In this episode of Growing Strong Roots, occupational therapist Lee-Anne Bloom explores the importance of consent and communication when using touch with children, especially those who are sensory sensitive or have trauma histories. She explains how different kinds of touch activate the nervous system and why some children may react instinctively with fight, flight, or shutdown responses. Through real examples and practical strategies, Lee-Anne highlights how caregivers can use touch to build trust, co-regulate, and support emotional development. She discusses the difference between reacting and responding, and how repeated safe experiences can shift a child’s sensory processing over time. The episode also offers simple communication systems families can use to help children express what feels good, what doesn’t, and how to advocate for their bodies.
Timestamps
00:00:00 Introduction to podcast
00:00:27 Parenting challenges and mission
00:00:50 Growing stronger together
00:00:58 Introducing topic of consent and touch
00:01:17 Importance of communication and skilled touch
00:01:42 Proceed with awareness for sensitive kids
00:02:09 Light touch can be alerting or irritating
00:02:38 Real example of defensive reaction
00:03:01 Deep pressure as grounding and calming
00:03:30 Tools for co-regulation in the clinic
00:03:55 Weighted tools and ball squishes
00:04:28 Why touch affects the nervous system
00:05:20 Instinctive responses and brain pathways
00:06:12 Rewiring through repeated safe touch
00:06:34 Difference between reacting and responding
00:07:26 Temperament and trauma influence touch perception
00:08:18 Importance and controversy around therapeutic touch
00:08:44 Touch builds trust and physiological change
00:09:08 Intention behind touch matters
00:09:29 Establishing communication systems
00:10:02 Observing body language and emotional cues
00:10:28 Using rough and tumble play to teach feedback
00:10:49 Predictable touch builds safety
00:11:15 Modeling signals and responses
00:11:52 Teaching children to interpret body reactions
00:12:15 Individualizing sensory tools with OT support
00:12:36 Touch as calming or alerting
00:13:00 Asking for consent and reading cues
00:13:34 Choosing touch based on current state
00:14:02 Combining touch with other regulation supports
00:14:30 Gathering observations throughout the week
00:14:50 Sharing insights with caregivers
00:15:09 Website resources and research links
00:15:25 Closing and invitation to connect
