pregnancy and newborn life to toddlerhood, mental health, screen time, and parental overwhelm, this episode offers cl...
Friendship, Inclusion & Hope: How E’s Club Is Changing Lives for Autistic Teens
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In this episode, Pam sits down with Morgan Minter, Program Director for Erin’s Hope for Friends (E’s Club)—a nonprofit creating safe, judgment-free spaces where autistic teens and young adults can build real friendships and experience true belonging.
Morgan shares how her own brother’s journey with autism led her into occupational therapy and eventually to E’s Club. She explains the heartbreaking story that sparked the nonprofit’s creation, why social isolation is so common for autistic teens, and how E’s Club intentionally meets that need...
ADHD is a Superpower: Parenting, Routines & Real-World Tips with Tyler Dorsey
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In today’s episode, Pam sits down with Tyler Dorsey, Founder & Executive Director of Focus Forward ADHD, to talk about one of the most common struggles families face—ADHD in kids, teens, and even in parents themselves. Tyler brings her personal story, clinical insight, and mom-of-four perspective to one of the most hope-filled and practical conversations we’ve ever recorded.
You’ll hear Tyler’s honest journey from being an overwhelmed child with ADHD to becoming a nationally recognized ADHD coach leading a team that supports fa...
Intensive Therapy: Why It Works & Who It Helps with Meredith & Chloe
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In today’s episode, Meredith Proctor, MSOT, OTR/L, CIMC and Chloe Isaacs, PT, DPT, CIMI-2 break down one of the most exciting services we offer at Marshall Pediatric Therapy — Intensive Therapy. If you’ve ever wondered what intensives are, who they’re for, and why they lead to such fast, meaningful progress, this conversation is full of hope, science, and so many heartwarming stories.
We talk about:
✨ What intensive therapy actually is and how it’s different from weekly sessions
✨ Why repetition, neuroplasticit...
Helping Your Child Overcome Medical Anxiety through Play! w/ Mary Jenner, The Butterfly Pig
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If your child has ever felt scared at the doctor’s office, nervous before a procedure, or overwhelmed by medical experiences — this episode is a breath of fresh air. 💜
Today, Meredith sits down with Mary Jenner, nurse, mom, and founder of The Butterfly Pig, an organization transforming how kids experience healthcare through play and emotional safety.
Mary has trained over 100 hospitals worldwide and is on a mission to ensure that healing never causes harm. In this conversation, she shares:
✨ How play rewires t...
🥤Snack Break: Ep. 17 | Helping Your ADHD Child Thrive at School
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🎒 When your child holds it together all day at school… and then falls apart at home — you’re not alone.
In this Snack Break, Occupational Therapist and mom Caitlin Brown shares practical ways to help your child decompress after school, build calming routines, and set up a smoother morning rhythm.
From sensory-friendly transitions to visual schedules, these simple tools can make a big difference in your home.
💡 Catch the full conversation in Episode 3: “Backpacks, Routines & School Prep Tips from an OT Mom” — streaming now on Help! I Have Ki...
Snack Break: Episode 16 | “You Don’t Have to Go Through That”
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In this Snack Break replay, we revisit one of our most talked-about conversations on tongue and lip ties, featuring real insight from a lactation consultant and provider who’s walked both sides of the journey—as a mom and as a professional.
You’ll hear:
💬 The emotional and practical realities of navigating a tongue-tie diagnosis
👶 Why function matters more than how a tie “looks”
🩺 The importance of seeing the right specialists—from lactation to OT and speech
💡 How teamwork between providers can often help a baby thrive without surgery
💜 A...
🥤Snack Break: Expert Advice from OTs & SLPs on Breastfeeding
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You’ve tried everything — different sides, new positions, more hydration — and it still feels hard.
You’re not alone.
In this short episode, our team breaks down what might really be going on — from tongue ties to body tension — and how OTs and SLPs can help make feeding easier for both you and your baby.
Because sometimes, a little knowledge (and a lot of grace) changes everything 💜
🎧 Listen to the full episode “Let’s Talk About Breastfeeding” for even more mom-to-mom wisdom.
#SnackBreakClip #HelpIHaveKidsPodcast #FedIsBest #BreastfeedingSupport #NewMomLife #MomPodcast
Natalie Marshall:Tit...
Flashbacks and Fazoli Nights: Parenting and Marriage with Jim Marshall
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Ever left your kid at home by accident? 😅
Pam and Jim Marshall get real about 30 years of parenting—the funny, humbling, and faith-filled moments that shaped their marriage and family of five. From Fazoli’s “kids-eat-free” nights to community dinners that kept everyone sane, they share stories of grace, laughter, and learning to let go of perfection.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing this parenting thing “right,” this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and that community makes all the difference. 💛
👉 Join the “Help! I H...
Meredith’s Motherhood Update: NICU Journey & First Months as a First Time Mom
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Meredith’s pregnancy didn’t go the way she imagined. At her 20-week scan, she received unexpected news that led to countless doctor visits, a stay at Cincinnati Children’s, and weeks at the Ronald McDonald House far from home. In this episode, she opens up about the fear of hearing “something’s wrong,” the emotional toll of endless monitoring, and the surprising ways her story took a hopeful turn.
We talk about:
The importance of listening to your intuition as a mom (and why kick counts matter).What life is...Horses in Therapy: How Hippotherapy Helps Kids Build Skills
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Episode 12: Horses in Therapy with Jessica Perkins
Hey friends, welcome back to Help, I Have Kids!—the podcast for moms right here in central Kentucky. In today’s episode, Pam sits down with her friend Jessica Perkins—an occupational therapist, mom of three, and passionate advocate for using horses to help kids grow and thrive.
