Sensory health goes far beyond discomfort with a scratchy fabric or loud noises. If you are not familiar with sensory health, this episode will be full of new concepts and revelations for you. You WILL realize how important sensory health is for each of us! My guest is Virginia Spielmann, an occupational therapist who did a TEDx Talk on this topic. She explains sensory health, why it’s important, and how it matters in every area of life. Join us to learn more!Show Highlights: Virginia’s background and journey to her work today Sensory health: “how” we feel, what we do with it, and why it connects to everything about our psychological well-being Understanding sensory health as the bridge between mental and physical health Active lifestyles and exercise don’t look the same for everyone. Differences in sensory processing How we unintentionally gaslight our kids’ sensory reactions The importance of being curious as a parent Finding a balance between accommodating and exposure/growth Understanding systematic desensitization Comfort AND challenge—not comfort OR challenge The #1 intervention for improved mental health? Dance and other forms of big play An overview of the STAR Institute’s programs, services, and events Resources and Links:Connect with Virginia Spielmann and the STAR Institute: Website and TEDx TalkConnect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and FacebookGet KC’s book, How to Keep House While DrowningWe love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is the second part to my conversation with Dr. Karla Lester about food shaming, weight bias, metabolic diseases, “almond moms,” and more. Dr. Karla lends her professional expertise to the discussion of these important topics. Join us!Show Highlights: The effect of “almond mom” parenting on kids: food shaming, eating disorders, and more The start of binge eating disorder in very young kids Guarding against “opposite” mistakes with your kids in making good food choices From KC, a parent’s perspective on food choices and neurodivergent kids A switch from compliance to compassion The goal in feeding kids should start with a focus on intentional, daily protein intake (Start with protein at breakfast!) Aim for habit change in a positive direction. Understanding “food noise” and what it means to bust common food myths Dr. Karla’s advice to parents: “Get to neutral.” Red flags for parents to look for in their kids’ food behaviors Responding as a parent to your child’s weight gain/loss The truth about insulin resistance: “It is an epidemic that we cannot ignore!” Understanding the term healthism Resources and Links:Connect with Dr. Karla Lester: IME Community, Dr. Karla, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Dr. Karla's radio showConnect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and FacebookGet KC’s book, How to Keep House While DrowningWe love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Karla Lester, a pediatrician and concerned parent, tackles the weighty issue of pediatric obesity with a compassionate lens. She exposes the damaging diet myths that shape parental beliefs about food. The discussion unpacks the concept of 'almond moms' and their impact on children's body image. Dr. Karla emphasizes the importance of understanding metabolic health beyond mere weight, debunking common health misconceptions. The conversation also highlights the stigma faced by those in larger bodies, especially within healthcare settings.

Dive into the quirky world of niche tea and amusing birdwatching tales. Discover the hilarious drama surrounding birding communities and the competitive spirit that ensues. Explore unexpected content creation challenges, from pyramids to video games. Enjoy a side of academic gossip with comical rivalries and the funniest interactions among scholars. This lighthearted conversation reveals that even niche interests can foster joy and connection in our lives.

Natasha Daniels, a social anxiety therapist and author of the memoir *Out of My Shell*, shares her personal journey with social anxiety. She distinguishes between introversion and social anxiety, highlighting how everyone may experience social anxiety to some degree. Natasha discusses the effects of social media trends on children, and how social anxiety can serve as a defense mechanism. She also emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and offers insights into building resilience and navigating social challenges.

Nicole Bedera, a sociologist and author focused on sexual violence in educational settings, shares her insights on how universities can better address this pressing issue. She discusses the challenges faced by institutions when navigating sexual violence cases and the importance of prioritizing survivor safety. Bedera highlights the myths surrounding perpetrators and emphasizes the need for accountability and transformative change. Through her research, she reveals that many men could stop perpetrating if they faced real consequences, advocating for a cultural shift to prioritize healing and justice.

Mara Mintzer, Co-founder and Executive Director of Growing Up Boulder, champions the idea of including children in city planning. She discusses how involving kids can reshape urban spaces to be more engaging and safe for their needs. Listeners learn about the surprising requests from children for their public spaces and the importance of culturally relevant areas for play. Mintzer also highlights the significance of slowing down to appreciate our environments and the impact of more relaxed parenting styles found in other cultures.

Returning to school as an adult with ADHD comes with unique challenges and insights. The journey includes overcoming misdiagnoses and internal barriers while finding empowerment in self-advocacy. Personal stories reveal struggles with societal stigma and the importance of academic accommodations. The conversation shifts to the value of embracing education at any age and discovering personal growth through new experiences. Listeners are encouraged to pursue their educational paths with confidence, despite past setbacks.

Lindley Gentile is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and author of How to Have the Best Fight of Your Life. In this engaging conversation, she discusses why couples often struggle with conflict and how to improve their 'fighting skills.' Lindley emphasizes the dangers of seeking who's right or wrong and champions using 'I' statements over 'You' statements. She introduces the WWC framework—witness, witness, collaborate—as a pathway to better communication. The importance of empathy during disagreements and the need for a pause in conflicts are also highlighted, offering listeners valuable insights.

Natasha Daniels, an anxiety and OCD child therapist with over two decades of experience and a mother to three children facing similar challenges, shares invaluable insights on childhood OCD. She highlights the distinct differences between OCD and general anxiety, emphasizing the need for nuanced therapies. Discussing common OCD signs in kids, including repetitive questioning, she also addresses the complexities of identifying OCD versus autism. Natasha offers practical strategies for parents to support their children without amplifying their anxiety, blending professional wisdom with heartfelt anecdotes.