We dive into:
The difference between hippotherapy and therapy with horsesWhy horses are so powerful in supporting kids’ growth and developmentSurprising ways horses can be used in therapyReal-life stories from Jess’s work wit...Understanding Your Child’s Speech Development with Beth Blankenship
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Is your toddler not talking as much as you expected? Or maybe you’re wondering if your preschooler is on track with their speech and language milestones? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to guess.
In this episode of Help! I Have Kids, host Pam Marshall sits down with speech-language pathologist Beth Blankenship to talk about what typical speech development looks like, when to lean in with support, and how parents can create language-rich environments at home.
Beth shares practical strategies for building communication skills t...
Potty Training, Meltdowns & More: Emily Sadlon on Toddler Life
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Being a toddler parent can feel like a whirlwind of big feelings, unpredictable routines, and endless questions about what really works. In this episode of Help! I Have Kids, host Pam Marshall sits down with Emily Sadlon—mom, nurse, and podcaster—to talk about navigating the toddler years with perspective and practical strategies.
From handling tantrums and tricky transitions, to establishing routines, tackling bath time, picky eating, and even beginning potty training, Emily shares her experiences and insights in a way every parent can relate to. Whether you’re in the middle...
What Is a Tongue Tie—And Does My Baby Have One?
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Is your baby struggling to nurse, refusing the bottle, or constantly fussy—and someone suggested it might be a “tongue tie”? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to stay confused.
In this episode, Dr. Amy Luley, a trusted provider and expert in tethered oral tissues (TOTS), breaks down what tongue and lip ties really are, how they affect feeding, speech, and sleep, and what parents should know about evaluation and treatment. She also shares her own story of navigating tongue ties with her first child—and why she is passionate a...
ADHD Unpacked with Mental Health Therapist Allison Leip
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ADHD shows up in real life in ways that aren’t always obvious—and it can deeply affect the rhythms of home and family.
In this episode, Pam sits down with Allison Leip, an associate Mental Health Therapist and mom of twin toddlers, who brings both professional insight and personal experience to the conversation. Together, they unpack common signs of ADHD, the challenges families face, and practical strategies to make daily routines easier.
Topics covered include:
What ADHD can look like at home beyond hyperactivityHow symptoms may impact fami...Flip the Script – Expectant Mom Asks Pam the Pressing Questions
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This week, we’re doing things a little differently. Meredith, a first-time expectant mom, takes the host chair to interview Pam Marshall—pediatric occupational therapist and seasoned mom—with all the questions new (and soon-to-be) moms are often too nervous to ask out loud.
From late-night Google spirals about pacifiers to the big debates around baby-led weaning versus purees, Meredith brings her honest questions, and Pam provides practical, research-based, and compassionate answers.
In this episode, we talk about:
What’s actually worth researching before baby arrivesPacifiers: are they good, ba...Breastfeeding Support: How a Certified Lactation OT & SLP Can Help
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We’re kicking off our Breastfeeding Series with a conversation every new mom needs to hear. Whether you’re struggling with pain, unsure if your baby is latching well, or just want to prepare before birth—this episode is for you.
Join us as we talk with Nicole Haney, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, and Rachel Lee, Speech Language Pathologist—both Certified Lactation Consultants with specialized training in infant massage and Tethered Oral Tissue (TOTs). These experts understand how infant function and development impact feeding, both now and in the futu...
Navigating 504 Plans, IEPs, & Classroom Accommodations with Dr. Jamie Roig
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Gearing up for the new school year? Wondering how to navigate 504 Plans, IEPs, or classroom accommodations? In this episode of Help! I Have Kids, host Pam Marshall sits down with licensed psychologist Jamie Roig to break down everything you need to know about advocating for your child’s learning and mental health needs.
Whether you're just starting the journey or preparing for another round of meetings with the school team, Jamie offers decades of wisdom and practical steps to help you speak up with confidence, partner well with teachers, and support yo...
Start the School Year Emotionally Strong with Heather Whitis, Mental Health Therapist
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Starting a new school year can be filled with excitement, nerves, and everything in between—for both kids and parents! In this episode, we’re joined by Heather Whitis, a Clinical Pediatric Mental Health Therapist with over 21 years of experience, to talk about how to help your kids start the year emotionally strong.
Heather shares practical tips on easing back-to-school anxiety, establishing healthy routines, supporting kids in making friends, and navigating big transitions like Pre-K and beyond. Whether your child is bouncing with excitement or feeling the first-day jitters, this episode is f...
Backpacks, Routines & School Prep Tips from an OT Mom
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In this episode of Help! I Have Kids, we're getting ready for a new school year with advice that makes sense for real families. Our guest is Caitlin Brown, a school-based occupational therapist and mom of two, who brings both professional insight and personal experience to the conversation.
We talk about how to help kids ease into routines, what to look for in a backpack or pair of shoes, and how to set your child up for success in the classroom. Caitlin shares practical tools for focus, organization, and independence, especially...
How to Know What Parenting Advice to Trust
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In a world full of parenting voices—experts, influencers, and the never-ending scroll—it can be hard to know who (or what) to trust.
In this episode, host Pam Marshall is joined by speech-language pathologist and mom of four, Beth Blankenship, for a powerful conversation about informed parenting. Together, they talk about what it means to trust your gut, navigate conflicting opinions, and advocate for your children with confidence.
Beth shares personal stories of parenting through grief, pushing back against medical advice, and how she filters guidance through connection, empa...
